The only reason I didn't put this in the support section was because I don't think this is any problem as this has been happening since I got the computer and it's been fine.

So anyway, I have an Inspiron 530 and when you start it up, the fans (or as it sounds), become loud for about 5 seconds then it stops and continues normal startup. Now my cousin has a Inspiron 531 and it does the same thing except a little later and it doesn't go on as long, so I just assumed that it was normal for the Inspiron chain of computers.

So, if there is any way, is there any way I could reduce the sound of the fans? Preferably without me having to open up the case but that's okay to lol.

Yea I noticed the Dells at my school also do that. I think it's just a Dell thing.

Same thing with my mom's (cheap) inspiron 1501
It isn't anything to worry about, and if it bothers you, buy acoustic dampening stuff...
~Vincent

haha, my Dell does the same thing.

Maybe it's the model, but mine isn't too loud. It is aged a bit though so the fans start up almost immediately.

Interestingly enough, the fan on my HD4870 does the same thing, varying from as long as four or five seconds to as short as maybe half a second (restarts and the like),

I've seen reports of that everywhere, on newegg, everywhere, and no, it's not a Dell thing. Normal for a computer... but then again, it varies. You could try cleaning them. If it goes away in a few seconds it shouldn't be too much of a worry.

Characteristic of the Dell laptop.

I think its some sort of self testing thing, my graphics card does it too.

Same with my laptop. They start loud for a second or two, then they get to their normal operating speed. I'm pretty sure they're just checking if they can reach their top RPM.

i got a custom built computer and im pretty sure it does the same.

That's what I was thinking, I'm pretty sure it wasn't a problem because it's been fine, just testing. But, I just wanted to make sure.

All computers after 2003 does that. It just part of the startup test.