Case fan and new graphics card question?

jatyro91

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May 7, 2013
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I just upgraded my Dell Studio XPS 9100 by adding 4gb of ram, and an MSI GTX 660 graphics card. Now, my computer is insanely loud. I can't tell if it's the graphics card fan, or the case fan. I'm assuming the case fan because I can feel the air blowing out the back of the computer case. Is this because of the new graphics card? And is it dangerous?

System specs:
OS: Windows 7 (64-bit)

Hard drive: Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB Hard Drive

RAM: 8GB (Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600)
CPU: Intel Core i7 CPU 930 @ 2.8GHz

Graphics Card: MSI GTX 660 (MSI N660 TF 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 660 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP)

PSU: 525w
 
Solution
Then probably. It's a crap PSU. Buy a 500W+ from Antec, Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Seasonic, or XFX. It's not very expensive and it will serve you well. Best to get a 80+ efficiency rating one.

jatyro91

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May 7, 2013
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Tech newb. I/O panel? I didn't remove anything. I just replaced the graphics card. I did remove one of those pieces of metal on the back because the new GPU needed two slots instead of one.

I'm thinking its because of the extra wattage from the GPU. MSI recommends 550w but I was told 525w was fine. My old GPU was a Radeon HD 5670 so it's a sizeable upgrade. Is this something I should be worried about? Or just get use to the new noise?
 
You should be able to hear it if you open the case. How loud is your GPU fan? Alternatively, unplug all your fans one by one and see how loud the GPU is. And while you are unplugging the fans one by one, you'll also get a sense of how loud the fans are and how much noise they create.
 
It could be a wire or wires touching one of the fans. Check to make sure the fans are clear from any obstructions.

If they are clear, use a object like a pencil to hold the fan in place, and power on the PC (don't use a screwdriver - it could short something out). If the noise continues - go to the next fan. Do not hold the fan for long, as the components will overheat. When the fan is moving they can make noise, so by disabling one at a time, you will see which one it is.
 

jatyro91

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It's definitely not the GPU fan. I'm monitoring it on Afterbunner and its barely running. Plus, its a noise i'm used to hearing, just not this often for this long. That means its either the PSU fan or the case fan right?
 

jatyro91

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I removed the case, and I'm fairly certain its the PSU fan. Everything else is cool, but the PSU is pretty hot. Is this alright as long as the fan keeps going or should I look into replacing it?
 

jatyro91

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Not changing the topic. My original question was pretty much "Why is my fan running harder for longer periods of time now? Is it because of the new graphics card?"

What I meant by "its a noise im used to hearing" is it sounds like when the fan shoots on really loud when I turn on my computer. Except now it runs that loud while the computer is running whenever I do anything. So I'm thinking its the new GPU forcing the PSU to run harder/longer and that's why the fan is so loud and running for so long. I'm trying to find out if I need to replace the PSU or if this is normal
 
Fans are louder as the RPMs are turned up on them. Most fans use plastic bearings that wear down over time also. That was why I suggested stopping the fans manually to see if that was the noise maker. A loud fan can last for a while, but eventually it may stop spinning due to the bearings being worn down.

It could be dust that needs to be "blown out" (used canned air for this)....
 

jatyro91

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Standard dell. I can't find any information on it other than its 525w. I imagine its this one (http://www.redplanettrading.com/Dell-M1J3H-7JVXX-D525AF-01-Precision-T3400-525W-Power-Supply.html) but I can't find the PSU model number on mine.
 


Let me just say something, Dell PSU actually is not crappy one, GTX 660 reported to run on Dell 460 watt PSU normally and this is recommendations from MSI forum for PSU: Geforce GTX 660 - 24A and a 450W PSU minimum http://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/power-requirements-for-graphics-cards

Also, check this GTX660 - MGP 140 watt - PSU min 450 watt http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/493743.aspx

All PSUs are aging, this is different story. It is always better to have minimum watt + 100 watt over for longevity, unless you buy Seasonic.
 

I apologize. I didn't know that "not so crappy" != "crappy".

But if you're going to tell someone to not generalize statements, you should follow your own advice: "Let me just say something, Dell PSU actually is not crappy one ...."

So as long as one person is satisfied with any PSU, it is "not so crappy"? Good to know.
 
I see, well I did not start using "crappy" word, but I suggest another peaceful solution, let say not recommended for extreme situations, such as having GPU power requirements to be that close to PSU wattage, or considering that MSI 660 is actually factory overclocked one, it might require a little more juice, hence there is a problem with PSU.
So peace:love:
 
Staying on topic, I just found, I think OP power supply, so first let me show what it is and then provide additional possible way to save money

Dell part number V4NC2, used also on Dell Precision T3500

image


image


Qty. Connector
(See table for picture and description)
1 24-pin ATX mainboard power
1 8-pin ATX mainboard power
1 6-pin PCI Express (PCIe) power
1 6 + 2-pin PCI Express (PCIe) power
5 15-pin serial ATA (SATA) power
1 4-pin Berg Floppy

6-pin PCI Express (PCIe) power

6pin_PCIe.jpg


6 + 2-pin PCI Express (PCIe) power

6plus2pin_PCIe.jpg


I know I am late, but it would be a good attempt to save money by switching PCIE 6 pin connector, since there should be 2 of them. I can not make sense of PSU specs in relation to those 2 PCIE connectors, but there is possibility that another one might provide more juice!
Just a guess.