PSU Coil Whine driving me nuts - what's the best option?

[ikra]

I know this topic has been probably talked to death. However, I don't think there's a definitive answer. So my question is, out of the three options below, which one is the best next step for me?

1. Replace the PSU with a different one
2. Buy a mains conditioner like this one assuming wiring in my flat is bad: https://www.richersounds.com/tacima-cs947-6way-mains-socket.html
3. Buy an uninterruptable power supply that keeps the voltage input smooth.

For context, I only get coil whine when playing games especially at higher GPU loads. For games like CSGO I had to cap FPS to reduce the load. For other games like Starfield where it munches GPU resource, I really can't cap the FPS to reduce load as it's already running average at 60-80fps. Also, I recently moved flats and never had this issue in my previous place (coincidence?). Build in sig.

 

[rare]

Are you sure it’s the PSU and not the GPU?

 

[ikra]

Yes - I've switched it with my bros 4070, coil whine still exists. He hasn't tried my card on his PC though, but his PC does not have coil whine.
Also my case is split in two halves, PSU on one side, GPU on the other. Noise is 100% coming from the PSU.

 

[Glanza]

Change PSU

 

[ikra]

Do you recon a higher wattage psu will reduce the likelihood of coil whine?

 

[Jamin280672]

Do you recon a higher wattage psu will reduce the likelihood of coil whine?

If you fancy giving it a try, take the PSU out, open it up and squeeze some hot glue onto the large coils, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING INSIDE!!!!, give it a couple of mins to set and then put it back together and stick it back in your PC, if its that loud its just the large copper coils vibrating, an easy fix.

 

[james.miller]

It could just as easily be a transformer, and he wont be hotgluing them quiet.

A new PSU might fix it, might not.

 

[ikra]

If you fancy giving it a try, take the PSU out, open it up and squeeze some hot glue onto the large coils, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING INSIDE!!!!, give it a couple of mins to set and then put it back together and stick it back in your PC, if its that loud its just the large copper coils vibrating, an easy fix.

This is my plan B. I'll be wearing insulated gloves if I do decide to do this and not touch anything.

I've ordered a new PSU for now - will see how it goes tomorrow and post back here.

 

[ikra]

To update everyone. I've replaced the PSU with a Corsair SF850L and the high pitched coil whine when playing high framerate games like CSGO or highly GPU taxing games like Starfield has been close to eliminated. Not completely eliminated as there is still noticeable buzzing from the coils but at least this one is more gentle to the ears (sounds like an old hard disc drive reading data) and is easily drowned out by the case fans at full load. Finally I can game in peace without the PSU sounding like a squeaking mouse is trapped in there like it's about to get squished.

 

[eggbert]

Coil whine is just one of those tones/sounds that really gets to you. Glad you got it sorted

 

[Jay85]

I know this topic has been probably talked to death. However, I don't think there's a definitive answer. So my question is, out of the three options below, which one is the best next step for me?

1. Replace the PSU with a different one
2. Buy a mains conditioner like this one assuming wiring in my flat is bad: https://www.richersounds.com/tacima-cs947-6way-mains-socket.html
3. Buy an uninterruptable power supply that keeps the voltage input smooth.

For context, I only get coil whine when playing games especially at higher GPU loads. For games like CSGO I had to cap FPS to reduce the load. For other games like Starfield where it munches GPU resource, I really can't cap the FPS to reduce load as it's already running average at 60-80fps. Also, I recently moved flats and never had this issue in my previous place (coincidence?). Build in sig.

Glad you sorted it in the end, for future context if anyone else reads this:

The mains conditioners don't do anything, i have one which i bought to try to eliminate coil whine on a psu. Did nothing.

The 3rd option, i have heard does work if you buy an inline USP. Haven't tried it myself but hoping to one day!

 

[cjgardens]

Years ago i had this with 3 different OCX PSU's. Now i have the issue again with a corsair PSU. Only started noticing it when i built a new rig with the same PSU and then had the rig on my desk.

Luckily i only play older games so i can limit the fps and that helps a good bit.

New PSU is the only way. Can it be RMA'd ?

 

[Jamin280672]

Years ago i had this with 3 different OCX PSU's. Now i have the issue again with a corsair PSU. Only started noticing it when i built a new rig with the same PSU and then had the rig on my desk.

Luckily i only play older games so i can limit the fps and that helps a good bit.

New PSU is the only way. Can it be RMA'd ?

I dont think they accept coil whine as a fault, its not really, it still works, its just annoying.

 

[tamzzy]

occasionally, changing the cpu vrm frequency can help (obvs only if your mobo supports this)

 

[cjgardens]

I dont think they accept coil whine as a fault, its not really, it still works, its just annoying.

Ocz used to. But tbf the noise was much loader than it is with my Corsair psu so i just accepted it