Video card noise...

[imported_t0ast]

I just upgraded from a BFGtech 6800GT (256mb) to an EVGA 7900GT KO (512mb). It works just fine, performs as it should (hell, I'm even using it right now)... but any time I go into a 3D application or game, I get a strange buzzing noise, just loud enough to be obnoxious and audible through the closed case. This noise reacts to my movement in and viewing of 3D environments, changing pitch and volume in sync with my motions. As soon as I hop back to the Windows desktop, the noise is gone.

This seems to rule the fan out as the culprit, as the sound is too quick to respond to my movements in whatever game I'm playing, and appears to be temperature independent. Capacitors all feel warm, not hot, with little to no variation in temperature between them. I updated to the newest nVidia drivers and flashed my DFI Lanparty nForce4 SLI-DR motherboard's BIOS up to the latest version. Being an SLI board, I tried switching to the other PCI-E slot, but nothing changed. To rule out my other expansion cards causing some sort of interference or them actually causing the noise themselves, they were removed, and the noise is still present.

Calling EVGA's tech support didn't provide much help, the guy didn't know much more than I did. RMA is still an option here, though, but I'm curious what's causing this problem or if there's a possible way to fix it and circumvent this possibly happening again with the replacement.

Here's what it sounds like as I start up HL2, then exit after about 10 sec of sitting at the main menu (which has an in-game scene as a background): http://media.putfile.com/7900GT-noise

 

[Auric]

Sure it's not the power supply?

 

[imported_t0ast]

Positive. The machine never had this problem before I installed the new video card, and changing back to the BFGtech 6800GT removes the problem. BTW specs are in the first link in my sig.

After a quick double check, putting my ear right next to the internals, it's definitely the video card putting out that sound.

Unfortunately, I don't have another machine nearby that I can test this card in.

 

[BFG10K]

Check to see if there are any leaking or bulging caps on the card.

You may have to RMA it.

 

[Auric]

Fortunately, you've got another card to run so don't sweat it anymore and arrange for an exchange.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

i would imagine it was the psu, mine was doing the same thing. till i replaced it, when i hopped into 3d games, it would put load onto it and it would get higher and higher, then when i exited, it would go away as well.

 

[ElFenix]

electronic whine, very well could be the PSU. the 7900GT most likely puts more of a load on the PSU than the 6800GT, and you might have come upon a wattage that causes whine in the toroidal coils in the power supply. could also be the power circuitry on the card itself. might even be the toroidal coils on the motherboard.

 

[TheRyuu]

Yea, I get that too but only if I vmod the memory (which I stopped doing).

My 9800XT did the same thing. It worked fine so I guess it's nothing to worry about.

 

[Bobthelost]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
ethe 7900GT most likely puts more of a load on the PSU than the 6800GT, and you might have come upon a wattage that causes whine in the toroidal coils in the power supply. could also be the power circuitry on the card itself. might even be the toroidal coils on the motherboard.

Probably not, look at the power consumption graphs, the 7900GT line is much lower power draw wise than the 6800GT line, of course this is an overspecced model but it won't be a huge increase.

Capacitor whine is my bet too, doesn't mean there's anything wrong, just that you're getting resonanaces at audible frequencies, rare but known problem. RMA it and the odds are you won't get the same problem (or RMA the PSU if you can, that way you preserve your GPU warranty for longer).

 

[JBT]

My X1900XT has always whined while in the BF2 server menu and slightly in the CSS/HL2 menu. I've heard of alot of other X1900XT owners having their cards buzz a little bit. My 6800GT usta do it a bit too.

Though it was never as loud or annoying sounding as that... The BF2 server menu is pretty close though I don't know how far away you were when you recorded that. I have to put my easr right up to it to sound that loud.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost

Originally posted by: ElFenix
ethe 7900GT most likely puts more of a load on the PSU than the 6800GT, and you might have come upon a wattage that causes whine in the toroidal coils in the power supply. could also be the power circuitry on the card itself. might even be the toroidal coils on the motherboard.

Probably not, look at the power consumption graphs, the 7900GT line is much lower power draw wise than the 6800GT line, of course this is an overspecced model but it won't be a huge increase.

i didn't consult any graphs

 

[rapoon]

I am have the exact same whining problem with my antex 480w and 7600gt. The instant I open a game or other 3d application, both the PSU and card emit a high pitched whine. The whine immeditaley starts once the 3d games or applications are start and stops immediately when they are closed.

First thing I did was unplug every single fan in the pc...noise persisted. Then tried 4 different video cards...noise persisted. At this point im 80% sure its the PSU, so i ordered a 600w ocz powerstream. hope new psu eliminates the problems