GPU RX 6600 emitting unusual sounds
GPU RX 6600 emitting unusual sounds
I purchased an Asrock Challenger RX 6600 a week ago, and I've observed some buzzing during benchmarking and stress tests. It's only noticeable when running close to the limits; at lower loads, especially simple tasks like browsing Brave or scrolling, the GPU produces higher-frequency buzzing. Since I'm using zero RPM mode during low loads, it seems unlikely the fans are responsible. Could this be coil whine? Also, is there a method to minimize it? It bothers me when it occurs during light usage but disappears under heavy load.
Additional points to consider:
My GPU is overclocked to a maximum of 2700MHz, with a stable voltage of 1150mV. The power limit is set at 20% in AMD software. Changing the minimum frequency from 700MHz to around 2500MHz eliminated the buzzing, but I don’t want to keep it in that range constantly.
I’ve heard the PSU might be the source, which makes sense because it’s the oldest component next to the motherboard (about four years old) and seems of lower quality.
My intention is to connect the power cable directly to the wall instead of using a cord, and possibly reinstall my old RX 570 GPU in good condition to compare its behavior.
Any advice on reducing the noise? I’m not sure if returning the GPU is necessary—I’m unsure if it’s worth it since it functions well. Coil whine doesn’t seem to impact GPU lifespan or performance, and it might fade over time. Thank you.
I heard possibly the PSU might be the issue, which makes sense because it's the oldest part next to the motherboard (about four years old) and it's a lower quality power supply I'm worried about.
When sharing a troubleshooting thread, it's standard to provide full system specifications. Please list your build details such as:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Include the PSU age along with its make and model. Also, the current BIOS version for your motherboard.
I got an Asrock Challenger RX 6600 a week ago.
Was it working with another GPU before this one?
You're hearing about coil whine, meaning the GPU is being stressed beyond its limits. If the problem was in the game, lowering the frame rate can help. If the card arrived that way and you're still under warranty, return it or request a replacement. Don't be careless with these issues.
Are you certain the noise is coming from the card itself, not somewhere else in your setup?
CPU: Ryzen 5 3600 (new, bought 2 years ago)
CPU cooler: Stock AMD cooler (new, bought 4 years ago )
Motherboard: Asrock B450M HDV R4.0
Ram: Geil Orion 2x16GB 3000mhz
SSD/HDD: M.2 Adata legend 500gb, Patriot Burst 240gb, Seagate HDD 2tb
GPU: Asrock Challenger RX 6600 (new, bought a week ago)
Old GPU: RX 570 XFX 8 GB (new, bought 4 years ago)
PSU: Don't know the brand (I'll check it out later)
OS: Win 10 ltsc
Monitor: Asus TUF Gaming monitor VG249Q
That's all I can tell you right now.
It is a new GPU, my previous GPU was RX 570 XFX 8GB.
The issue is when im using my computers outside of fullscreen programs (games), I didn't test it on low-end games, When I'm on desktop, it is silent. But when using browsers (moving mouse, scrolling, paint (drawing randomly), solidworks (rotating and panning the model) it is buzzing and if i stop moving,scrolling,rotating etc it stops and it is silent. On high end games (for example RDR2, i cant hear the buzzing noise at all, sure there is some but not noticeable unless I put my head very close to the GPU.
The noise is coming right from the card, I even listened to other components like CPU and PSU and I've established that the noise was coming from the GPU.
I want to check if the whining can be reduced hence why I'm here, asking for some suggestions, maybe although the noise is from the GPU, maybe it's the PSU's fault etc..I want to check before sending the card and waiting a certain period of time for it to be resolved (if it will), cause I've heard that for other people, they don't treat this as a valid reason for RMA.
I have significant updates that are making me quite puzzled:
1. I ran a low-end game and didn’t set the frame rate to lock, which caused the FPS to jump dramatically and the noise to increase sharply.
2. When I re-tested with frame lock at 140fps (my monitor is 144Hz), something unusual occurred—it made a whine for about 15 to 20 seconds before it disappeared completely during the game session.
3. I discovered a specific trigger for this issue: "However, when performing simple actions like browsing Brave or scrolling, moving the mouse around animated objects, rotating models in CAD software, the GPU would emit buzzing sounds at a higher frequency than under heavy load."
Now it doesn’t produce a buzzing sound during those activities, but whenever I open Snip & Sketch, take a screenshot, and start drawing inside it, the coil whine appears again and persists. Even when I haven’t opened the game yet, the buzz is still present. So far, I’ve noticed this problem only with Snip & Sketch and editing screenshots within it.
I’m surprised because I thought other programs like drawing apps or Photoshop might also cause this constant whine, but to my surprise, it didn’t happen there. Only Snip & Sketch and taking screenshots inside it seem to trigger the issue. What’s going on?
Just to be clear, there is still some coil whine, even while browsing in a browser, though it’s much quieter now compared to before.
This doesn’t appear to be a permanent solution, since I might use Snip & Sketch and I don’t know what else could cause this problem. Just to be safe, I suggest limiting the frame rate and avoiding drawing inside screenshots in Snip & Sketch.
I’ll keep my expectations low because I’m not sure it will resolve, but we’ll see how it develops. I’ll check back if the issue returns.
It seems like you're just reminding everyone about the day you played and used the PC normally without the GPU buzzing as noticeable, like in Snip & Sketch edit mode. You mentioned it's interesting that this isn't a common issue and you're okay with it. You're also planning to continue with your life and appreciate the message.