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Problem with PC crashes accompanied by a loud whine noise.

Problem with PC crashes accompanied by a loud whine noise.

T
tobygamer123
Member
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62
06-02-2016, 08:35 AM
#1
Hey everyone,
I’m facing a problem with my PC that I’m still trying to understand. It suddenly crashes during specific games, like Portal 2 or Valorant, and sometimes even when it’s idle in the main menu. Just before the crash, I notice a loud whining sound coming from the computer. After the crash, it won’t turn back on unless I switch off and then back on the power supply.

On the other hand, I’ve been able to play League of Legends and Arc Raiders without any issues.

I’ve tried several things: fresh Windows 10 install, checked all parts are securely connected, updated BIOS and chipset drivers, refreshed Crucial T500 SSD firmware, ran MemTest86 with no errors, cleaned dust, re-seated GPU and RAM, and even reset the PSU. The temperatures look normal now.

It only happens in certain games and needs me to flip the PSU switch before it powers up again. It seems to fix itself sometimes. I’d really appreciate any advice or tests you recommend next.

Thanks in advance!
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T
tobygamer123
06-02-2016, 08:35 AM #1

Hey everyone,
I’m facing a problem with my PC that I’m still trying to understand. It suddenly crashes during specific games, like Portal 2 or Valorant, and sometimes even when it’s idle in the main menu. Just before the crash, I notice a loud whining sound coming from the computer. After the crash, it won’t turn back on unless I switch off and then back on the power supply.

On the other hand, I’ve been able to play League of Legends and Arc Raiders without any issues.

I’ve tried several things: fresh Windows 10 install, checked all parts are securely connected, updated BIOS and chipset drivers, refreshed Crucial T500 SSD firmware, ran MemTest86 with no errors, cleaned dust, re-seated GPU and RAM, and even reset the PSU. The temperatures look normal now.

It only happens in certain games and needs me to flip the PSU switch before it powers up again. It seems to fix itself sometimes. I’d really appreciate any advice or tests you recommend next.

Thanks in advance!

Reply
Reply
J
Jaaasper
Junior Member
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2
06-02-2016, 02:54 PM
#2
PSu - RMA if under warranty. Upgrade to tier a.
Tier List
- 850w /flex for future upgrades with long warranty.
Conduct tests, should you wish to join as a parts tester with an uncertain power supply.
Why PSU (Not GPU/Other)?
Whine Characteristics:
High-pitched = coil whine from inductors vibrating during rapid load changes. The EVGA NEX series (Bronze, multi-rail) is known for this issue—users have experienced crashes in GPU-heavy games using 6950 XT/6900 XT, especially when rails overload (e.g., +12V drops below 11.5V).
Game Performance:
League/Arc Raiders = consistent ~200–250W GPU draw (low load). Portal/Valorant = sporadic bursts of 300W+ with high FPS/VRAM demands, putting more strain on the PSU. The B550 Tomahawk handles this well thanks to stable PCIe 4.0 x16.
RX 6950 XT Impact:
Power fluctuations lead to whine and shutdowns on weaker PSUs—many users resolve it by switching to 850W+ Gold/Platinum.
Not Storage/Other:
T500 firmware is solid; crashes are not primarily I/O related.
Quick Checks Before RMA:
Identify Whine Source:
Listen directly to the PSU (back exhaust) during the Valorant menu—does the noise originate there? Confirmed PSU issue. (Ensure PC is on, avoid touching internal parts.)
Maximum GPU Power Limit:
AMD Adrenaline > Performance > Tuning > Manual > Power Limit -10% to -20%. Test Portal 2—will crashes occur if PSU fails?
Cable Verification:
Employ 3 distinct PCIe 8-pin cables from the PSU (not daisy-chained)—NEX rails may sag under overload. Re-seat GPU power connection.
Stress Test the PSU:
Use OCCT Power or a FurMark + Prime95 blend for 10 minutes, monitoring the +12V rail via HWInfo (should remain above 11.8V). Drops in voltage paired with whine indicate failure.
FPS Limitation:
In-game or via RivaTuner, cap Portal/Valorant at 144/240 FPS—reduces coil stress from spikes. Solution: Upgrade PSU (safer choice).
Recommendations
Wattage & Efficiency
Why?
Price (Nov 2025)
Amazon Link
Corsair RM850x
850W Gold
Quiet operation, single-rail capable of handling spikes; fixed 6950 XT noise in several reports.
Purchase
be quiet! Switch to 11 850W Power
850W Gold
Extremely quiet, stable rails—ideal for preventing AMD crashes.
Purchase
EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G7
850W Gold
Stick with EVGA if you choose; fewer whine complaints compared to NEX.
Purchase
Any option that fits reasonably from the Tier List in {local language}.
Reply
Reply
J
Jaaasper
06-02-2016, 02:54 PM #2

