Occasional electronic buzz or noise coming from the computer.
Occasional electronic buzz or noise coming from the computer.
Hello! I recently purchased a new PC and occasionally experience an electrical click, sometimes described as a short circuit sound. I've tried recording it but haven't been able to capture it clearly. It doesn’t resemble coil whine or a mouse click—it's a louder, one-time noise. I suspect the issue might be related to the power supply unit (PSU) and a lack of stable connection to the electrical network. Since I don’t have a UPS and my PC is plugged directly into the socket, I’m wondering if upgrading to a UPS could help. For someone in Germany, I’d recommend checking models from reputable brands like ASUS, MSI, or Dell. If you share more details about your setup, I can give more specific advice. Thanks for your help!
Hello. A minor connection issue would likely feel more like a buzz than a click. If your GPU uses the updated 12+4 pin connector, ensure it's securely placed!!!! Your GPU might have a metal base plate; it could simply expand as heat builds up, similar to how an engine behaves after stopping. This seems unlikely, but other possibilities are hard to imagine. An electronic device making a click is often a relay—a switch that handles high-power devices with low-power signals. The only times my PC clicks are when it powers off, and the PSU makes a sound. It probably clicks again when turning on, though I don’t notice it. This seems to happen only with my brand new Corsair PSU, unlike older models. It’s possible a PSU uses relays to activate extra circuits once power demand exceeds a threshold, but this isn’t something I’ve heard before. You haven’t mentioned your GPU—does it consume a lot of power? Does the clicking occur right after starting a game or during play? No, I don’t believe a UPS would solve this issue—it’s designed to protect against data loss during outages, not to fix power-related clicks.
I meant a UPS, because they help stabilize power when the network is unstable. I forgot the card—it's a 4090, so it uses a lot of power and the noise is rare during gaming. This is why I became concerned about it, especially since I've seen the 5090 melt cables and the 4090 struggle with control. It seems okay for me now, but I'll verify again. Mostly when gaming or using the PC. It's metal and the sound reminds me of your example, lol. I'll monitor conditions or temperature if I hear it again and try recording it. Thanks!
Well, a solid PSU should handle this on its own in the short term. If you're in an area with regular power interruptions, a UPS might help stabilize the electricity. I’m not convinced it would solve the issue you’re experiencing. Feel the cable while it’s under load, near the card—if one wire is noticeably hotter than the others, that could signal a problem. Then turn off the PC and disconnect the cable to check for any melting plastic. If it looks fine, just reinsert it correctly and you should be okay (assuming that’s the cause). If there’s a soft clicking sound, it might be the issue. Otherwise, just double-check the installation and see if anyone has reported similar problems online. Hopefully, everything turns out normal. Remember, the cable temperatures aren’t being measured by any software, so you won’t see them in reports. You're welcome!
It appears quite strong and intentional. I’m starting to believe it’s a relay switch. That suggests something is either receiving or rejecting a significant amount of power. Since graphics cards rely on MOSFETs for power control rather than relays, it seems unlikely this device comes from the card. The PSU might be more probable, though I’ve never heard of one operating normally without changing states. I’m still being cautious and avoiding definitive statements. It’s possible another part includes a safety thermostat for a fan—something that would be highlighted in marketing. If so, it would likely function with a relay.