Weird buzzing from power supply...

[scoobyx13x]

Hello all, perhaps someone could offer some advice. My power supply makes a strange buzzing sound (a little higher pitched than a hard drive seek sound) any time I have to view folders or do anything that accesses the hard drive.

At first I thought it was hard drive seek, but after testing, it is defineitly coming from the PSU.

PSU in quesition is a Raidmax 430 watt powering an Athlon XP.

 

[furballi]

Probably the coil inside the PSU. You can apply RTV silicone or epoxy glue to the coil. This should eliminate the noise.

 

[jondl]

mmm.. i wouldn't recommend messing with a PSU if you don't have any idea what you are doing. Even if its the simplest mod, i mess up can kill your entire system or maybe even yourself =x but thats just me...

My friend's Coolermaster PSU makes a buzzing noise and has been for about a year now. No problems at all.. except the noise.

 

[Bozo Galora]

The hum comes from mechanical vibrations of tightly wound conductors in the transformers inside electrical components. Such a vibration results from the changing magnetic force associated with the 60-Hz alternating current typical of most electrical power systems. As paraphrased from a physics textbook.

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: Bozo Galora
The hum comes from mechanical vibrations of tightly wound conductors in the transformers inside electrical components. Such a vibration results from the changing magnetic force associated with the 60-Hz alternating current typical of most electrical power systems. As paraphrased from a physics textbook.

Yes in a linear system however computer power supplies are high frequency switching supplies. This explains why the frequencies are often bothersome as they can have artifacts (subharmonics of the ultrasonic fundamental) in the sensitive aural range of 8~16 kHz.

 

[thescreensavers]

WAHT "scrach my head"

 

[LOUISSSSS]

rma?

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Raidmax PSUs = absolute crappiest of PSUs in my opinion

 

[scoobyx13x]

thanks for the help. I know its not the greatest PSU in the world, but I've had it for over a year and never noticed this.

 

[Zepper]

Maybe caps getting ready to blow (things that start happening that didn't happen before make me nervous). Since it's past warranty, open it up and take a look (check on badcaps.com for pix of some examples and lots of info on the problem). Since most Raidmax PSUs are L & C junkbuckets, you're lucky it lasted you a year. I have a really nice Fortron 400 Watter for sale, click the link below if interested.

.bh.

 

[eXx08]

Get Rid of it FAST!

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn

Originally posted by: Bozo Galora
The hum comes from mechanical vibrations of tightly wound conductors in the transformers inside electrical components. Such a vibration results from the changing magnetic force associated with the 60-Hz alternating current typical of most electrical power systems. As paraphrased from a physics textbook.

Yes in a linear system however computer power supplies are high frequency switching supplies. This explains why the frequencies are often bothersome as they can have artifacts (subharmonics of the ultrasonic fundamental) in the sensitive aural range of 8~16 kHz.

Me thinks Bozo Galora was just OWNWD by MS Dawn!!!

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Me thinks Bozo Galora was just OWNWD by MS Dawn!!!

Not really because humming from components used for hash filtering on the primary side (fed by shore power mains) often can produce humming just as described.

The high frequency squeaking sounds come from the secondary side.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn

Originally posted by: JEDIYoda

Me thinks Bozo Galora was just OWNWD by MS Dawn!!!

Not really because humming from components used for hash filtering on the primary side (fed by shore power mains) often can produce humming just as described.

The high frequency squeaking sounds come from the secondary side.

yep...but I will acknowledge that your answer was very good!!

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: furballi
Probably the coil inside the PSU. You can apply RTV silicone or epoxy glue to the coil. This should eliminate the noise.

It's not recommended a novice or amateur open up a PSU and tough electrical components. Even if it is unplugged there is still enough residual current to kill someone.

 

[scoobyx13x]

Originally posted by: Opteron Guy
Get Rid of it FAST!

haha, already done.

I'm torn between getting a Fortron or a Seasonic.

Probably going to get Seasonic because they are quieter according to SPCR.