Help me decide if this terrible sound is Coil Whine from PSU?

[Vistangel]

Sorry, I think I've asked this before - or mentioned somewhere, I'm not sure - but now I've recorded the sound. Please help me decide if this is the PSU's sound or something else - I've watched coil whine videos and mine sound much lower pitched than theirs.

Here's a video on YT where you can hear the sound (please check it out!!!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6FVSJU9qGw

It can be heard especially at the end of the video. Right after I recorded it, the PSU stopped the coil whine - sometimes it does, sometimes doesn't! As you could see, the system was idle. But it doesn't seem to matter if it's idle or under load. It's a 600W PSU and even at full load, my PC won't exceed 140W power usage so I don't know why this is happening.


If it's the PSU then I'll replace it soon and what do you think about Corsair RM550? It has zero fan mode which would be ideal as this PSU is so loud (its fan is the loudest in the system).

 

[RoasterMen]

Most corsair power supply have this coil whine issue, I experience this too but you don't need to worry because Corsair said that this is normal. I have a corsair CX430 fyi

 

[N00berG00ber]

My psu has coil whine too. Under load and even at idle. It's annoying, but it's normal.

 

[Indianatone]

Here is an explanation for what you are hearing. Switched mode power supplis used in Computers, TV and many other devices where a stable supply is needed operate at very high frequencies. 20khz to 100khz and the transformers and coils vibrate at those frequencies. What you hear is a harmonic in the audible part of the hearing range usually 10hz to 20khz if you are young and 12khz and lower if you are older. It can be annoying but it is normal and perfectly safe. If it is really loud you have a faulty coil or transformer which is mechanically damaged usually from rough handling in shipping. Of course don't mistake that for a bad fan.