PSU noise through the roof after GTX 780 install

culex

Senior member
Jul 26, 2000
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So I've been on the Seasonic M12II 620watt PSU for a few years and I just moved from a HD 7850 to GTX 780. I noticed right off the bat that the PSU fan noise has increased even on idle. I'm guessing this is due to the extra power draw.

The real increase in PSU noise is about tenfold once the GTX 780 is under load. I didn't worry much about clearance at the bottom of the case since noise was never an issue for the PSU but I also noticed if I raise the case a bit from the floor, the PSU's noise level dies down a bit under load as well. So I'm 100% sure the increased noise is the PSU.

I spent a decent amount on upgrades so I've a quieter PC. Now that's pretty much thrown out the window. So need some advice since I'm not too keen on this situation (never had to worry about PSU noise before).

620 watt is something I thought was plenty of power for a GTX 780 setup. I don't have issues running the card; runs fantastic. It's the huge increase in PSU noise now due to the extra power draw from the 780. Can I get rid of the PSU noise and go back to my near silent setup by getting a new PSU that's still rated quiet and with more watts? What are my options here?
 

monkeydelmagico

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2011
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If fan noise is reduced when raising case off floor why not just keep it propped up? Taller feet?
 

culex

Senior member
Jul 26, 2000
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If fan noise is reduced when raising case off floor why not just keep it propped up? Taller feet?

That was more of a diagnosis for me to see if it really was the PSU. Fan noise is reduced but the noise level is still really high even after being propped up.
 

Gunbuster

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,852
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Well you have already diagnosed the problem. The solution it to perform power supply surgery and install a quieter fan, or buy a new quieter power supply.
 

bradly1101

Diamond Member
May 5, 2013
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For my recent builds I blocked the bottom vents and flipped the power supplies so they wouldn't suck carpet, and cleaning the filter is a pain anyway. This might work for you too.
 

culex

Senior member
Jul 26, 2000
744
0
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Well you have already diagnosed the problem. The solution it to perform power supply surgery and install a quieter fan, or buy a new quieter power supply.

Just wanted that confirmation. I wasn't sure if my hunch was right or wrong. PSU running close to capacity is something I've not come across before so that realm is all new to me. Thanks! :)
 

vailr

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Just wanted that confirmation. I wasn't sure if my hunch was right or wrong. PSU running close to capacity is something I've not come across before so that realm is all new to me. Thanks! :)

A "gold rated" replacement PSU with a quieter fan of about the same wattage rating should be the best solution, although certainly more expensive that just a fan replacement.
I wouldn't recommend more than a 700W PSU, for your single GTX780 card system.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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An M12II 620W won't be close to its maximum power output on a GTX 780. You're pulling 350W at the most. I suspect that your PSU might be dusty on the inside or that you need to flip it over so that it draws air from inside the case rather than trying to pull air through the case vents and carpet.