It is driving me crazy. Never used to make this sound before, just started about a week ago. Sounds like it is coming from near the power source area.
I've included video which clearly demonstrates the noise.
I would seriously pay money to have this fixed. I cannot even use my computer anymore. If it is unfixable I will be forced to buy a new effing computer.
Weird enough it seems to stop when my computer is thinking. It doesn't go away even when I put it to sleep. I've been forced to basically stop using my computer and honestly can't handle this noise. It just fills me with murderous rage.
If it sounds like it is coming from the power supply see if you can get a hold of another one and see if the problem continues. Or unplug everything and do below so that the power supply thinks there is a motherboard attached, turn on supply, if noise continues buy a new power supply for far less than a new computer.
Actually sounds like something electronic rather than a fan, I think caps when they're dying can make that noise. I had a video card that made a noise like that when it was doing 3D stuff (and it wasn't just the fan getting faster).
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Sounds like electrical switching noise. It can come from the motherboard, video card, power supply etc. you need to isolate the noise. The power regulator section of the motherboard sometimes makes that noise and changes with different loads on the CPU.
Go in order, do the power supply, if there is no noise, plug in the motherboard and turn on, check for noise, then video card. See if you can't get it isolated, if it's a capacitor like photon said on the motherboard you can probably find it, if they look like this it's blown.
Video didn't show up before, now that I hear it does sound like this might be the case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by photon
Actually sounds like something electronic rather than a fan, I think caps when they're dying can make that noise. I had a video card that made a noise like that when it was doing 3D stuff (and it wasn't just the fan getting faster).
I've only had this happen once and it made a pop and I smelled burning, so I don't know if a capacitor will make a constant noise as they die.
Go in order, do the power supply, if there is no noise, plug in the motherboard and turn on, check for noise, then video card. See if you can't get it isolated, if it's a capacitor like photon said on the motherboard you can probably find it, if they look like this it's blown.
I do appreciate the suggestions but this sounds like I'll either need a lot of help, or it is simply over my head.
I don't know dick about the inner workings of my computer.
I could probably try what you suggested in your first response but everything you've described in this post I have no idea how to do.
Although I did check to see if a capacitor is blown like in that pic and I don't think that is it.
It's fairly simple to do as far as plugging the power into just the motherboard without the video card in, and then putting the video card back in. But if you feel it's something you don't want to attempt then I guess at this point you will need to have someone take a look at it. Most places don't charge to much for a diagnosis on something like this, then it's just a matter of what needs to be replaced as far as additional costs go.
I'm not even kidding I would have to google what my video card looks like. Actually, scratch that, I wouldn't even know what kind of video card I have so I wouldn't know what to google.
The most I've ever done is install some RAM about 10 years ago and not into this computer.
I think you are overestimating my abilities here. I'm actually a little ashamed to admit how little I actually know.
I do have one or two computer literate friends who may be able to help.
Failing that who could I take it to? Memory Express? There is one near my place of work.
A modern cpu will underclock itself when idle to conserve electricity/lifespan. If your cpu only makes this sound only when idle, disabling that feature (speedstep on newer intel cpus) may fix the issue, at the cost of increased electricity usage/slightly shorter life span. This is a fairly easy thing to try, but I wouldn't do it if I weren't familiar with PCs, because rooting around the BIOS can go really wrong really fast if you don't know what you are doing.
It could be the PSU. PSU coil whine can hit at any time, and it means it's time to get a new one, or good earplugs.
If the sound is coming from the mainboard itself, you can find the offending component with a straw. (localize the sound, then tap the offending component gently to see if the pitch changes). A dab of hotglue on the problem component may solve all your problems (unless its a cap that is on it's way to failure). DON'T do this unless you feel comfortable inside the pc, and you don't mind buying a new one if things go sideways.
Good job Flip. Make sure you bought a good quality one so that this doesn't happen again. You're lucky your PSU didn't take out all the other hardware in your computer when it went which can happen from time to time with cheaper units.
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Good job Flip. Make sure you bought a good quality one so that this doesn't happen again. You're lucky your PSU didn't take out all the other hardware in your computer when it went which can happen from time to time with cheaper units.
Honestly I just went to Mem Exp and told the guy what kind of computer I have. He brought out a power supply and I bought it.
I was hesitant to do it myself but once I started looking at it the number of connections was doable. Only 5 I think.
Given the age of my computer if this power supply lasts as long as the previous one it will last way past the natural expiry date of this PC. It is already 3-4 years old.
Weird computer noise...help!
