Question Strange PSU sounds and coil whine?
Question Strange PSU sounds and coil whine?
I just received a new Super Flower Leadex III Gold PSU today, and it’s producing a really loud noise. Here’s what it sounds like:
https://www.mediafire.com/file/as7bv0092...4.MOV/file
It appears to stop when the fan stops spinning. Could this be coil whine or is there an issue with my PSU? I’ve had to replace my first Leadex, and it never sounded like this before—this seems unusual, though the sample size is limited.
I’m concerned because my PSU slipped off my desk while cables were connected, and now the bottom of the PSU touched the desk side. It looks scratched but doesn’t seem fully damaged, though it did scratch my desk a bit.
Update your post with complete system hardware details and operating system information.
Check the specifications of the old PSU and verify if any cables from the previous unit were used in the new one.
The "fall":
Examine the modular cable connectors and wires closely. They might be cracked or otherwise compromised.
My build is a Super Flower Leadex III Gold. I didn't reuse any of the PSU cables from my previous unit; I had to return it for replacement, so those old cables are no longer available. The modular cable connectors and wires look fine, and I can share a short video if you'd like. Do they all appear okay?
Just capture a few photos and share them here via imgur (www.imgur.com).
Likely it won’t display much or reveal much. If anything is visible, you’ve probably already noticed it.
Regarding "look at them" [cables, cards, etc.], that’s clear enough, but the real step is to actually touch and move them.
Unplug and then plug them back in several times until the connection works smoothly and securely.
I recorded a video of it here:
https://imgur.com/a/HiP1W8q
You can see it here:
https://imgur.com/a/HiP1W8q
It appears to occur only in certain situations, which suggests there might be an issue with one of my connectors or the case. I plan to remove it again and send photos of the cables along with everything. I’ll also test them more thoroughly and unplug it completely. Thank you!
System specifications?
Power supply wattage?
Video: Three quick observations:
1) The fan seems to run slowly. Not entirely certain, but it doesn’t seem fast enough. Might be related to the video.
2) A few PSU cases have screws that look like Torx head—could be a replaceable fan. Most PSUs aren’t designed for easy repairs.
3) Dimpled fan blades? I don’t see any benefit there. They probably just make more noise and vibration, especially when inside the case.
They’ll also trap dust and get dirty over time.
I’m looking forward to more comments and advice from other users who know about PSUs.
Here’s my build information:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/CfHsGL
The PSU wattage is 850W.
I’ll definitely ask Super Flower about this and inquire why it’s slower than expected.
That’s interesting. I’ve always been told not to interfere with the power supply, so I’m curious about that.
I see, so this dimpled design seems unfavorable. The first Leadex I received didn’t have this sound, which makes me wonder why this one does.
A new sound has also started recently. You might need headphones to hear it:
https://youtube.com/shorts/73KmVPS2JrA?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/bgJFhAT70-g?feature=share
I need my PC until March 11th. Do you think it’s safe to keep using this PSU until then? I used a PSU tester that says everything is fine, but now I’m not so sure.
What kind of PSU tester is this?
Yes, it’s one of those plug-in devices used to display voltages.
PSUs aren’t designed for repair. Capacitors can retain charge and still pose a shock risk even when unplugged. Parts are soldered on, making it hard to identify exact specifications for replacement, and often there are sharp edges or raw surfaces that could cause injury. It’s not worth the effort and likely won’t yield good results.
Earlier reflections:
"I'm concerned I might have damaged something because my PSU slipped off my desk while cables were connected."
The PSU case or an internal part may have been bent or displaced during the fall. There are no immediate issues, but after repeated thermal cycles and vibrations, the situation deteriorated, increasing noise and potentially affecting performance. Possible causes include the fan housing or blades. If the only symptom is noise, everything seems fine.
But overheating signs—smells of burning, sparks, or louder sounds—could be serious. It’s best to avoid using the PC and never leave it running unattended. Unplugging it would be wise too."
Yes, I used one of the plug-in devices. This is the model I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/Computer-PC-...ctronics&sprefix=psu+t,electronics,168&sr=1-3
Is this a good sign that my PSU is safe to use, or could it be misleading?
I understand why the Torx screws are replaceable and I see why that makes sense. I noticed the noise issues right away, but then they got worse. I’ve observed temperature rises for just the 7600, yet Zen 4 CPUs usually stay below 95 degrees Celsius, which doesn’t seem related to the PSU. So far, I haven’t seen any burning smells or sparks. I’ll definitely avoid using it just in case the PSU degrades further. Thank you!