Power Supply Making Noise

[SenoritaCao]

So my power supply has been making some noise which I think is fan related.

A little bit after I got the PSU and got it up and running, it started making some noise (Sounds like something's vibrating). I suspected a wire or something was hitting the fan but after using a torch, that was not the case. I stopped the fan with a piece of cardboard and the sound stopped with it.

The sound comes and goes, and usually stays away for a while after i stop it with cardboard. I think it has something to do with the fan bearing (Going off what I've read, I actually have no idea about this). Normally it wouldn't be much of an issue since noise doesn't bother me but my tower sits on the desk pretty much next to my ear so it's become quite an annoyance. Also, I'd prefer a fix that doesn't need me opening up the power supply since I'd rather not void the warranty in case of an electrical fault.

 

[herrwizo]

Yup, a fan bearing is starting to fail. If your PSU is under warranty, RMA it.

If it is not under warranty, replacing the fan is a fairly easy procedure as long as you take all the required measures not to be electroshocked by a discharging capacitor. The fan needs to have exactly the same specifications in terms of voltage, physical dimensions, RPM, and airflow in CFM also needs to be taken into account. If you do not wish to do it yourself, you can certainly find a skilled electrician.

If everything else fails, get a new PSU. Seasonic and XFX make great and quiet PSUs.

 

[SenoritaCao]

It is still under warranty since I only purchased a few days ago but I have some concerns about the issue. The noise disappears for some time after stopping the fan (As of right now, its all running noiseless) so I have no guarantee that the people at the shop will be able to replicate the issue. Not only that, when the PSU is outside of the case, the noise becomes a lot less noticeable (I think my case amplifies the sound a little). I'm afraid that even if I decide to RMA it, they won't be able to detect the issue.

I'm thinking that I should just wait it out until a point that it becomes more noticeable/frequent but obviously in that situation, I'm putting my entire computer at risk if the fan decides to fail while I'm not at the desk.

 

[herrwizo]

Your choice. In my experience, noises only increase over time, so waiting cannot hurt

 

[SenoritaCao]

Wont the fan fail as the bearing fails?

 

[herrwizo]

It is rarely a complete bearing fail, mostly a bad quality one. I would still not wait TOO long, though, only what is required for the issue to be evident. Or just return it. What model exactly?

 

[SenoritaCao]

Its a cx430 non modular. I get that these are known for early failure, but it's bottom mounted (So it gets fresh air instead of air thats already gone through the processor) and well ventilated so currently it is not of concern. In the event that I can RMA it and get a different PSU, I'm considering the EVGA 500b but I can't find an answer on which is superior.

 

[herrwizo]

They are both similar, quite average in quality. Get any Seasonic or XFX for the best possible quality. Or Antec HCG.