Need help with PSU buzzing

Morgy · 7 Apr 2008 at 22:55

Hey,

I've recently noticed that I get a buzzing sound when I play games which is (as far as I can tell) coming from the PSU. I don't think it's simply the PSU fan because I can hear the buzzing change in pitch as a move the camera around within a game.

The PSU is a Corsair HX620W and the graphics card is an 8800GT, which I both RMA'd only to have no change in the noise. It's also much more noticable on some games over others, particularly on World in Conflict, which i only bought recently so I assume is why I've only recently noticed.

Admittedly this isn't a huge problem, and the noise is just audible above my fans but since it's directly dependent on the graphics being shown rather than simply temperature it is bothing me. Does anyone else get this, is it normal? If anyone has any ideas to help me on this I would appreciate it.

FoldGish · 8 Apr 2008 at 11:51

I had something similar with my 8800GT (rather than my PSU). I tracked it down to a small buzzer on the 8800GT board and put some electricians tape over it - problem solved! Btw, it changed pitched depending on the number of FPS on screen.

Morgy · 8 Apr 2008 at 11:56

Ok, thanks. What do you mean by "a small buzzer" though, do you mean some kind of capacitor? Also, how do you track down exactly where on the board the noise is coming from? I don't want to risk damaging my card which, apart from the noise, runs my games beautifully.

FoldGish · 8 Apr 2008 at 12:15

It seems to be a surface mounted buzzer. Maybe it's for error beeps. It's the round component with a small hole in the middle close to the PCI Express power socket: http://www.techspot.com/articles-info/74/images/Image_09.jpg

I couldn't stand the noise from the stock fan so I had the card in pieces a few hours after installing it. I tracked the noise down by putting my finger over the buzzer while running a 3d demo util. I was checking for overheating components after replacing the stock cooler with a Zalman VF700-Cu.

PhillyDee · 8 Apr 2008 at 12:19

The bozzer is for when you leave off the extra power cable. Lets out a high pitched scream. Makes you leap for the power switch.

Morgy · 8 Apr 2008 at 18:22

Well after having a proper listen with the case open, I'm certain it is the card rather than the PSU. I've definitely got the power cable connected though, so it can't be that. If it is the buzzer though, what's it buzzing for? What's the error?