PSU making a noise

burtie · 17 Jul 2011

My computer has started to make a bit of noise...it sounds like a faint hum, or constant drone, kind of like a fan noise. I checked the intake, exhaust and cpu fans by stopping them spinning and the noise is still there. It sounds like its coming from my PSU. Does that mean its on its way out?

I have a Hiper 530watt PSU which I have had for about 4-5 years now.

Should I replace it and if so can anyone recommend any good ones?

Thanks :)

boogieboy · 17 Jul 2011

I think there is'nt anything that would make the sound except the fan in the PSU's. I would recommend you to replace the fan and check again :)

burtie · 17 Jul 2011

I thought it might be the fan in the PSU, can they be replaced?

richnrockville · 17 Jul 2011

burtie said:

My computer has started to make a bit of noise...it sounds like a faint hum, or constant drone, kind of like a fan noise. I checked the intake, exhaust and cpu fans by stopping them spinning and the noise is still there. It sounds like its coming from my PSU. Does that mean its on its way out?

I have a Hiper 530watt PSU which I have had for about 4-5 years now.

Should I replace it and if so can anyone recommend any good ones?

Thanks :)

The fan in most PS's can be replaced but maybe you might think about replacing the PSU as if the fan is going bad, then there might be other problems that you might not know about until it craps out completely.
Many times the fan makes noise because of teh dust build up on its housing and drags it down. Or the bearings could be getting ready to go.

My vote would be to just pick up a new PS for your system.

Rich

karlsnooks · 17 Jul 2011

burtie said:

My computer has started to make a bit of noise...it sounds like a faint hum, or constant drone, kind of like a fan noise. I checked the intake, exhaust and cpu fans by stopping them spinning and the noise is still there. It sounds like its coming from my PSU. Does that mean its on its way out?

I have a Hiper 530watt PSU which I have had for about 4-5 years now.

Should I replace it and if so can anyone recommend any good ones?

Thanks :)

Replace your power supply unit as quickly as possible.

essenbe · 17 Jul 2011

I agree with richnrockville and karlsnooks, Replace the PSU and replace it with a quality one. I always recommend Corsiar, Antec and Seasonic. Any of those 3 are quality PSU's. And, yes you can buy plenty of cheaper ones, but you will likely be replacing PSUs often.

Ivan the SoSo · 17 Jul 2011

burtie said:

I thought it might be the fan in the PSU, can they be replaced?

Yes, you sure can....and while you are chasing the unit around with a screwdriver and touch a charged capacitor lead....let's just say you will never forget the experience

burtie · 17 Jul 2011

LOL @ Ivan the SoSo!! I'll think I will just get a new unit...I am to sacred to play with it!!

Does it need to be replaced quickly? Its been like this for a couple of days now, how long is it safe to continue using?
I'll have to order a new one tomorrow...and not use my main PC in the meantime!

Thanks for your help guys :)

burtie · 17 Jul 2011

Just one more question...do I have to replace it with the exact same watt? Do I have to get a 530 or can I go higher with a 550 or 600??

Ivan the SoSo · 17 Jul 2011

If you could accurately predict electronic failures you would be a very busy and wealthy man:).....I would replace it ASAP, if the fan failed you could let out the magic smoke....

I would go for the highest wattage I could afford, never know when a deal on a hot video card will come your way....