F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The very loud sound coming from the motherboard right after the PC starts up?

The very loud sound coming from the motherboard right after the PC starts up?

The very loud sound coming from the motherboard right after the PC starts up?

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Starontek
Junior Member
2
03-15-2025, 08:13 AM
#1
Hey there, I built a new PC and I’m facing a tricky issue. The machine makes a really high-pitched noise coming from the motherboard or CPU area.

I found some videos that show what the sound looks like from both sides. From the front it’s here: https://youtube.com/shorts/EQJciIPFjdU?feature=share, and from the back: https://youtube.com/shorts/U35wH2R6S_c. As soon as the PC starts up (even without RAM), the pitch begins. The noise seems to come from the RAM or CPU section.

I’ve checked that the fans and pump aren’t causing it, and I also unplugged the GPU during testing—it didn’t stop the sound. It’s not coming from the power supply either, since the issue appears above the main components. There’s also a “scratching” sound in that same spot, which could be a sign.

After more testing, I noticed the PC wouldn’t boot with RAM installed in slots 1 and 3, but only in slots 2 and 4. That’s confusing. Anyone have any ideas or advice? It’s really frustrating and it’s making me feel really stressed.
S
Starontek
03-15-2025, 08:13 AM #1

Hey there, I built a new PC and I’m facing a tricky issue. The machine makes a really high-pitched noise coming from the motherboard or CPU area.

I found some videos that show what the sound looks like from both sides. From the front it’s here: https://youtube.com/shorts/EQJciIPFjdU?feature=share, and from the back: https://youtube.com/shorts/U35wH2R6S_c. As soon as the PC starts up (even without RAM), the pitch begins. The noise seems to come from the RAM or CPU section.

I’ve checked that the fans and pump aren’t causing it, and I also unplugged the GPU during testing—it didn’t stop the sound. It’s not coming from the power supply either, since the issue appears above the main components. There’s also a “scratching” sound in that same spot, which could be a sign.

After more testing, I noticed the PC wouldn’t boot with RAM installed in slots 1 and 3, but only in slots 2 and 4. That’s confusing. Anyone have any ideas or advice? It’s really frustrating and it’s making me feel really stressed.

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livtheviking
Posting Freak
846
03-15-2025, 09:33 AM
#2
Hey there,
This sounds like coil whine, usually caused by the GPU or PSU. It occurs when high current flows, such as during gaming. Often comes from inductors or capacitors on either device. Sometimes the motherboard, but rarely. If you have warranty and it bothers you, send it back for replacement. Does it impact performance?
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livtheviking
03-15-2025, 09:33 AM #2

Hey there,
This sounds like coil whine, usually caused by the GPU or PSU. It occurs when high current flows, such as during gaming. Often comes from inductors or capacitors on either device. Sometimes the motherboard, but rarely. If you have warranty and it bothers you, send it back for replacement. Does it impact performance?

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TayoO84
Junior Member
40
03-23-2025, 03:13 AM
#3
It's not under stress, only a steady high-pitched sound when the computer begins. I haven't identified what it is yet. It doesn't impact performance, just my hearing and those nearby in my room.
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TayoO84
03-23-2025, 03:13 AM #3

It's not under stress, only a steady high-pitched sound when the computer begins. I haven't identified what it is yet. It doesn't impact performance, just my hearing and those nearby in my room.

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DRGNdragsYT
Senior Member
723
03-23-2025, 04:15 AM
#4
I should have been more explicit. This tends to occur during load conditions. It can also happen at varying load levels.
My PSU appears fine, though not of the highest standard. With its 3-year warranty, I'd be doubting its quality. For a premium-rated unit built with superior components, you'd expect a 7-10 year warranty.
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DRGNdragsYT
03-23-2025, 04:15 AM #4

I should have been more explicit. This tends to occur during load conditions. It can also happen at varying load levels.
My PSU appears fine, though not of the highest standard. With its 3-year warranty, I'd be doubting its quality. For a premium-rated unit built with superior components, you'd expect a 7-10 year warranty.

D
DefaultTV
Member
60
03-23-2025, 08:38 AM
#5
The noise isn't coming from the psu. Could there still be a psu problem even though the sound is from the cpu area? Thanks for your responses!
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DefaultTV
03-23-2025, 08:38 AM #5

The noise isn't coming from the psu. Could there still be a psu problem even though the sound is from the cpu area? Thanks for your responses!

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martims098
Member
193
03-23-2025, 03:51 PM
#6
Welcome again. No problem at all. If you're confident, then we should focus on the mobo capacitors. Inside a case, it's possible the sound could appear to come from a location that isn't there, making it difficult to identify. Maybe others here can offer some assistance?
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martims098
03-23-2025, 03:51 PM #6

Welcome again. No problem at all. If you're confident, then we should focus on the mobo capacitors. Inside a case, it's possible the sound could appear to come from a location that isn't there, making it difficult to identify. Maybe others here can offer some assistance?

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TPG_Khalatic
Member
183
03-23-2025, 09:59 PM
#7
Yes, by listening it was quite challenging, but with your phone you can easily identify where the noise becomes louder. It's likely near the CPU. You can also hear it getting louder in the video.
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TPG_Khalatic
03-23-2025, 09:59 PM #7

Yes, by listening it was quite challenging, but with your phone you can easily identify where the noise becomes louder. It's likely near the CPU. You can also hear it getting louder in the video.