PSU failure?

[someguy020]

I have a PC I built awhile ago, and it used to have intermittent problems with the computer hanging through the years at random (either while running windows, or even on startup when it's loading the BIOS). It happened occasionally, but not often enough for me to figure out what was causing it. Well, it had been increasing by quite a bit so eventually I thought it was probably the PSU that was causing it. I replaced the PSU from a Corsair PSU to a FSP Hydro G 650W PSU and all was well. For a little bit.

A month or so, later I thought I was hearing some clicking noises (which is new) but thought it was my imagination. Then a few days later the clicking is suddenly increasing in frequency and the computer hangs. I turn off the computer. I try for a brief moment to see what happens when I turn it on again, and the clicking resumes in the same rapid frequency, the computer doesn't turn on, and the case fan turns off and on as well.

I conclude that it's probably from a failed PSU; I contact FSP and RMA the device -- after two weeks, they send my PSU back with the note: "Return for repair under warranty - completed." I assume that means it is fixed. I hook up the PSU and the same thing happens again -- rapid clicking noises that seem to come from the PSU. I don't really want to fry my computer, so the PSU is turned off and disconnected again.

So what's your opinion on what's going on?? What's with all the clicking noises coming from the direction of the PSU?

My computer:
i7-930 with Asus motherboard and 12GB of RAM
ATI HD 7970 video card
2 WD Black HDDs with 1 SSD
Corsair PSU switched out with a FSP Hydro G 650W

 

[Torn Mind]

Well, if you want to be really sure, you put your ear right against the psu and listen.

But yes, it seems like the PSU has failed. Now, whether there is another fault on the mobo creating issues can only be eliminated with another PSU.

 

[EXCellR8]

almost sounds like it's tripping an internal breaker or something. do you have a UPS nearby? first gen i7 + high end HD 7000 series cards can draw a lot of power. not to mention I'm guessing 6 sticks of memory and two spinning hard drives plus whatever else you got hooked up.

personally, I'd up the wattage and try again.

 

[Campy]

Could be the PSU, could be the motherboard, or perhaps some issue with the power from the wall?(extremely unlikely). There should be absolutely no way that system draws too much power for the PSU wattage you have.
Silly question but are your motherboard standoffs installed?

 

[LTC8K6]

Start the PSU outside of the case so you have it isolated from the mobo?