Need help with Loud Vacuum Noise coming From Desktop (likely PSU Issue)

[imgrindin247]

I've been using my PC for 3.5 years with relatively few problems until 2 days ago when all of a sudden my desktop started making a loud noise that sounds like a vacuum cleaner. It's been going on non-stop since it started. I've tried cleaning out the dust and it hasn't helped. From what I can tell, the sound appears to be coming from the PSU. The PC still runs fine and doesn't seem to be overheating. All the temperatures for CPU, GPU, MOBO, HDD are around 40 degrees celsius and under. Can this be fixed without replacing the PSU? Would it be worthwhile to replace or should I just get a new PC at this point?

Here's my current build:

Power Supply: Seasonic M12II 620W Bronze Modular
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z77-D3H
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 6770
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570K
Heatsink: Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo Direct Touch 4
SSD: Crucial M4 C400 128 gb
HDD: Western Digital 2TB Caviar Green SATA3
Ram: Corsair Vengeance Blue 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit
Blu-Ray Writer: ASUS BW-12B1ST
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two Mid Tower Gaming Case
Display: Dual Monitors 2560 X 1440 + 1600 X 1200 setup

 

[ko888]

The noise is most likely from the PSU's cooling fan bearings. When the lubricant in the bearings have evaporated or leaked out the bearings will begin to rattle/vibrate leading to the noise you hear.

If the PSU is still within its warranty period (i.e. some locations in the world only had a 3 year warranty and others had a 5 year warranty) you can contact Seasonic and request an RMA to get the PSU repaired or replaced at Seasonic's discretion.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Sounds like the fan took a crap in your PSU. They are replaceable, but opening up your PSU isn't safe unless you know what you're doing. The capacitors can hold a charge that can make for a bad day if you drop a tool or touch them the wrong way. Maybe check the warranty on it? That PSU is still a really good one.

 

[imgrindin247]

The warranty is expired. According to Seasonic's website, coverage is only for 3 years if purchased before September 2012.

I don't know if I really want to be replacing the PSU though, because I've never done it before myself and my PC is getting older and will likely need to be replaced within the next year anyways. If I kept running the PC as is, would there be any issues aside from dealing with the constant noise?

 

[Rogue Leader]

The warranty is expired. According to Seasonic's website, coverage is only for 3 years if purchased before September 2012.

I don't know if I really want to be replacing the PSU though, because I've never done it before myself and my PC is getting older and will likely need to be replaced within the next year anyways. If I kept running the PC as is, would there be any issues aside from dealing with the constant noise?

I would say as long as its still making noise its working fine. I'd worry if the noise stops and you hear nothing, that means the fan siezed, then you need a PSU.

 

[ko888]

If that were my PSU I would just open it up, remove the fan and lubricate the fan bearings with a light synthetic oil or silicone grease. As a long term solution I would also consider just replacing the fan.