ATI 6870 problem

[Secret_Window]

Hi guys.

Recently got my ATI HD 6870, installed it, and started getting a weird buzzing/whine noise from my computer. Noticed it got worse when my computer was under load slightly, with an application etc. Also when playing any game, I keep getting major fps fluctuations - I noticed it mostly in TF2, where my fps was doing as low as 20/40 then up to 230 odd then back down again.

I made sure all the Nvidia junk was off, using driver cleaner etc. I also used the latest Catalyst drivers, as well as the older versions to rule out driver problems.

But here is what's strange, after taking out the ATI 6870 and putting my 8800 GTX back in, the whining/buzzing pretty much went away and my fps performance in games on that card stabilised.

The noise seems to come from the hdd area and happens when I see the hdd LED light flickering while it's under load. After I put my 8800 GTX back in, it went away, but I can hear it only very, very faintly now, and doesn't happen as often at all.

Could this be a problem with my hdd or PSU or something else?

Edit: Just like to also add, that the buzzing/whine noise also occured when I moved my mouse on my desktop with the ATI 6870 which is now gone with the 8800 GTX. Very odd.

 

[J.D]

That could be your PSU not delivering what's needed which is maybe why you're seeing the drop in performance. Also the whining could be the PSU. I doubt the HDD is the problem here due to the 8800GTX being fitted in and normality returning to your system.

Best bet is to try and find a friend/relative with a better PSU and ask them if you can either try their PSU in your machine or you could also plug your 6870 into their machine and see if these problems persist.

Good luck.

 

[Secret_Window]

Unfortunately don't have the luxury of being able to do that at the moment. However, from what I have been reading there seems to be a strong correlation of Asus P5K-E mobo users having a whine/buzz noise when their Corsair PSU is under load from anything.

I stuck my head in my case for a good few minutes trying to find the location of the sound, and it's definitely coming from the motherboard - so whether the motherboard is on its way out or it's not getting enough juice from the PSU, I don't know.

All system temps are fine and no other performance issues, just this one strange problem when I use an ATI 6870

 

[J.D]

I never knew about that due to not owning this motherboard, only one other friend has a great PC, the rest are console users .

Even though I used to own a 8800GTX I do not know the power draw compared to the 6870 so I may be talking out my backside regarding the 6870 being too much of a pull on your system.

I'm sorry to not be any good in advising you but hopefully this bump will entice others to have a stab at it .

Oh, have you tried underclocking the card and playing a game to see if the whine continues?.

 

[Skyrocket]

PSU way way too weak.

 

[Secret_Window]

Hey no problem J.D.

Yeah I tried underclocking the card and also my CPU to see if it would help, and it unfortunately made no difference.

The only thing I can do is buy another PSU and see if the problem goes away, which is a bit of a gamble.

 

[easyrider]

I doubt a Corsair hx450w is a problem with your spec

 

[Secret_Window]

Hmm.

The only thing I have changed recently except for the graphics card, was changing my cpu to a Q6600. Upon further inspection it seems even with the 8800 GTX, that there is still some small amount of buzzing/whine/squealing going on - just not anywhere near the amount when I had the ATI 6870.

So could this really be a motherboard issue? I underclocked my cpu to test whether it was the overclocking on the cpu and it's still there...

Still doesn't explain why using an ATI 6870 would cause the motherboard to make even more noise - I mean what is the reason?

Mods, not sure if this topic needs to be moved or not.

 

[ishoeyi]

i think its the psu.

the 6870 need more power so the psu work harder and hotter and fan speed faster makes more noise

the 8800 needs less power so psu work less so cooler fan spin slower less noise

just a guess right enough. can be anything.

 

[Secret_Window]

I would like to think it's the PSU then I can lay it all to rest and replace it, but because I can hear it still only sometimes now, and very faintly with my 8800 GTX, I can't help but wonder if something else is at play.

Here's what I know so far:

1.) Squealing/buzzing started after ATI 6870 was fitted in and booted up.
2.) Noise got worse when opening applications and being on a game screen menu and during a game.
3.) Performance in games showed extreme fps fluctuations - lower fps than my 8800 GTX.
4.) Noise seems to stem from the Northbridge area of the motherboard.
5.) Removing ATI 6870 got rid of nearly all the noise coming from the motherboard, however it still happens, only much fainter and less frequent now.
6.) No performance problems regarding fps fluctuations after putting 8800 GTX back in again.

 

[J.D]

I would like to think it's the PSU then I can lay it all to rest and replace it, but because I can hear it still only sometimes now, and very faintly with my 8800 GTX, I can't help but wonder if something else is at play.

Here's what I know so far:

1.) Squealing/buzzing started after ATI 6870 was fitted in and booted up.
2.) Noise got worse when opening applications and being on a game screen menu and during a game.
3.) Performance in games showed extreme fps fluctuations - lower fps than my 8800 GTX.
4.) Noise seems to stem from the Northbridge area of the motherboard.
5.) Removing ATI 6870 got rid of nearly all the noise coming from the motherboard, however it still happens, only much fainter and less frequent now.
6.) No performance problems regarding fps fluctuations after putting 8800 GTX back in again.

Seems as if using the 8800GTX is pushing your PSU a little bit and then the 6870 is pushing it further.

I thought it sounded like the PSU at first but when you mentioned people talking about this board squealing, that threw me off.

I hope a PSU is the solution and from what you've stated it's looking like a strong possibility.