Zalman ZM850-HP making a lot of strange noises

Diggsy

Diggsy

Diggsy

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31 Aug 2007
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Looks like my Zalman PSU is going to have to go for RMA after all.

It is making the most awful noises when 3d loads are applied. There was always a little bit of noise in my old setup with my 8800GTX and IN9-32X Max, but I thought it was dodgy PWM's on the motherboard.

Turns out it was probably the PSU all along. Whilst running any games on the GTX260, the noises from the PSU are unbearable.

Lots of whining/screaching/squealing with vsync off, then turn vsync on and all you get is grinding/crunching/rumbling sounds.

I have also read about new cards squealing themselves, but this noise is 100% coming from the PSU.

It's unbearable. There is no way I could use it at all. So it's going for RMA. I just hope the replacement doesn't do the same thing.

I have done a little Googling and found a YouTube video of the exact issue I am having, only the guy is using a 1000W Zalman...

 
Weird. Never heard anything from mine but then again, i can't put more than 274w of load on it. That is all the rig draws even running Orthos and fur stability test at the same time. Definately RMA it though.
 
Yeah it sure is a strange issue. I am about to remove my old Tagan TG480-U01 from this system and see if it suffers from the same problems as the Zalman in my new one. That way I should know for sure it's the PSU and not a combination of other components. Hopefully the Tagan will have enough juice to power it though ;)
 
Same thing happend to me using the 850HP. After RMAing the GPU I replaced it with an enermax Evo 850. My system is much quieter now.

Matt
 
mattup said:
Same thing happend to me using the 850HP. After RMAing the GPU I replaced it with an enermax Evo 850. My system is much quieter now.

Matt
Click to expand...

Hmmm. The unit is under warranty. I guess I will likely have to have it replaced 1st, then if the issue continues, hopefully I can convince the e-tailer to replace it with something else, or refund.

I have had good experiences with the same company before, so fingers crossed it will be good this time too.

The only thing that concerns me is Zalman's lead time can be up to 6 weeks :eek:
 
superflyguy said:
Yes its same one, no issues at all.
How long you had yours?
Cant think what it can be, maybe the fan bearings are worn, be pretty unusual tho.
Click to expand...

Had mine just less than a year.

This is nothing at all to do with bearings. You really need to hear it in person. It is definately something electical within the unit.

I have read that issues like this can be caused by coils vibrating, and that it is possible to solve the problem by coating the coils in heat resistant silicone, or hot melt glue, but given that my unit is in warranty I am loathe to do that.

I was considering taking the cover off to see if I can isolate the problem area, but again I don't want to lose the warranty.

I also read today that someone with the same issue as me got a replacement unit by RMA and had exactly the same problem. He ended up buying a Corsair HX1000 and has no more problems.

I guess it's luck of the draw as I have also read of some issues with some Corsair and other PSU's too. :(
 
hi Diggsy - got your email mate

unfortunatly we dont use these in builds so i havent seen one before to comment

i would personally try to get a corsair - they are the most reliable psu's we use in builds at ocuk
seconded by ocz

both brands do exactly what they say on the tin

having said that the coolermaster supplies are brilliant also - and really quiet

i would perhaps RMA it and look at trading the replacement if possible?

sorry i cant be more help :)
 
Sorry rjkoneill, only realised you replied.

Thanks for the advice.

One thing that is a major concern for me is noise. Can you confirm which (if any) of the Corsair units are really (and I mean REALLY) quiet please?

Oh and which of the Coolermaster units would you recommend?

I have sent an email to Zalman and am awaiting their response. From what I can see the unit is not fit for purpose (it's supposed to be quiet), so I am taking them to task on it and will see how far I get.

If I get nowhere, then it's off for RMA and as you say, i'll offload the replacement. In the meantime I need to purchase a new unit.

Thanks again.
 
Just did a quick google, and it seems that the GTX260 does that on a lot of diffrent PSU's. Seems like a really wierd problem tho:confused:
 
I had squealing on my Hiper 880w/HD 4870X2 combo for the first few weeks, but it gradually subsided. Stuck the Coolermaster 700 in and it squealed like a byotch :(

Nothing since with a GTX280 or 260.

It seems almost totally pot luck whether you'll get it or not. Very strange, I agree.
 
Mine does it after i have turned my PC off but havent turned the power off, no problems otherwise with it.
 
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