Buzzing Sound Unable To Locate Source

[Consequences]

I've researched it.. I've listened.. I've removed components. I cannot find the source. Only thing I haven't been able to test is the power supply. Here is a link to a video (ignore the images) to show you what the noise sounds like. Hopefully that can help determine the source.

Yfrog Video : yfrog.com/ndy5iz

Nothing is hitting fans and my DVD drive isn't even currently inside of the machine. I have nothing my rear case fan though intermittently stop working.. slowing then spinning back up a few times but nothing it hitting the blades. Also my two big LED side intakes went out then came back on all on their own. Heeeeelp.

AMD Phenom II X4 925 2.8 GHz
Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 1GB
500W Power Supply
2x SATA Hard Drives (160GB & 250GB)
6x Case Fans
Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit

 

[johnwillyums]

It's not very loud. Unless that's something to do with the recording. Sounds like speaker hum rather than an impact noise like a fan catching.

 

[Consequences]

Do you mean the internal speaker? Its definitely loud in here with the buzzing. I figure its not any issue with fans because the buzzing does not start until about the time I get the standard POST beep from the motherboard.. thats usually when the buzzing kicks in. I assume if it was a fan it would happen as soon as I powered up the machine.

 

[rap33042]

This might sound incredibly stupid, but I use a paper towel tube to localize sounds in my case.

Did I mention this may sound incredibly stupid?

 

[A Guy]

This might sound incredibly stupid, but I use a paper towel tube to localize sounds in my case.

Did I mention this may sound incredibly stupid?

It is not at all stupid. In many years as a TV tech, I carried a cardboard (non conductive) paper towel tube to locate noises. This is a great way to localize the cause. A Guy

 

[Consequences]

I disconnected SATA power from my drives.. booted up and the buzzing stopped. Then reconnected the SATA power.. booted up.. still no buzzing. If the hard drive was failing wouldn't it still make the noise? Is it possible dust on contacts or loose connection...

This has been a pain in the butt to isolate.

It is currently not buzzing but I am pretty sure the issue isn't over. It has come and gone before. I just need to make sure I'm not looking at possible hardware failure.

 

[parabellum]

I'd bet its the PSU. What brand is it and what is the rail info - 3.3V/12V etc?

 

[Consequences]

APEVIA ATX-CW500WP4 500W ATX
Newegg.com - APEVIA ATX-CW500WP4 500W ATX Power Supply

This is the PSU I am using. I have a Corsair TX 650 PSU on the way. I've used this power supply for maybe a few years now. I suppose its life is running out.

 

[parabellum]

Its the PSU. Apevia isn't exactly a good brand. That Corsair will probably last longer than anything else in your PC.

 

[Consequences]

Guess I got lucky since I was able to use it for a couple users under heavy load no less. I needed a new PSU anyways as I just installed a quad core and I'm upgrading to a GTX 260 core 216. I'm pretty tough on my computer as I use it every day and quite often.

 

[parabellum]

You won't need more than 600w with that setup. The PSU needs to run at 50-60% for maximum efficiency. Any higher or lower, the efficiency decreases. You should have considered the HX model too as the TX has captive (non-removable cables) so depending on your case, the cables can become an unsightly mess.

 

[Consequences]

That being said.. any tips on cable management?

 

[parabellum]

I would get the long fat ATX cable and tie any cables to it that can be tied with cable ties. Just don't strangle the cables. I would then push this bundle behind the 5.25in bays if you have space or route them through cable routing holes if your case has some. I can post some pictures of my setup if you want.

 

[Consequences]

Yes. Visual aids are always welcome. Thank you.

 

[parabellum]

This is the system in my specs, and yes I know I need a better camera:

 

[johnwillyums]

I'll go with the cardboard tube. Works a treat.
You say the hum has stopped now. That might indicate it was a poor connection. Sometimes if a connector is not quite connecting properly a hum or buzz can result.
But you're getting a new PSU anyway and that sounds like the most likely culprit.
Here's a pic of my insides. Not the tidiest job in the world but it keeps most of the wiring behind the motherboard tray. The idea is to not impede the flow of air through the case. This is only possible with large cases which have routing holes already cut. Or cut your own
Parabellum. Is your PSU drawing air from inside the case?

 

[johnwillyums]

Ooops. wrong picture. There's my PSU at the bottom. The fan is on the underside.

 

[Consequences]

Fairly tidy there. I'll get a shot of mine once my stuff arrives. Unfortuneately my case is not pre-equipped with cable management features but I will make it work somehow.

 

[parabellum]

@johnwillyums - yes its facing up. Temps are fine though. CPU idles at 35 and never pushes past 42.