PC making noise-I believe it's the PSU, what do you think?

I've had problems with my PC making a noise for quite some time. I think my PSU is the main culprit. If it hasn't been the rear fan of the PSU making noise, it's been a strange, high-pitched noise that seems to be coming from the PSU. I say this because when I cut all power off to the computer, the noise stops. It could also be related to the PSU, but not necessarily a problem with the PSU--perhaps it's not the right fit.



For the record, it's an Antec Smart Power 350 Watt, 12V in a matching case. Here are my other specs:



Motherboard-Albatron LGA 775

Videocard-MSI nVidia GeForce 6800 256MB

Disc Drive-SONY DVD Burner Black IDE

Hard drive-Western Digital Caviar 1600JB 160GB 7200 RPM ATA100

Processor-Intel Pentium 4 Prescot 2.8GHz LGA 775

Memory-CORSAIR 184-Pin DDR SDRAM

Sounds like Coil whine or capacitor whine from the PSU, and if you're getting excessive from noise from the PSU, the fan's probably got a bad bearing as well.. There are ways around it, but I'd suggest getting a new PSU. A newer unit capable of putting out more power should have higher efficiency, and won't have to work as hard to power your system, which should also reduce the fan noise from the PSU, if that's an issue.

Thanks very much. I will do some exploring myself. I just wanted to know that I'm starting in the right place by looking at the PSU as the cause of this problem.







Thanks as well for the info about the fan. Computers aren't quite as complex as cars, but they are almost along the same lines, as far as the following disproportion is concerned for the majority of people. usage of computers: knowledge about computers



I'm very capable of learning, but I find I just get scared away by technical jargon, perceived excessive descriptions, and the like, in most subjects I do not have a great deal of prior exposure to (I will check out that PSU guide). Perhaps I haven't found a way to maximize my capability as far as learning and retention are concerned as well as engaging in enough repetition in review. That and I'm sure a few other factors play a role.



Your help is greatly appreciated.



P.S.-How is it living Down Under? I saw John Butler Trio player here, north of Detroit in November. You a fan by chance? Their latest album is much more poppy, a review I read said, and after listening to it several times I can see their P.O.V. However, poppy or not, their live show is very...well..lively!





~David J.

No problems, these sort of noises are very commonly caused by the PSU. If you haven't already, I'd suggest putting your ear to the case and trying to ascertain where exactly the noise is coming from. You can even try stopping the fans in your system one at a time, to see which one is the loud one.



I'm not really a John Butler fan, but Australia's still a great place to live.

I had that exact same PSU, and that exact same problem. I had that whine also coming from that PSU, it was very annoying! My suggestion is to replace it. I heard Enermax makes fantastic PSU. Infact I have one, and it is fantastic

I do believe it's coming from the PSU It is coming from the fan that is closer to the internal part of the computer It take it the problems you mentioned in the previous post are more internal? I am not sure how to stop the fans though. From your guide, it is hard to tell how much power I should have in a PSU with the relative components. My graphic card is over two years old now.



Thanks for your advice. I checkedout newegg.com, but like I mentioned above, I'm not quite sure how much power I should have in a PSU. What are good guidelines when deciding what power PSU to buy, as far as relative components are concerned?



Thanks again for your help all.



~Dave

With the sort of system you've got, I'd look for a minimum 400W with +12V@24A, although you could get away with less. There are a few options at ceewi1's PSU Recommendations. Anything between the Ultra XVS 500W and Corsair VX450 in that guide would be good options, although if you're planning on keeping the PSU for a future upgrade you might want to look at something bigger.