Squealing/buzzing from Enermax

PSUs: The source of DC power for all components in the PC & often a big noise source.

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miker
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Post by miker » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

Hi Folks,
<br>
<br>I am working on silencing my computer, and doing so has either uncovered or caused a new sound I have never heard before.
<br>
<br>My Enermax PSU is making a strange buzzing squeal. It seems to intensify when I scroll the browser window with my mouse wheel (Logitech Wireless USB). I also notice it during 3dMark2001SE. So my theory is some kind of video display power feedback?
<br>
<br>I can definitely hear the buzz coming from the PSU. I disconnected the PSU fan and it still continues. I stuck my head so far in the case I nearly got my nose cut off from my Zalman 92mm! <IMG SRC="modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">
<br>
<br>This sound is driving me berserk. Is this normal? Is my Enermax about to go toes up?
<br>Any ideas?
<br>
<br>Here's my config:
<br>Enermax 365 (modded with Panaflo @ 12v) (not thermal controlled model)
<br>Giga-byte GA7-VRX KT333 Mobo w/Duron 1200
<br>Visiontek Geforce4 MX440
<br>SB Live! 5.1
<br>Zalman CNPS6000-Cu with Fanmate set to Silent Mode
<br>Smattering of Dynamat Extreme in case.
<br>Antec SX630 Case
<br>Pioneer Slot DVD (loud!)
<br>HP 9300 CD-RW
<br>Maxtor 20GB drive in suspension ( Seagate is on the way!:))
<br>
<br>
<br>Any help is appreciated
<br>
<br>-Mike Russo
<br>
<br>
<br>

MikeC
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Post by MikeC » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

Hey Mike, I am seeing exactly the same kind of problem with an Antec TruePower 380 without any modifications. I deliberately stopped the fans for 20 seconds by jamming some soft string into the blades to hear what the heck was going on.
<br>
<br>The scrolling-provoked buzzing is exactly the same, it's coming from coils or capacitors inside the PSU. This is with a P4 setup. Here's the amazing kicker: 2 samples have the same identical problem on this P4 system. The second one was to replace the seemingly faulty first one, but it's not working out.
<br>
<br>When connected to a different system, an AMD XP based one, the buzzing with either Antec pretty much disappears! This is with pretty much identical components except the mobo & CPU.
<br>
<br>So far, Antec have not been able to figure it out. I tried both PSUs on a different P4 setup and the both seemed to start buzzing again, but haven't had time to check thoroughly.
<br>
<br>Anyone else experience similar?
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MikeC
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Post by MikeC » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

BTW, when did you problem begin? Sounds like it was not there before? With mine, it began immediately after I turned the system on.
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miker
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Post by miker » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

I have only noticed it since I replaced my vegematic HSF with the Zalman and my Geforce256 (w/ Fan) with a GF4 MX440(no fan).
<br>
<br>Unfortunately, these were on the same day.
<br>
<br>It's possible it was there before, but drowned out by all the other cacophony.
<br>
<br>Still, I look with suspicion at my GF4.
<br>
<br>I have the day off tomorrow, so I will swap in the GF 256 (fan unplugged) and see if the GF4 is the cuplrit.
<br>
<br>Too late tonight, the wife is sleeping <IMG SRC="modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif">
<br>

miker
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Post by miker » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

<br>OK, I installed the older Geforce 256 w/o fan and booted up. The squeal is much worse.
<br>Replacing the GF4 MX 440 again, the sound returns to normal.
<br>
<br>I am stumped.
<br>
<br>
<br>
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MikeC
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Post by MikeC » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

Sounds like your PSU may have become ill. You say it didn't use to happen with the old VID card; now it does it with both. Only thing you can try is another PSU (borrow, beg, steal from a second PC?); if that doesn't buzz, you know the old one could be at fault. Then hook up the old one to a different system. If it doesn't buzz, then
<br>
<br>1. the motherboard in your system could be wonky and may affect the other PSU. The mobo does have PS functions on it, as you know.
<br>2. some PSU components are on the brink so that it can't deliver the current needed by your system
<br>
<br>Maybe the reduced airflow allowed PSU temps to go too high on your setup? What are your normal room, case & CPU temps?
<br>
<br>As already mentioned, all other PSU work fine on my problem system, the Antecs seem perfectly fine on other systems. The question for me is another P4 system with the Antecs. If the buzzing remains a problem, then I know it has something to do with the 12V line on the Antec (because mobos for other CPUs don't draw as much current on that line)
<br>

miker
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Post by miker » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

<br>>>Maybe the reduced airflow allowed PSU temps to go too high on your setup? What are your normal room, case & CPU temps?
<br>>>
<br>
<br>Temp seems in line with normalcy.
<br>Case 28C, CPU 38C, Room is 24C.
<br>
<br>I will swap the PSU and see if I can narrow this down any.
<br>
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josephclemente
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Post by josephclemente » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

I had a similar problem with my new Enermax. It was a high frequency sound, very light and barely audible, but it was still enough to bother me.
<br>
<br>Turned out to be the neon light. I switched to cold cathode and have no problem.
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MikeC
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Post by MikeC » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

>>Turned out to be the neon light. I switched to cold cathode and have no problem.
<br>
<br>neon light where?
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josephclemente
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Post by josephclemente » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

I made a window for my case and added a neon light (automotive type, 12VDC). My PSU didn't like it too much...
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miker
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Post by miker » Mon Aug 12, 2002 2:32 pm

Well, I solved this problem.
<br>
<br>I just swapped my motherboard.
<br>
<br>I had a Gigabyte Ga-7VRX, and was having some AGP voltage issues with the Geforce4.
<br>I swapped in a Gigabyte Ga-7VRXP Rev 2.0, and the buzzing from my PSU has disappeared.
<br>
<br>Looks like it was possibly related to the AGP voltage regulation from the mobo!
<br>
<br>-Mike Russo
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