Question PC making ticking noise when power is off but plugged in.

[jz568]

Just bought a new prebuilt PC (Acer Nitro 50 Model Number: N50-656-EB16) recently. And I noticed this ticking noise its been making while the power is off but the PC is still plugged in.

Otherwise the PC still turns on and seems to work fine. Should I be concerned about the noise?

Here is a vid with the noise: https://streamable.com/ivx6fo
OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-14400F, 2500 Mhz, 10 Core(s), 16 Logical Processor(s)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060

Not sure about the MB or PSU since its an Acer prebuilt. but the model number is previously mentioned.

 

[Ralston18]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

= = = =

Key is to locate the source of the noise.

Power down, unplug, open the case.

Then use a long cardboard tool or rolled up sheet of paper to carefully listen around the inside of the computer.

Plug in, but do not turn on the computer. Place one end of the tube to an ear and aim the other end of the tube towards where the sound seems to be orginating.

If the sound is not being heard, then turn on the PC and listen again.

Likewise, if and as necessary, turn off the PC as normal. If the ticking noise continues then use the tube to find the source.

Get someone else to help if necessary to prevent the tube from contacting system components.

Go slow, take your time.

My thought is that the source is likely within the PSU. However, that must be confirmed.

 

[jz568]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

= = = =

Key is to locate the source of the noise.

Power down, unplug, open the case.

Then use a long cardboard tool or rolled up sheet of paper to carefully listen around the inside of the computer.

Plug in, but do not turn on the computer. Place one end of the tube to an ear and aim the other end of the tube towards where the sound seems to be orginating.

If the sound is not being heard, then turn on the PC and listen again.

Likewise, if and as necessary, turn off the PC as normal. If the ticking noise continues then use the tube to find the source.

Get someone else to help if necessary to prevent the tube from contacting system components.

Go slow, take your time.

My thought is that the source is likely within the PSU. However, that must be confirmed.

Ok I've done as asked. Computer is plugged in but powered off. I used a rolled up sheet of paper and can pinpoint the ticking noise is indeed coming from the PSU

 

[gdmaclew]

Just taking a wild guess but it sounds like one of the main capacitors is "popping".

 

[jz568]

Ok heres another vid alot closer to the psu so the ticking is more audible: https://streamable.com/w2bm73


I've also noticed the ticking seems to disappear once the computer is actually powered on/boot up.

 

[Ralston18]

For some reason I am not hearing any audio.

In any case try to identify the make and model of the PSU.

Hopefully you can look inside by powering down, unplugging, and opening the case.

Where was the prebuilt PC purchased? If the PSU proves faulty are you able to return the PC?

 

[gdmaclew]

If it's a pre-built PC I wouldn't open it if it's still under warranty.

 

[DaleH]

Ok I've done as asked. Computer is plugged in but powered off. I used a rolled up sheet of paper and can pinpoint the ticking noise is indeed coming from the PSU

The power supply is on as long as the power cord is plugged in. The PSU is likely bad.