Ati 5870

it does sound like a power issue, the ''whining'' noise is usually related to the power passing through the transistors, but as stated above its only when the card is loaded...which tells me the card is probably straining itself upon start up.

if you cant get to the BIOS its gotta be either a faulty card or lack of power.

if the ''whining'' is coming from the fan you need to return it, these new 5 series cards are suffering with a loose fan sitting in the cooler shroud.... just FYI

Glad to hear you have resolved this. Yes the power connectors are a necessity. We live and we learn right? Fabe

vladi707 said:

Hi,

skunksmash you mention a loose fan in the cooling shroud on 5 series. my 5870 has a whine at standard fan speed (21%), it sometimes comes and goes.. but it can be annoying, it isn't that loud... I notice you're in UK, me too, do you think I should RMA? Manufacturer is HIS.

Appreciate any advice you can give. thanks v much

well...... if it is a loose fan sitting in the shroud its easily confirmed.

turn off the system, get inside your case, & with your fingers gently hold the fan hub (the circular area in the middle) & gently twist it from side to side.

now a fully functional fan WILL NOT move horizontally in any direction, you'll only have vertical play of about 5mm to allow for the sleeve bearing.

if your card is suffering with one of these loose fans, it WILL move horizontally & vertically..... if this is infact the case RMA it (but i'd wait a while unless your vendor has stock or you'll be waiting a year..lol)

if you find the fan is NOT causing the noise, it could be the sound coming from the transistors on the card, this usually only happens under load, but im not sure if its a viable RMA issue..??

have a check & let us know..:)