GTX 980 rapid clicking noise when fan speed increases.

[Rhaegyn]

I have a Alienware A51 (new model) that's only about a year old that was always very quiet when it ran regardless of the game I ran on it. However, I recently noticed an audible , rapid clicking noise (similar to the sound that old PC HD's would make when watching the HDD activity lights) whenever I begin to run a game and the GPU fan/temp increases; the moment I exit the game the sound goes away.

I am almost certain that the source of the sound is coming from the GTX 980's GPU fan and only when the RPMs go up on it. I have already taken the GPU out, cleaned/inspected it and the GPU is in perfect condition as far as I can tell. Does anyone have experience with this that can tell me what is going on and how to alleviate this situation? Thanks so much in advance for any assistance you can provide.

 

[Dugimodo]

Could be a bearing going, how old is the card? Could be a warranty claim if that's what it is. My first thought was something touching the fan but you say you've cleaned it so I guess not.

A good trick to track down sounds is to listen through a cardboard tube (make sounds much more directional). Take the side off, fire up a game and track the noise to it's source. Careful not to touch any moving parts of course.

 

[Rhaegyn]

Could be a bearing going, how old is the card? Could be a warranty claim if that's what it is. My first thought was something touching the fan but you say you've cleaned it so I guess not.

A good trick to track down sounds is to listen through a cardboard tube (make sounds much more directional). Take the side off, fire up a game and track the noise to it's source. Careful not to touch any moving parts of course.

The GTX 980 came with the new system which was purchased only a year ago so the card is quite new ><.

 

[photonboy]

If it's not the GPU it could be the CPU fan. As said carefully look with the case panel off.

 

[Dugimodo]

Could be worth talking to whoever you bought it from. If it's only a year old the whole thing may still be under warranty and if not the parts should still be in most cases.