PSU clicks at power "on/off"

Gripen90 · 1 Feb 2011 at 09:06

Perhaps it's more of a "curiosity" than at specific problem, but I haven't experience it before.
Last night I changed PSU from a Corsair CX500 to a Cooler Master GX750 (going to run GTX 460 SLi), where I finished installation after approx 1½hrs of cablemanagement puzzle.

However I noticed when I turn on power from the wall socket the PSU gives a small "click" - the same happens when I turn the power off.
Also the same happens when there is power to the PSU and I turn on the PC on the power button, then the PSU makes a 'click'. The same goes for when Windows is closing and PC shuts down then it also makes a "click".
I haven't experienced this on other PSU's I have had if the same happens, but on this PSU it's just more obvious.

I just want to ask if this is "normal behaviour" and if it's the PSUs " voltage switch regulator" that makes the sound ? :rolleyes:

Wires · 1 Feb 2011 at 09:25

Are you sure its the PSU? could be another component you might of changed recently? Could just be the fan in the psu switching off though.

Gripen90 · 1 Feb 2011 at 09:34

Wires said:
Are you sure its the PSU? could be another component you might of changed recently? Could just be the fan in the psu switching off though.

Yup I'm pretty sure it's the PSU since I had my ear down to it and could hear it "click" when the system powered down.
I haven't changed any other stuff recently.

Wires · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:08

It might just be the fan switching off. Im not too great with PSU's but monitor it and see if it gets louder if not then I doubt there is too much to be concerned about.

Emphacy · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:14

Sounds like the sound a high power relay would make. Which would explain why it makes the sound when it's being turned on and off.

Relay is basically an electronic switch, powered by an electromagnet. When the power to the electromagnet is turned on or off, it attracts metal contacts to eachother, creating a clicking sound.

I don't know of many PSU's that create clicking sounds though.

saintdefender · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:24

Honestly, this sounds normal. I wouldn't worry about it, as long as your system isn't crashing/performing slow then its probably either the fan starting to spin or as Emphacy says, the relay switch. Worst case scenario, if there was a problem, your system would show signs such as freezeing and shut downs long before your PSU "dies".

mattbill · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:25

My computer does exactly the same thing... always has done since I built it around 3 years ago. I always assumed it was the hard drives though. Doesn't appear to cause any problems though.

Tealc · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:32

I think it's normal too. My psu makes a noise when I switch it on. It's a different unit to yours but it sounds like something is engaging. Not sure why a PSU would need a relay on the mains switch as it's only dealing with a few Amps of AC but perhaps a relay is used elsewhere on the secondary side where high currents exist, especially in a single rail unit.

ZeniTimes · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:38

Once I had a problem with my machine not booting, luck I got everything from OCUK who asked me to troubleshoot a bit. Stumbled on this vid when I need to test the psu

might be worth a shot

Gripen90 · 1 Feb 2011 at 12:11

ZeniTimes said:
Once I had a problem with my machine not booting, luck I got everything from OCUK who asked me to troubleshoot a bit. Stumbled on this vid when I need to test the psu

might be worth a shot

Thanks ! I know that trick, but its not that the system isn't booting or working... it's just this little "clicking" curiosity that made me wonder.

Purgatory · 1 Feb 2011 at 12:14

I think it's normal, i'm guessing what you are hearing is a relay clicking as it engages all the rails. Could also be a harddrive click you hear.

Just drop them a message and ask them if the clicking on startup is normal here:-

http://www.coolermaster.com/tech_support.php

I really don't think you have anything to worry about but worth asking them, so will stop you worrying.

Have a read here about that supply.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-GX-750-W-Power-Supply-Review/917/

Gripen90 · 1 Feb 2011 at 12:18

Purgatory said:
I think it's normal, i'm guessing what you are hearing is a relay clicking as it engages all the rails. Could also be a harddrive click you hear.

Yea when I come to think of it, it's like the same with my LG plasma TV

Oh well, when I get home I hope my 2nd Gigabyte GTX 460 OC 1GB has arrived with mail for installation :cool: