Observation of unusual 'buzzing' noise from PSU typically occurs when operating under load, particularly during startup.
Observation of unusual 'buzzing' noise from PSU typically occurs when operating under load, particularly during startup.
I own a Phanteks Revolt Pro 1000w PSU from Seasonic, which I received with my new build in February. I’ve experienced an unusual sound coming from the power supply area that’s hard to put into words. It sounds like a faint buzzing, though I can’t capture a clear video because the phone camera was damaged. The noise seems to come and go unpredictably, similar to how electricity levels fade in and out—though it isn’t a typical electrical hum. At startup, it’s steady but more noticeable, while under load it becomes more pronounced, though it still remains relatively quiet. It doesn’t occur when I’m using the ceiling fan or wearing headphones, but it’s enough to raise my concern.
The only sounds I’m used to from this PSU are the fan operation and the air escaping through the exhaust, which produces a slight humming—this is normal and part of the device’s function. However, the “buzzing” isn’t consistent even at startup and changes in timing makes it stand out. It doesn’t seem like it’s caused by the fan hitting something or bearing issues.
Could anyone help identify what might be causing this? I’m considering possibilities like capacitors or transformers, but I’m not sure if they’re normal. My temperature readings and voltage levels are all within normal ranges, and touching the case and vent shows no unusual heat. It’s not coil whine either.
Text alone has its limits, so we may require additional media for clarity. For this case, a video with audio would be beneficial to grasp what is being conveyed.
if you’re ready to wait a few hours so I can borrow a phone that isn’t broken from my friend, I might attempt to record the sound at startup and under load. it’s currently 2am for me, so you know. aside from that, what level of noise should I be able to detect from a PSU when close by? as I mentioned, it’s not very loud because I’m far away from it, along with my ceiling fan and headphones. but if I take them out and get close enough, I can hear the fan, the exhaust, the faint hum, and this worrying ‘buzz’
I'm not in a rush. We tend to revisit threads once we have the time. I'm not the only one on this forum, after all.
Regarding how we interpret noise, it's important to recognize that it's a personal experience, similar to art or design. One individual may notice more than another, while some might overlook what they hear or see.
For instance, some people can hear the sound of a fan motor running at lower speeds, whereas others won't even be bothered by the same level of noise.
perhaps because it just activated after hours of being off, yet I can't match the identical sound, at least not right now. the fan is running and producing the same noises as before, which only strengthens my suspicion that the buzzing isn't coming from the fan itself but something else. I suggest testing at full volume.
anyway, if you have time, I recorded some clips near the PSU vent and also from the front of the case, hoping to detect any unusual airflow sounds or fan noises.
https://imgur.com/a/Hqbp0VL
View: https://imgur.com/a/Hqbp0VL
https://imgur.com/a/aTnZTec
View: https://imgur.com/a/aTnZTec
https://imgur.com/a/ty2LQCc
View: https://imgur.com/a/ty2LQCc
https://imgur.com/a/dMYHPYv
View: https://imgur.com/a/dMYHPYv
https://imgur.com/a/At7nwoA
View: https://imgur.com/a/At7nwoA
Sorry, here are two additional clips you mentioned, taken at different times. Please feel free to check them out.
https://imgur.com/DohAJXz
View: https://imgur.com/DohAJXz
https://imgur.com/a/1YDGheR
View: https://imgur.com/a/1YDGheR