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

ikra · 26 Sep 2023 at 11:20

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.

ikra · 26 Sep 2023 at 11:35

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.

ikra · 26 Sep 2023 at 11:40

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

ikra · 26 Sep 2023 at 17:25

Jamin280672 said:
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 · 28 Sep 2023 at 01:10

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.