PSu - RMA if under warranty. Upgrade to tier a.
Tier List
- 850w /flex for future upgrades with long warranty.
Conduct tests, should you wish to join as a parts tester with an uncertain power supply.
Why PSU (Not GPU/Other)?
Whine Characteristics:
High-pitched = coil whine from inductors vibrating during rapid load changes. The EVGA NEX series (Bronze, multi-rail) is known for this issue—users have experienced crashes in GPU-heavy games using 6950 XT/6900 XT, especially when rails overload (e.g., +12V drops below 11.5V).
Game Performance:
League/Arc Raiders = consistent ~200–250W GPU draw (low load). Portal/Valorant = sporadic bursts of 300W+ with high FPS/VRAM demands, putting more strain on the PSU. The B550 Tomahawk handles this well thanks to stable PCIe 4.0 x16.
RX 6950 XT Impact:
Power fluctuations lead to whine and shutdowns on weaker PSUs—many users resolve it by switching to 850W+ Gold/Platinum.
Not Storage/Other:
T500 firmware is solid; crashes are not primarily I/O related.
Quick Checks Before RMA:
Identify Whine Source:
Listen directly to the PSU (back exhaust) during the Valorant menu—does the noise originate there? Confirmed PSU issue. (Ensure PC is on, avoid touching internal parts.)
Maximum GPU Power Limit:
AMD Adrenaline > Performance > Tuning > Manual > Power Limit -10% to -20%. Test Portal 2—will crashes occur if PSU fails?
Cable Verification:
Employ 3 distinct PCIe 8-pin cables from the PSU (not daisy-chained)—NEX rails may sag under overload. Re-seat GPU power connection.
Stress Test the PSU:
Use OCCT Power or a FurMark + Prime95 blend for 10 minutes, monitoring the +12V rail via HWInfo (should remain above 11.8V). Drops in voltage paired with whine indicate failure.
FPS Limitation:
In-game or via RivaTuner, cap Portal/Valorant at 144/240 FPS—reduces coil stress from spikes. Solution: Upgrade PSU (safer choice).
Recommendations
Wattage & Efficiency
Why?
Price (Nov 2025)
Amazon Link
Corsair RM850x
850W Gold
Quiet operation, single-rail capable of handling spikes; fixed 6950 XT noise in several reports.
Purchase
be quiet! Switch to 11 850W Power
850W Gold
Extremely quiet, stable rails—ideal for preventing AMD crashes.
Purchase
EVGA SuperNOVA 850 G7
850W Gold
Stick with EVGA if you choose; fewer whine complaints compared to NEX.
Purchase
Any option that fits reasonably from the Tier List in {local language}.

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S
skiba_k
Junior Member
Find
38
06-08-2016, 06:13 PM
#3
I faced comparable problems mainly due to a weak 750 W power supply. The first solution was installing a dedicated PSU for my 1080ti, which resolved all concerns. I continue using a separate PSU for my 4090 to avoid drawing more than 750W from a single outlet, as doing so triggered an alarm on my MasterPiece Plus Kensington Surge Protector Power Center AC Low Voltage device (indicating the voltage had fallen below 104VAC).
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S
skiba_k
06-08-2016, 06:13 PM #3

I faced comparable problems mainly due to a weak 750 W power supply. The first solution was installing a dedicated PSU for my 1080ti, which resolved all concerns. I continue using a separate PSU for my 4090 to avoid drawing more than 750W from a single outlet, as doing so triggered an alarm on my MasterPiece Plus Kensington Surge Protector Power Center AC Low Voltage device (indicating the voltage had fallen below 104VAC).

Reply
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