PSU Buzzing Noise On New Unit

[N4g4rok]

Morning Anadtech,

I purchased this Mini-ITX Case with PSU for a new build a couple days ago. After being on for a full day, i came back to the machine and it's emitting a low-pitch buzzing noise that seems to be originating from the PSU. I've listen to a few examples of coil whine and this is not nearly as high pitched. A restart remedied the problem last night, but when i got back to it this morning, i could hear it again.

Is this normal PSU noise? I I don't usually sit anywhere near this close to where the machine is. If it's something that's harmless, i'll deal with it, but if it indicates a larger problem, i'll want to get it RMA'd.

 

[Deders]

Is it definitely not anything to do with the fan?

 

[lucky9]

Return it.

 

[Blastman]

Use a pencil to momentarily stop the fan -- to see if the fan is causing the noise.

 

[nightspydk]

Sounds to me a non american speaking like a normal sound emitted off the capacitors. Do not need to be a problem, but an irritation indeed. 🙂

Good idea blastman just do not touch the caps.

If it is indeed just the fan (don't think so) it is quite easily replaced in most PSU units but that will become apparent.

Good luck. 🙂

 

[Meghan54]

Actually, it's probably one of two things. Either the fan's going out or you have coil whine. And since you have a new power supply that's able to be RMA'd, I wouldn't replace the fan myself if it turns out to be the source of the noise....doing that will void your warranty. If it turns out to be coil whine (caps typically don't whine), nothing you can do about that except RMA.

 

[N4g4rok]

I've read multiple reviews for the Case/PSU combo and the general consensus was the small, high-rpm fan makes more noise than the fan in larger form factors. Tried Blastman's suggestion on a recent start up and the noise came back shortly after i let the fan spin up.

I did some research on coil whine, but the sounds don't seem to match what i've heard. I had similar issues with another 80-Plus Bronze PSU of the same form factor, so i'm thinking it's safe to assume it was the fan.

The noise was only noticeable while sitting right next to the machine. Now that it's been moved just under the desk, i can't hear it anymore. I've perused some other threads and decided that the noise does not likely mean the fan is going out, just that it's a small fan that spins fast and makes a little too much noise. Unless you've heard otherwise, i'll likely not replace it.

Appreciate the assistance, gentlemen.

 

[Soulkeeper]

I noticed the same thing in a budget psu.
It turned out to be the brass bushings for the cheapo fan.