New PSU produces sound, is it safe to use?
New PSU produces sound, is it safe to use?
Hey there,
I just assembled a PC and chose the Corsair RM1000x PSU, expecting it to be reliable for the long haul with a future GPU upgrade. So far everything functions smoothly, but I’m still unsure about the PSU itself. There’s a faint noise that I can’t quite describe—it’s mostly audible when the system is idle, though it also shows up during stress tests. I’ve looked into whether it’s present during shutdowns and found it there too, just quieter. Overall, the sound isn’t a major concern; I’d need to place my head near the back of the case to pick it up. My main worry is whether using it poses any risks. The voltage in my area is 230V, and some people have mentioned that could be the cause. I’ve also noticed a pattern: when a YouTube video plays, the noise diminishes, but it comes back when the video stops. I plan to record this sound and share the link later.
Thanks for replies.
I already wrote to Corsair, but it's been more than 72 hours without response. I would have a possibility of returning the PSU for 100% money value, most likely, as it has not been 14 days since it was bought. If it's just a coil whine and it stays at those noise levels, then it's not that big of a hassle, considering I don't hear it sitting at the desk, even without headphones on. Also there is a risk that a new unit would also sound like that, or worse.
When it comes to grounding, then yes, to the best of my knowledge all wall outlets here should be grounded. I've got to say, though, that I've just checked around other electrical devices and I can notice similar buzzing(much more quiet, though) in both the laptop charger transformer and the thermostat. I've only noticed this now, since you really have to put your ear next to it. PSU sound is more noticeable, but I assume it might be related.
It might work for the PC and the laptop, not sure if the thermostat's noise could be reduced. Although, like I said, the noise is not really a problem for me, it's more of a "potential hazards" issue. As long as the sound itself is not pointing to some inner faults of the unit I have, then I would just stay with it. I will wait for Corsair's response, although the window of time for 100% return value is almost up.
It's Easter weekend, meaning the Corsair team is probably working with a small, emergency-focused group. I wouldn't consider your messages urgent, and I'm guessing you weren't as panicked as the PC incident did, though some people might be. Those messages are likely to be handled quickly once staff can focus.
Personally, I've never seen Corsair ignore customers seriously, so I'm confident you'll receive a response soon.
Yeah, I get what you mean and I'm really excited about their perspective on that sound. I'm trying to ease any worries by assuming it might just be a minor coil whine, especially since it's not obvious from afar. Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the build and the components I received. Just wanted to confirm it's not something clearly wrong, otherwise I'd consider returning the PSU this week using the 14-day return policy. Thanks for your help, and if anyone else notices anything unusual about the sound—whether it's coil whine or something else—I'd appreciate hearing their thoughts too. Cheers!