PSU Problems With New Build? Or Gfx Card?

Monster

Monster

Monster

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Joined
19 Oct 2002
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Hey all, recently finished building my i7 system which works very well and runs all my games spot on.

Anyhow I noticed earlier today that there was a screeching noise coming from the pc and it sounds like its 99% coming from the power supply (Coolermaster M700). Doing a couple of tests it is silent as a mouse when on desktop etc and makes its noise AS SOON AS i do anything using the graphics card more intensely - basically gaming.

Is the PSU borked or anyone have any suggestions? Its giving me a real headache when gaming :( Thanks.
 
Just had another listen, definately louder at the psu!

Tried turning the fans to 100% on the ATI control centre and that didnt make the noise just loud fans but smooth fans. It seems from google that people have this problem with the 4870x2 but are never sure if its the psu or gfx, anyone got anymore light on the subject?
 
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You're pulling an extra 100w and more out of the PSU when you play a game, might be the extra load is causing a component to make the noise. Could be a cap, or a semi-conductor device. You could try unscrewing the PSU and move it away from the case as far as possible (as far as the cables will let you anyway), should enable you to differentiate between GFX and PSU itself as the source. If it's the PSU then it's got a problem and may blow. Not sure about the GFX, I've seen others post similar reports.
 
It's pretty common for high end graphics cards to hiss, buzz or even squeal when under heavy load, it's usually down to a capacitor. Some people don't hear it as loud fans cover the noise up and some can't hear it as it's out of their hearing range.

However I would try what ChrisLX200 suggested, unscrew the PSU from the case and move it as far away from the graphics card as possible. That way you can tell which it is. Use something like Ati Tool Artifact Scanner or FurMark to load your graphics card.

If it is the power supply, I'd get it replaced, just incase. To be honest Coolermaster is not a make I would have picked, as brands like that are usually just rebadged OEM PSUs. I guess it's more down to personal taste than anything else.
 
My X2 makes this noise. And I've just ordered a 700w Real Power, so when I get it installed, I'll let you know what it sounds like!
 
I'm still 99% sure its the PSU - I've checked all the cables into it etc. You can slightly hear the noise even when just working normally.

I'm going to do a final check with it out of the case and then if its the psu RMA it and buy another one, its making my ears hurt :(
 
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