Weird noise coming from computer

Cleric4Life

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Feb 25, 2013
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Hello Tom's Hardware community. I just recently finished building my first computer and after a series of frustrations with installing Windows I got everything finished. However, the first thing I noticed after completing everything is that there is this weird whining/squeaking noise coming from what I guess is the GPU.
The noise is apparently one of the high pitched sounds that older people cannot hear but younger people can hear. I'm assuming this is true because I told my dad about the noise and he couldn't hear anything but my sister and I could hear it.
I have no idea where to begin and I would greatly appreciate if someone could give me some guidance/insight into this problem. I'm thinking about trying to return the GPU for a new one or something like that. Again, sorry if this post doesn't make any sense, I'm just really frustrated right now. I'll try to provide any information that is needed.

By the way, my build is this:
CPU: Core i5-3570k
GPU: MSI R7850 Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC Radeon HD 7850 2GB
OS: Windows 8 64-bit
MOBO: ASUS P8Z77-V LK
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw 16 GB (2x8) <-It was on sale so I got it even though I know I will never use so much :p.
CASE: Rosewill Blackhawk Mid ATX
PSU: Seasonic X-series 80 Plus gold 850w

I'm hoping I didn't bottleneck anything like a noob =/. Again, if any more information is needed just ask and I will try my best to provide it. Thanks again!
 
Solution
D
Sounds like coil whine. It could be the power supply, graphics card or even the motherboard. The easiest way to isolate the problem is to use something like a paper towel tube to listen to each device in turn and you should be able tell what is making the noise.
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Deleted member 217926

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Sounds like coil whine. It could be the power supply, graphics card or even the motherboard. The easiest way to isolate the problem is to use something like a paper towel tube to listen to each device in turn and you should be able tell what is making the noise.
 
Solution

shahrooz

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Jul 1, 2009
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+1

forgot about the coil whine you can search youtube and listen to the sound and see if this is the case
 

Cleric4Life

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Feb 25, 2013
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Alright guys thanks for the quick reply! I'll listen to the sounds and try the paper towel tube method now! I also have something new. When I start Minecraft and click singleplayer, the noise increases and sounds like a kettle boiling. I also checked Catalyst Control Center and looked the the activity while I was in the Minecraft menu to choose which world to play in and the activity goes up to 53%. I'll check this when I finish doing all the things you guys mentioned.
 
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If you ordered from newegg you can ask them and they will probably allow you to give them a credit card number as collateral and they will ship you the new card and give you like 5 days after you get the new card to return the old one. That way you are not without a computer for a week or two.
 

shahrooz

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I did some research for you:
I found this on eHow



Identification

The first step to dealing with a noisy video card is to identify which component is the source of the noise. The fan is an obvious candidate, but other components may also be the source of the whine. One easy way to track down the source of the noise is to use an empty paper towel tube or rolled piece of paper as a sort of stethoscope, allowing you to listen directly to different areas of the card and determine where the noise is loudest.

Fan Speed

A whining noise from your card’s fan may simply be a consequence of its design. GPUs become extremely hot under load, requiring powerful fans to dissipate that heat. Some cheaper units use fans that prioritize cooling over quiet, leading to high noise levels under load. If your brand-new card is producing a loud whining noise, you may be able to limit your fan speed to reduce the decibel level, although you should carefully monitor your card’s temperatures any time you alter its cooling characteristics. If you are unable to find a happy medium between temperature and noise, you may be able to replace your fan’s card with a quieter model.

Fan Failure

A sudden increase in noise from an older card fan may indicate a damaged bearing and impending hardware failure. Replacing a dying fan is always better than waiting for complete failure, as if the fan seizes during a gaming session, GPU temperatures can spike substantially. Most modern cards have emergency shutoff features that will terminate processing if temperatures exceed recommended levels, but you always risk damaging your hardware when cooling systems shut down unexpectedly.

Coil Whine

The induction coils on your graphics card may also be causing your noise problem. These units, consisting of coils of tightly wrapped wire, may vibrate slightly under heavy load and produce a whining noise. Normally, the sound they make is too quiet to hear over other noise in the case, but loose wiring or components may enhance the vibration and make the noise loud enough to be annoying. Coil whine is not necessarily a symptom of an impending hardware failure, but if a new card is producing unexplained noises, take the opportunity to return it for replacement or repair, just to be safe.

https://www.ehow.com/info_12194125_loud-whining-noise-graphics-card.html
 
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Deleted member 217926

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A fan making noise is usually obvious as the noise will change pitch depending on how fast the fan is spinning. Either way, coil whine or a bad fan bearing the card needs to be replaced.
 

Cleric4Life

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Feb 25, 2013
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Alright. Thank you guys for you time and effort! I really appreciate it! I'm just going to RMA it. This computer is only for home use as I am going back to college in a couple days and won't be able to use it until next weekend anyways!
 


Ooh, that's a good website. Going to have to bookmark that one.

As for coil whine, you're pretty much screwed - your only option is replacing it with a better model.
 
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Deleted member 217926

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Glad to help :)

Ooh, that's a good website. Going to have to bookmark that one.

Me too! That is a pretty nice database to have. Nice find.