The issue seems to be a sporadic high-pitched noise, likely unrelated to the GPU.
The issue seems to be a sporadic high-pitched noise, likely unrelated to the GPU.
I'm experiencing an unusual issue with high-frequency noise coming from the system. After checking, the problem persists even after removing the GPU and adjusting BIOS settings. It produces a sustained high-pitched tone lasting seconds to minutes, unrelated to typical load indicators like CPU or disk activity. I've tried different power supplies and NVMe drives, but the source remains unclear. The performance benchmarks are stable, yet the noise continues. I'm unsure where to begin troubleshooting without replacing some components.
compactize A4 sheets into a funnel shape, adjust the ear opening size at one end, expand the other end slightly, and trace around the setup or board to identify the source—possibly a fan or a tiny part on the circuit board. This might help detect issues like electrical interference or noise.
This approach shows promise—really impressive how effectively you can capture distinct sounds with just a sheet of paper. A tiny shift in placement can change whether the fans sound like a jet engine or not. Unfortunately, I can only guess the source of the whine, which seems likely near the CPU, pump, GPU, RAM, or M.2 slot. The GPU has been eliminated, and aside from the pump, none of the other components stand out as obvious noise sources. It’s tempting to send it to Micro Center, though I’m not sure if they include “annoying noise” in their diagnostic list.
First, I’d check if it’s the pump—the only moving component here—since that could explain the noise. If not, it might point to a cleaner power issue.
I made some progress. Memtest ran and produced a lot of noise—usually around 8 to 10 seconds, then it would stop briefly before resuming. It was a mix of different sounds throughout the whole test. I plan to check each RAM stick one by one tomorrow to compare results. This could be related to the motherboard, but I'm not sure. I've never heard RAM making noise before.
It's improbable the RAM is the issue; the motherboard is more likely involved. If a part fails or is absent, it can disrupt electrical flow and cause noise.