Need to replace PSU (again) ?

[Grg83]

Hello all, here is what I recently puschased in the past 10 days or so.

Intel core i5 2500k *(Overclocked to 4.3GHz at stock voltage, with downclocking during off-load enabled)
Asus P8P67 Pro
CM Hyper 212+
G.Skill 2x4GB
EVGA GTX460 Superclocker *(Overclocked to 840 core, 1680 shader, and 2100 memory on stock voltage)
Micro Center 64GB SSD
Samsung F3 1TB SATA
Dell U2311H
Antec High Current Gamer 520w

Everything is running smooth with cool temps. The problem is, something (I am 99% sure that it is the power supply) is making a relatively quite, but nonetheless noticable, intermittent clicking/rattling sound. Believing once already that it was the PSU, I brought it back to Micro Center and exchanged it for an identical model. Well, one day later the rattling has returned.

I am now getting quite frustrated, and am therefore seeking your assistance. Could someone please offer some ideas on how to end this faint distraction. I am guessing my only option is to once again swap in a new PSU.

So, based on my system, could I get some recommendations for a replacement?
Thank you.

 

[Slugbait]

Never heard of a Seasonic PSU doing something like that...two units in a row.

Take the 1% of questionability and hunt it down.

You don't mention what case you're using...is it a POS?

 

[mfenn]

The problem could be the bearings rattling in the PSU fan itself, but I doubt it would happen with two PSUs in a row. Most likely what is happening is that there is some vibration that's causing two pieces of metal in the case to rattle. Try to figure out what's causing it then tape a piece of paper between them (or anything that would dampen the noise.

 

[Grg83]

So about two hours ago, to be 100% sure that it was the PSU fan causing the noise, I slowly inserted a folded index card up through the fan grill into the rotating fan as it, and the rest of my system, was powered on.

Yes, I do realize how incredibly poorly that could have gone.

On the bright side, I am now 100% sure that it was the PSU fan causing the noise. The instant I prevented the fan from rotating, the noise vanished. I waited about 10-15 seconds, and then released the fan.

Now here is the really odd part. Since my idiotic stunt two hours, I have not heard the sound return one single time. How strange is that?!

It would certainly be wonderful if that index card permanently vanquished my PSU demon.

 

[mnewsham]

So about two hours ago, to be 100% sure that it was the PSU fan causing the noise, I slowly inserted a folded index card up through the fan grill into the rotating fan as it, and the rest of my system, was powered on.

Yes, I do realize how incredibly poorly that could have gone.

On the bright side, I am now 100% sure that it was the PSU fan causing the noise. The instant I prevented the fan from rotating, the noise vanished. I waited about 10-15 seconds, and then released the fan.

Now here is the really odd part. Since my idiotic stunt two hours, I have not heard the sound return one single time. How strange is that?!

It would certainly be wonderful if that index card permanently vanquished my PSU demon.

once you stopped the fan it would stop vibrating against the case if it were as Mfenn stated a simple metal on metal of the case.

 

[Grg83]

Oh, also, since I was asked I just wanted to mention that my case is a Lian Li PC-6070

http://www.anandtech.com/show/1278

 

[Grg83]

once you stopped the fan it would stop vibrating against the case if it were as Mfenn stated a simple metal on metal of the case.

True. If the sound returns, I will try taping a piece of paper between the PSU and the side of the case.

 

[pandemonium]

Oh, also, since I was asked I just wanted to mention that my case is a Lian Li PC-6070

http://www.anandtech.com/show/1278

Awesome. I've had the same case for several years and absolutely love it. I plan on using it until I die or form factor changes (at this rate of technology advancement hopefully the latter is first )

I've since used 3 different PSUs in my case and never had that problem. Though I will note that the PSUs always fit snugly into the bay and I always use all screws to attach the backplate to the case. If you do this as well then I'd have to say it's actually the PSU fan rubbing on the housing of the PSU itself. To me it sounds like the assembly of the PSU fan isn't quite right. *shrug*

 

[VirtualLarry]

I had some PSU rattle on my codegen case, it was kind of thin. I took some pink foam that came under a motherboard, and used some twist-ties and stuff to create a vibration-isolation gasket, for where the PSU contacts the case.

You might need something similar. You can purchase pre-made gaskets too, but I just made my own. It helped a lot.

Thankfully, I haven't had this problem on my Antec 300 or CoolerMaster Elite 330 cases.

 

[gorcorps]

My case actually came with an adhesive rubber gasket already applied to where the PSU contacts the case. Given that they're including these in the case now, I would guess that it's a common enough issue. Find some foam, rubber, or anything to put a small vibration dampener between your case and PSU.

 

[mfenn]

Yes, I do realize how incredibly poorly that could have gone.

Nah, it's fine. There's not too much that you could really mess up at the fairly low RPMs at which PSU fans rotate.

I usually use my finger but I didn't want to suggest that!