[CUBE] Ailing Cube, insights please?

[Riba]

> I'll try running it without the shell to try to
> isolate the noise. Never having run it with the
> shell off, is this tricky or are there any
> special care instructions for doing this?

Not really, you can put it on some books to support it, or run it lying 
sidewise...turn it on by putting your finger near the sensor, no need 
to touch it.

> I'm going to back up my hard drive, try to
> determine the problem and write back with what I
> determine.  Thank you for all of your help.

Please do, we all benefit from the shared knowledge. :)