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Started by Vexillarius | | 70 answers
GPU Coil Whine
Hey guys,

I've been building my new system over the last few days. Everything is new, except the case, DVD player, SSDs, and fan controller + some fans.

My new specs are:

Asus Maximus VII Hero
i7-4790K
EVGA GTX980 Superclocked
2x8GB TridentX 2400 CL10
Corsair AX860i
CM Hyper 212 Evo (while I wait for an H220-X)
Samsung 840 Evo 250GB SSD
Kingston V300 120GB SSD
Toshiba 2TB HDD
The case is a HAF X.

Nothing is overclocked except that I enabled the RAM's XMP profile.

Here's the problem: Coil whine. I first noticed it when running WinSAT, my 980 squeeled like a pig. It happens whenever the GPU is stressed, especially above 60-80 fps, which sucks since I just got a 144Hz monitor. I bought the 980 specifically to go above 60 fps.
'So', I hear you say, 'Deal with it or RMA it.' I was about to, but when I tested the 980 in my old system it was whisper quiet. I also put my old, quiet GTX660 in my new system and lo and behold, it started to whine. It looks like the GPU itself isn't defective or anything.

It's definitely coming from the GPU, not from the PSU. I tried changing the PCIe cables, no dice.

I'm getting really annoyed by this, I spent all my savings on this system only to have it give me headaches.
If anyone can help me get rid of the coil whine I'll be eternally grateful.
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a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
October 20, 2014 4:25:43 AM

I did most of my tests with the side panel off, so without that fan.

The CPU cooler is directly and quite closely above the VRMs on the graphics card though... Way closer than the side fan. I had an H60 in my old system so there was just a waterblock above the graphics card. I've ordered a Swiftech H220X a while ago, maybe that'll improve things? I'm not feeling confident that it will, but who knows.

Thanks for the suggestion on the headphones! I know it's a personal thing, but I'd at least like to be looking in the right direction. Any 5.1 or 7.1 suggestions?
a b ) Power supply
a c 96 U Graphics card
October 18, 2014 10:08:46 AM

i read that you have a 200 mm fan beside the gpu did you try to unplug it to see if the whine still on it could made so airflow disturbance if it push air directly to the gpu fan give it a try .
a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
October 17, 2014 10:22:58 AM

Sweet jesus, I said no money throwing :p 
Maybe it's a regional thing, but the Z Seven is almost €300 here.

The PX22 is more in my price range at about €70. If I can match (or at least come close to) my Logitech Z506 speakers I'm happy. I'd like something 5.1 or 7.1.
October 16, 2014 11:33:02 AM

Headphones, me i like turtle beaches and have for years. ya ya i know they are old news and not the most current in thing and all, but for me they have always provided great quality at reasonable prices and have been a great gaming supporter for years, so i buy from them and give back. I use the z seven series which is incredible sound and really not much better out there unless you want to spend a grand on headphones, but if you want to go a bit cheaper, the PX22 will be fine.
a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
October 16, 2014 8:39:16 AM

Yes, it was one of the first things I tried. It's what led me to think that the PSU isn't the issue.

In a couple days/weeks I'll probably try the PC Mate again, and the old PSU just in case. For now I've got way to many things going on to disassemble and reassemble ten times again. I kinda need my system for nongaming purposes at the moment.

Just for gits and shiggles, which headphones would you guys recommend, without going overboard cost-wise? I know nothing about these things.
a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
October 16, 2014 8:29:30 AM

Have you tried switching the power supply? Since that could also be a possible cause of the coil whine, especially since you say your old system has no coil whine on this same card.
a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
October 16, 2014 8:06:51 AM

Yeah, the rest of my system is super quiet, I designed it that way because I sit right next to it and it's in my bedroom. The coil whine is waaay louder than anything else, until the GPU gets up to ~70 degrees Celsius.

It doesn't help that my GPU is right next to a 200mm fan (ie a hole in the case for noise to pass through) and I'm right next to the fan. I don't think padding is going to help with that.

EDIT: The headphones are a good suggestion, but I always feel... watched... when wearing headphones. I'd have to rearrange my room so I can see the door from behind my desk or I'll get paranoid as hell. I'm not kidding.
a b ) Power supply
a c 78 U Graphics card
October 16, 2014 12:44:05 AM

cst1992 said:
Would a noise absorbing case (like the Corsair Carbide 330R) not help here?


Hard to say, it might do, but really the coil whine noise has only gotten more noticeable in recent times due to all the other coolers getting quieter.


a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
October 15, 2014 9:16:04 PM

Would a noise absorbing case (like the Corsair Carbide 330R) not help here?

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