Eliminating PSU coil whine using silicone - need HELP!
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Eliminating PSU coil whine using silicone - need HELP!
Hi,
I have read somewhere in these forums that silicone (the caulking gun stuff)
- an insulator
- a dampener
Someone also suggested using it on the MOBO power coils. Would it be possible to use silicone in the PSU to try and dampen the coils causing the whine? I suppose Electricians goop (that yellow stuff) could be used but it is hard and permanent (You can get removable silicone that peels off in case it doesnt work).
Would possible high voltage in the psu cause hazards for using the silicone? Or is it safe using judiciously on the coils alone.
IIRC my PSU (cheap fortron model) has a rubber sleeve tightened over the coils (but it doesnt seem to help much as I definitely have some coil buzz).
I'd love to hear some informed opinions before actually trying it out.
cheers
I have read somewhere in these forums that silicone (the caulking gun stuff)
- an insulator
- a dampener
Someone also suggested using it on the MOBO power coils. Would it be possible to use silicone in the PSU to try and dampen the coils causing the whine? I suppose Electricians goop (that yellow stuff) could be used but it is hard and permanent (You can get removable silicone that peels off in case it doesnt work).
Would possible high voltage in the psu cause hazards for using the silicone? Or is it safe using judiciously on the coils alone.
IIRC my PSU (cheap fortron model) has a rubber sleeve tightened over the coils (but it doesnt seem to help much as I definitely have some coil buzz).
I'd love to hear some informed opinions before actually trying it out.
cheers
Silicon sealants emit acetic acid as they cure. If you completely cover the coil in sealant, there is no way for the acetic acid next to the coil wire to dissipate. It can eat the lacquer the coil wire is coated with, leading to a shorted (or partly shorted) coil. While this won't keep the coil from conducting, it will change its inductance and thereby the characteristics of the filter circuit it is part of.
Thanks Joe!!!
I didnt even know they were called silicone RTV's. Anyway, I googled a GE FAQ and they claim they have versions w/o the acetic acid now (although I'm not yet sure how to figure out which ones do, I'm guessing most do have acetic acid). I'll do more digging to find out.
I'll try this next week for sure. I have some reports to hand in so cant risk killing a psu. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
I didnt even know they were called silicone RTV's. Anyway, I googled a GE FAQ and they claim they have versions w/o the acetic acid now (although I'm not yet sure how to figure out which ones do, I'm guessing most do have acetic acid). I'll do more digging to find out.
I'll try this next week for sure. I have some reports to hand in so cant risk killing a psu. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
"RTV" for "Room Temperature Vulcanizing". I would guess the "aquarium safe" silicon may also be acetic acid free, but I would stick with electronic grade for heat and fire resistance (also a possible concern with tub & tile or caulk). As long as there is a path for the acetic acid to disperse, I wouldn't worry about degrading the coil insulation.tay wrote:Thanks Joe!!!
I didnt even know they were called silicone RTV's. Anyway, I googled a GE FAQ and they claim they have versions w/o the acetic acid now (although I'm not yet sure how to figure out which ones do, I'm guessing most do have acetic acid). I'll do more digging to find out.
I'll try this next week for sure. I have some reports to hand in so cant risk killing a psu. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
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Apologies for dragging up an old thread, but came across an interesting approach to silencing buzzing components that allegedly works. I know this has been discussed a couple of times - I have posted my failures with toothpicks and epoxy glue at least twice.
Check out the "flood with wax" technique at Phoronix.
Check out the "flood with wax" technique at Phoronix.
Sorry, just had to post this to point out that there are other types of computers users/modders out there:
Yep, that's the first thing that would spring to mind! And no undervolting the sucker... can you even buy 100cfm fans without a license? Or do they come with "hearing hazzard" labels?Phoronix wrote:What do you do when something is too hot? Strap the fastest and loudest fan you can get your hands on, that's what to do. We settled on a nice clear 100CFM fan with blue LEDs. To power the fan, we tapped into the 12V and ground rail.
Yeah, I've got a couple for my next build. They're actually no noisier than my PC used to be before I started silencing it, and undervolted they're the quietest fans I've ever heard. Then again, some fans are more equal than others...teejay wrote:can you even buy 100cfm fans without a license? Or do they come with "hearing hazzard" labels?