Problem: 7950 with 2 monitors

[shuiciro]

I'm a little worried about my computer because I've added a old 19'' Acer LCD (1 VGA port) to my Sapphire Radeon 7950 (connected with DVI-VGA) that was already powering a LG Flatron 24'' monitor (connected HDMI-DVI). The problem I have is that whenever I use both the monitors and play a game (doesn't matter if it's a high end or low end game) I hear a constant noise coming from my computer.

I tried spinning the fans when the rig was off and they all have no problems spinning. I've read something about the GPU capacitators and that when under load they make some noise, is this it? My GPU is hardly under any load though. Don't really want to play too many games using both monitors since i'm worried something might happen but then again I'm really angry because how can the 7950 not run 2 monitors.

 

[AirSKiller]

It is something called coil whine, unfortunatly it's kinda common mostly on lower end/cheap components. (Doesn't mean your's are!).
Each coil whine kicks doing diferent things in different component; For example, I get no coil whine whatsoever but if I get over 2000 (yes 2000) fps for some reason my graphics card whines. It's annoying but I only get over 2000 fps on menus or something like that

 

[cookybiscuit]

Remember if its that bad coil whine is a valid reason for an RMA, consider it if it bothers you that much. But do make sure it is actually coil whine first.

 

[shuiciro]

It's actually pretty silent, I'm just worried that it's something that might hurt my components, I don't really hear it over the sound of my computer working but if I get down there closer to the rig I can hear it.

My parts aren't that cheap, I just bought new components and this 2 week old rig is great, this is the first 'problem' or worry that I have with it and like I said it just started today when I added the 19'' monitor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWO1geOxOdk

THIS! This is basically the same thing I'm getting. It's the very same GPU, and the sound is the same, even when he enters the game's loading screen as he tries to join in the sound stops and then as it loads it starts again. Is this a threat to my rig or just something normal. Like I said, it just started today

 

[shuiciro]

Although now that i've tried listening to it closely I think it's not really the GPU but rather the PSU.

 

[mbreslin1954]

How good is your PSU? What brand is it and what's the power output?

 

[shuiciro]

Corsair TX650W. I've had no problems with it until now, it's a few years old now and it just started today. The coil whine is present only when I'm ingame, if I alt tab out it stops.

 

[AirSKiller]

It can be the PSU, the load is probably causing the PSU to coil whine... Try running Prime95 and Furmark (or Kombuster) at the same time... If it gets louder... It's the PSU. But don't worry. It doesn't mean failure or anything and is pretty normal. As I said, not always under the same contions but 95% of the computers do have coil whine... The difference is that some have in less frequent tasks and usage

 

[shuiciro]

I'll try and run the 2 programs later on today and post what happens. I'm just worried, should I try and RMA if it's the video card or should I just keep it and deal with it? It happens everytime I play a low or high demanding game, I noticed it doesn't make as loud noises when I limit the fps down to like 20 but then it's unplayable, but when i turn it up to 60+ it's really louder.

 

[shuiciro]

I'll try and run the 2 programs later on today and post what happens. I'm just worried, should I try and RMA if it's the video card or should I just keep it and deal with it? It happens everytime I play a low or high demanding game, I noticed it doesn't make as loud noises when I limit the fps down to like 20 but then it's unplayable, but when i turn it up to 60+ it's really louder.

 

[shuiciro]

I tried running furmark and prime 95 at the same time and nothing happened, no coil whine. Then I decided to switch my 7950 with my previous 4870 to see if it's the PSU or the video card and I can say that the 7950 is the culprit for my obnoxious coil whine.

Is coil whine a legit reason for RMA?

 

[cookybiscuit]

Is coil whine a legit reason for RMA?

If you're absolutely certain its the card, yes. I returned a 7850 and 7950 for it.

 

[AirSKiller]

I tried running furmark and prime 95 at the same time and nothing happened, no coil whine. Then I decided to switch my 7950 with my previous 4870 to see if it's the PSU or the video card and I can say that the 7950 is the culprit for my obnoxious coil whine.

Is coil whine a legit reason for RMA?

Indeed it is and don't take "No" as an answer

 

[shuiciro]

They said they can't replace it for new one but they can issue a warranty repair. Can they actually repair my coil whine?

 

[AirSKiller]

They said they can't replace it for new one but they can issue a warranty repair. Can they actually repair my coil whine?

I doubt it, they would need to replace the PCB I think, send it back anyway. They need to get it fixed...