PSU whine

G-Sharp · 2 May 2012 at 18:39

Hello guys

I recently got a computer put together (see sig) but I'm having a problem with my AX850 PSU. It's making a very noticeable screeching sound when my GPU is under load. For instance, when I'm running cinebench, the PSU makes a different pitched whining sounds every time the scene changes in the car chase video. It seems to be synchronized with the amount of load the GPU dishes out.

Is this a common problem, and if I RMA the PSU, what are the chances that a new one will come without the whine?

It's really annoying, especially when the rest of my computer is pretty much silent.

d_brennen · 2 May 2012 at 18:47

G-Sharp said:
Is this a common problem

Yes

G-Sharp said:
and if I RMA the PSU, what are the chances that a new one will come without the whine?

*pulls number from air*

Go for a different brand for better odds imo. You could always crack it open and get the hot glue gun in there while kissing any warranty goodbye :cool:

Rusty0611 · 2 May 2012 at 18:51

Well I disagree with going for a different brand. Corsair sell really good PSU's

Mookzen · 2 May 2012 at 18:55

I have a AX750 in my new build and, while I am still narrowing down the potential noisy causes, it could very well be a similar problem.

Rusty0611 · 2 May 2012 at 18:57

OP - Are you sure it's the PSU? Capacitor whine is common from graphics card that's all. And as it does only happen when your GPU is at a certain load...

Out of interest does it occur while on 2D loading screens or just actually in game and playing?

Grimley · 2 May 2012 at 19:16

Rusty0611 said:
Well I disagree with going for a different brand. Corsair sell really good PSU's

Tell me about it, My RMA replacement HX650 failed yesterday & its winging its way to corsair's RMA depot in Holland as I type. If I get a replacement for that its going on the MM! :mad:

G-Sharp · 2 May 2012 at 19:31

Rusty0611 said:
OP - Are you sure it's the PSU? Capacitor whine is common from graphics card that's all. And as it does only happen when your GPU is at a certain load...

Out of interest does it occur while on 2D loading screens or just actually in game and playing?

The noise is definitely coming from the PSU. There is also a very feint (i have to put my ear right up to it to hear it) whine when idle. And no, it doesn't whine on load screens, only in game.

I've sent an email to get it exchanged, so we'll see what happens.

Sasahara · 2 May 2012 at 21:43

Chances are a replacement will whine too, as the most likely cause is resonant frequency of the coil is close to the resonant frequency of the electric circuit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coil_noise

Put that PSU in a different machine and it might be silent.

T345 · 2 May 2012 at 21:44

Grimley said:
Tell me about it, My RMA replacement HX650 failed yesterday & its winging its way to corsair's RMA depot in Holland as I type. If I get a replacement for that its going on the MM!

I'll buy for £4?
Joking, but possible?

Grimley · 3 May 2012 at 09:19

I've no idea if I will get a replacement back for starters. I've taken a gamble & hoped they will still replace under warranty. The original PSU (HX520) was bought almost 5 years ago, so Corsair could turn round & say 'no, we're not swapping it this time'.

If I knew that straight away I would not have bothered to RMA the 650.