Identify recurring high-frequency sounds coming from your PC space, even when it's turned off.
Identify recurring high-frequency sounds coming from your PC space, even when it's turned off.
Hey there, first off—I apologize for the lengthy update about setting up my PC this week. It’s working well while I use it, but I’m dealing with a persistent high-pitched noise coming from the PSU, GPU, and motherboard area. Even when everything is completely off, the sound remains. This is definitely the source of concern. The tone is sharp and similar to a tinnitus-like pitch, and it only stops when I disconnect the power cord.
I’ve attached a video of the issue: Audio link provided. You can see the noise starts right away after I stop speaking. Images of my build are here: https://imgur.com/a/2Hd4FYL My Build. Details: CPU – AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz, 6 cores; Cooler – Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White; Motherboard – MSI B650M Gaming Plus WiFi; RAM – TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert (32 GB); SSD – WD Black SN770 2TB NVMe; GPU – XFX Speedster SWFT 319 RX 6800; Case – Lian Li A3 mATX; PSU – MSI MAG A650GL 650W 80+ Gold.
I’ve already returned the faulty PSU and received a replacement, but the problem persists. I disabled Global C-State Control in BIOS to eliminate idle power noise, yet it didn’t help. The noise disappears only when I unplug the power supply.
Could this be coming from another part—like the motherboard or GPU—even when powered down? Have others faced similar issues with comparable components? Also, could the issue be linked to the power strip or wall outlet (I’m using a surge protector)?
Any guidance or troubleshooting suggestions would be invaluable. Thanks ahead of time!
Have you attempted to disable the GPU, then restart the PC without powering it on to check if the issue persists?
I didn't realize the issue came from the PSU since I noticed a distinct noise when turning off the PC at night—waking up to the same sound as the video. Thinking it was the PSU, I heard a different audio during stress testing, which turned out to be coil whining (not the tinnitus-like sound).
Theres also the possibility of capacitor squeal which may be a bad sign, now its probably not but id take your PSU out and give it a once over. However, DO NOT TAKE IT APART, ESPECIALLY IF IT DOES HAVE CAPACITOR SQUEAL. Capacitor squeal is a damaged capacitor leaking gas which comes across as a very high pitched whine. The more likely culprit is more likely coil whine in the PSU itself, depending on a few factors, size of coil, size of wire etc, they can get real high pitched. If its bothering you, id recommend to just turn off your setup at the plug when not using it if thats an option
I haven’t seen anything like this before. What should I do? Probably they won’t issue another RMA for the PSU, so I’ll try to fix things at home. If nothing improves, I’ll check my PC in a store I know and see what they’ll do. I’ll leave a report of what I’ve already tried and then we’ll discuss it.
That's correct! It might also work well with a vibrating setup using the heat pad I own for my GPU. The heat pad could be touching the power supply unit. I'll test it out when I'm at home and make some adjustments.
You've already filed an RMA for your PSU, and it seems the issue isn't a leaking capacitor. You might still be unsure about the problem, but at least you'll have some reassurance.