UPDATE: Any Xeon or Dual Xeon users? (Hearing LOUD squeal from mobo or CPU)

[computer]

Hi all. I've never used Xeon CPU's before. This 'might' be normal, but I doubt it. Mobo is a SuperMicro S2DGU w/TWO PII 450/1mb Xeon CPU's on board. Nothing is hooked up to it except for the CPU's, memory & video card. It's not even in a case yet. Since no HD is connected, it just goes through POST. Every time it's shut down (powered off) via either switch on the power supply or mobo header, there is a loud squeal. I thought it was the supply, but it's not, I changed it. I cannot tell where it's coming from; whether it's one of the CPU's (both were sealed retail boxed), or the mobo. Having never used a Xeon before, I thought I'd ask if this sound is normal (but like I said) I doubt it is. Could the power supplies be doing this because they are over burdened? One is 350 watt P4 approved, the other is 300 watt P4 & Athlon approved. Manual for the mobo says any PC 2.01 supply will work. Mobo was *allegedly* brand new, but it was obvious the damn thing was a return since the CPU terminator was opened and already installed. Manual was also dog-eared. (got it from the jerks @greatpcsonline.com, who will not answer email OR the phone....STAY AWAY FROM THEM!).
Thanks for any info,
-Clint

 

[Nemesis77]

have you checked the fans?

 

[Vegito]

Sounds like the fan.. I have over 20 P4 Xeons systems and CPU does not make any sound ! Im using the supermicro p4dce+

 

[dullard]

I have over 20 P4 Xeons systems and CPU does not make any sound ! Im using the supermicro p4dce+

I've got a dual P4 Xeon which is meant for desktop use. It is quiet as can be. However P4 Xeons aren't server chips.

I could be wrong but this is my idea. I really think that there is a good chance that the fans are doing just what they were designed to do. But there is a small chance you have a problem. Maybe an expert can help more than I can.

Those specific Xeon chips you have are not workstation chips, but instead they are high cache server chips. The emphasis on server chips is reliability, and they could almost care less about noise. Typically then they have overdone the fan to make sure the chips don't overheat. These fans are meant for maximum air flow, not minimum noise (like many fans aimed at desktop computers). These fans often run at full speed (ie very loud) at start up and at shut down - during the time the motherboard isn't checking CPU temperature. The loud noise usually only lasts a few seconds until the motherboard can determine the CPU temp and slow the fans down accordingly.

 

[Legendary]

Take off your fans and check to see that the fans are not hitting anything. When I got my current system the fan on my HSF was broken. Luckily I had hordes of Crazy Glue handy

 

[computer]

Guys, there are NO fans hooked up. As you know, Xeons do not come with fans. Since the PS was changed, it's not the PS fan. I also mentioned it was not in a case yet. I only later added a cooling fan on top the CPU's temporarily when I set the BIOS up because the heatsinks were getting a bit hot after being on for a few minutes. So, it's either the mobo or the CPU's making the noise. Since none of you seem to have heard this loud squeal before, evidently something is wrong with the mobo or one of both of the CPU's. I can change the CPU's and give that a try.

 

[sharkeeper]

It's an oscillation (most like LC based) from components either on the mainboard or the power supply. Sometimes it falls within the audible range (or at least the harmonics do) and is normal. By the time you load the box up with fans and fast SCSI drives you won't notice any squeal except for perhaps your wallet!

Cheers!

 

[computer]

Guys I found out what is doing this. There is an overheat buzzer next to the CPU slots. I put the factory sticker back on it, and it got much quieter. I then DISabled the *CPU overheat buzzer* via jumper and the sound has gone away. Now, this brings up another question now; WHY is it doing it even when the mobo is only on for 1 second? Nothing is getting even the least bit warm. Are any of you familiar with these *overheat buzzers*? Is something wrong with this buzzer (or possibly elsewhere on the board), or, are they supposed to do this when powering down?
Thanks.

 

[computer]

SuperMicro has a 24 hr hotline I just called, and after getting over the NON ENGLISH SPEAKING tech's inability to speak, he said it's 'normal', that it is just the 'power supply discharging'. Hmmm. Then why would it be coming from the buzzer? Anyone believe this?

 

[SaveYourself]

Never heard of Supermicro motherboards. Only supermicro CASES. And your problem is definitely not case-related.

As far as the buzzer...

You know how when you turn your car on, it makes a noise like a dinging or a beeping or a bell, or in some cases a buzzing sound? It might be something like this.