Question Persistent High-Pitched Noise from PC Area (Even When Off)

[castellbranco]

Hey everyone, first of all sorry for the long read

I just built my PC this week, and while it runs great during usage, I’m experiencing a very persistent and annoying high-pitched noise (I know can be coil whine) that seems to come from the PSU/GPU/MOBO area, even when the PC is completely powered off - THIS IS THE STRESS PART AHAHAH
The sound is very high-pitched, similar to a tinnitus-like frequency, and continues as long as the PSU is connected to the outlet. When I unplug the power cord, the sound stops immediately.

Here’s a video showcasing the noise:
Audio:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SpRaDLY0RKmwMxQSceH1lRUbBNJolSkb/view?usp=sharing
• The high pitch starts right at the beginning after I stop talking

Images of my full build:

https://imgur.com/a/2Hd4FYL

View: https://imgur.com/a/2Hd4FYL



My Build:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
• CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 White
• Motherboard: MSI B650M Gaming Plus WiFi Micro ATX AM5
• Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000
• Storage: WD Black SN770 2TB NVMe SSD
• GPU: XFX Speedster SWFT 319 Radeon RX 6800 16 GB
• Case: Lian Li A3 mATX
• PSU: MSI MAG A650GL 650W 80+ Gold Fully Modular

What I’ve Tried So Far:

1. I’ve already RMA’d my PSU and received a new unit of the same model. Unfortunately, the noise is identical, so I’m wondering if the issue might not be related to the PSU itself.
2. I disabled Global C-State Control in the BIOS to rule out idle power-saving noise, but this hasn’t fixed it.
3. The noise happens even when the PC is completely shut off, but stops when I unplug the PSU.
4. Also I attached the spectrum of the sound is from the same spot and you can see a spike near the 10K Hz, one when the sound is off (ORANGE) and the other with the sound ON(RED)

Questions:

• Could the noise come from another component, such as the motherboard or GPU, even when powered off?
• Has anyone experienced this type of issue with similar components?
• Could this be related to the power strip or wall outlet? (I’m using a surge protector.)

I’m at a bit of a loss here, so any advice or troubleshooting tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Eximo]

Standby 5V is always on, how the power switch works. Also some systems will still provide significant power through USB ports when off. Just the noise the PSU or the motherboard is making.

You can try locating the specific component and potentially putting some silicone on it to act as a dampener.

 

[castellbranco]

Standby 5V is always on, how the power switch works. Also some systems will still provide significant power through USB ports when off. Just the noise the PSU or the motherboard is making.

You can try locating the specific component and potentially putting some silicone on it to act as a dampener.

Hmm what type of silicone and where? Did not understand sorry but yes I will try to make everything separated so I understand what is the source!

 

[Eximo]

Often used in electronics, you will see it globbed on at the base of capacitors, chokes, and coils for stability. Typically white or gray, but really comes in any color. Any temperature rated silicone compound, safe for plastics.

You can find it at home improvement stores, automotive, etc. Online you can find so many options.

Random one: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Electronic-Grade-Silicone-Squeeze/dp/B0063U2RT8

The idea is that you have something vibrating at a frequency you can hear, adding mass to it should effectively change that frequency.

Localizing the sound means either fancy microphone arrays, or taking a wooden dowel and touching things until it stops (or you feel it in the dowel) You can also put your ear up to the dowel while in contact with things to see if it gets louder.