New PSU - weird noise when at idle

[Turbo Ben]

HI all.

I've just started to get parts together for a new system. I'm looking to go direct die water cooled so wanted to run everything before I start delidding to make sure it all works.

Everything is working but I've noticed a weird noise coming from the PSU (gigabyte UD1300 GM - 1300W Gold). It's like a quiet crackling noise with occasional clicking. Sounds like a small electrical arc. It only does it when the system is at idle. As soon as I run cinebench the noise stops, but returns when the test finishes. Note that my idle power will be very low as I don't currently have a GPU installed.

It's not the fan as at idle the fan does not spin. Although I have seen it spin up for a short period even when not under load.

I've also noticed what I can only describe as a hot electrical smell. It's not a strong smell and is maybe just because the unit is brand new.

I contacted gigabyte a few days ago but haven't had a reply yet.

Is this something I need to be concerned about or is it normal when running a large PSU at such a low wattage?

 

[Turbo Ben]

Hi, thanks for the good info. Now you mention it I do remember the GN videos of the GB PSU's exploding.

Think I'll go for something else.

I've contacted the company I bought it off and they won't accept the 14 day return as I've used the PSU. They offered a discount or I can return it for a refund pending an inspection. I don't trust them so I'll chase Gigabyte up (still haven't had a reply, been 4 days now). Also just tried signing up for gigabyte forums but have to wait for someone to activate the account. God knows how long that's going to take. Not impressed so far with the after sales service.

 

[Turbo Ben]

After 4 days I finally got a reply from Gigabyte today. I've also tried joining their forums, but after more than 24 hours my account has still not been activated. Very disappointing aftersales.

They got me to test the PSU in another system. Still makes the noise so I told them I want a refund as they are talking about repairing it. No thanks, I'm not going to be left without a PSU for weeks while I wait for them to repair a brand new unit. I have to wait for them to inspect the unit before they'll issue a refund. Hopefully I can trust them to be honest about it, but the way things have gone so far I'm not filled with confidence.

Does anyone have any comments on the BeQuiet Dark Power Pro 13 1300W?

 

[Turbo Ben]

Do you actually need that much power? What cpu and gpu is it powering?

I've got a 7950X 3D for now. I'll be direct die custom loop cooling so need some headroom for lots of fans and pump. I'll also probably be upgrading in future so want some headroom for heavy overclocking.

Don't have a GPU yet, waiting on the 50 series. Depending on pricing I'll probably go for a 5090 (watercooled and overclocked). If the price is a joke (likely) I'll look at the 5080 or maybe a 4090 if prices drop.

PC partpicker is reporting about 7-800W required and I don't like going too close to the limit of a PSU. I could go with a good quality 1000W PSU but tbh, the difference in pricing between that and 1200W isn't massive.

I've been looking at corsair PSU's but they don't have native 12+4 pin support as far as I can see.

I've noticed the BeQuiet Straight Power 12 PSU's and they seem to have good reviews. Both the 1000W and 1200W are well priced too. Any known issues I should be aware of?

 

[Turbo Ben]

If I was going to spend more, I'd get Antec's HCG Pro, which is based on a Seasonic Vertex, minus 2 years warranty.

Thanks for the suggestion, that looks like what I'm after. I'll add that one to the shortlist. I notice the Phanteks revolt looks very similar, is this also based on Seasonics vertex?

At this point I might as well wait until black friday and see if any of the PSU's go on sale.

 

[Turbo Ben]

Yes, I believe so, though unlike the Antec it retains the 12 year warranty. The snag is that you have to buy a cable pack and I don't think the price is competitive once you add that.

Wait, what? No cables? Good job you mentioned that, I didn't notice! They can't be that expensive though... £154.98. Err, I'll pass.

So that leaves the BeQuiet and Antec PSU's.