Determine the appropriate silicone type to reduce the "bird twittering" noise from C-states on coils or capacitors.
Determine the appropriate silicone type to reduce the "bird twittering" noise from C-states on coils or capacitors.
Hey there friends!
My heavily altered cheap SilverStone HELA 1200R Platinum is completely silent now because of my mod. However, when I enable C-States in BIOS, the noise starts coming from the PSU. I've experimented with various setups using C-States, but every possible and impossible mix still results in those annoying [twittering] sounds—not just the C1e type as some forums suggest.
Could you please assist me? I’m not sure if it’s coming from the coils or the capacitors, but I have no idea where exactly it’s coming from.
Should I put silicone on the coils attached to that vertical PCB piece? Or on the row of capacitors between those pieces? Or somewhere else?
Also, is the plastic plate needed? Is it just for guiding airflow or protecting the fan? The fan itself isn’t conductive—it’s made of plastic.
Here’s a short video of the sound, so you can check whether it’s coming from the coils or the capacitors.
Thanks a lot!
Uplink
It's a cap problem, and many have shared their experiences with this issue, telling RMA teams about it for a long time
Thank you for your prompt response.
Is the problem serious enough to cause harm? Could it speed up capacitor failure or cause them to fail prematurely, or might it result in an explosion? Would adding silicone around the caps make a difference or worsen the situation?
I really don’t understand much of this information except that a whining cap is often a dangerous one in the long term and usually isn’t a positive sign. I can share what I know, but only in the end it depends on various factors.
It is considered risky. PSUs are not designed for repair or alteration. Trying to fix or change them might lead to unexpected problems. Lack of understanding about the parts and their functions only adds to the concern. There could be "online solutions" but none should be relied upon. Applying a fix without proper knowledge might worsen the situation. I am unsure about the origin or reasons behind the "bird twitters." Still, it seems highly probable that any attempts will fail and result in negative outcomes. As mentioned, you altered the PSU yourself. If it’s a low-cost option, it likely voided any warranty. Worst cases could involve fire, sparks, or other hazards if you try to force a fix—especially if it involves materials like silicon that aren’t safe for electrical use. Please remove the PSU and dispose of it properly. Consider buying a reliable brand from a reputable source instead. For reference: No further discussion needed.