Utilizing MSI Smart Fan results in a squealing sound.
Utilizing MSI Smart Fan results in a squealing sound.
I adjusted my case fans to run at 60% of the voltage all the time, which kept them quiet but kept them spinning steadily. I experimented with a smart fan that would slow down when it got warm and speed up in cooler conditions. However, whenever I turned it on, I began hearing brief squealing sounds lasting about half a second. What could be causing this? Is there a solution?
What kind of fans are you employing? Even with Smart Fan enabled, you can modify the speeds. Certain models have a baseline on which they don’t turn on, or maybe your units simply lack the desired setting. Increase their speed slightly to push them past the squealing threshold. I own a fan in my setup that fails to activate when PWM is at 20%, which is the default for "smart fan," so I raised it to 40% specifically for that unit. You should be able to tweak the curve in the BIOS—there are options for both PWM and DC voltage. At least this is true across all my MSI boards. I think some earlier models offered less flexibility.
These are likely NZXT case fans, possibly simple models. They don’t make constant noise; instead, they occasionally whir or click briefly, though the timing isn’t consistent and could depend on whether they’re from a fan or a motherboard.
Are they 3 wire (DC) or 4 wire (PWM)? The squeak may just be the bearing / sleeve before the get moving and lubricated. If they are DC only probably not much you can do. If they are capable of being controlled by PWM, try switching them to PWM and controlling them by that. Then just leave them on all the time, just at a lower speed. Many times the PWM method will allow you spin the fan slower anyways.
Noise clearly comes from electrical sources. This 3-wire setup lets you manage them by changing voltage on the fly. It seems the fan makes a sound when the voltage shifts from zero to six, but not when it speeds up to twelve volts. The noise probably originates from the fan itself, since it starts making sound before turning on and only stops once active. It’s similar to how a tiny motor behaves when you grip it. I’ll try increasing the idle temperature a bit to reduce sudden jumps.