Question PSU weird noise.

[Exz0sT]

Hello. This might be a silly question, but my PSU makes a clicking noise under load or when ECO mode is off. It has been like that since the day I built my PC. Is that normal?


Recorded noise

PSU: EVGA SuperNOVA 850W Gold
GPU: Asus TUF 3080 12GB
CPU: Ryzen 5800x
Ram: Corsair: Corsair Vengeance 3200 mhz 32 gb
Mobo: Asus B450-F Gaming II

Thank You!

 

[Ralston18]

Not a silly question.

And the noise seems much more like a "clunk" than a "click" to me.

A "clunk" being that something is hitting something else. A "click"being electrical in nature from a switch or other component.

In any case, update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information. How old is the PC?

History of heavy use for gaming, video editing, or even bit-mining?

= = = =

Open the computer case and carefully use a cardboard tube or rolled up sheet of paper to "listen around" to both the PSU and the computer's components in general to pinpoint the source of the noise. What ever the noise is or sounds like.

Place one end of the tube to your ear and aim the other end of the tube as applicable. Have someone help so you do not hit any internal components. Take your time - no need to rush especially if the niose is constant.

After listening, power down and unplug the computer. User a bright flashlight to carefully inspect the area where the sound originates.

Look at the fan blades and any wires that may be free to move.

Look through the openings in the PSU but do not open the PSU. Nothing inside is repairable and attempting to do so can be dangerous.

See what you can find.

 

[Exz0sT]

Not a silly question.

And the noise seems much more like a "clunk" than a "click" to me.

A "clunk" being that something is hitting something else. A "click"being electrical in nature from a switch or other component.

In any case, update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information. How old is the PC?

History of heavy use for gaming, video editing, or even bit-mining?

= = = =

Open the computer case and carefully use a cardboard tube or rolled up sheet of paper to "listen around" to both the PSU and the computer's components in general to pinpoint the source of the noise. What ever the noise is or sounds like.

Place one end of the tube to your ear and aim the other end of the tube as applicable. Have someone help so you do not hit any internal components. Take your time - no need to rush especially if the niose is constant.

After listening, power down and unplug the computer. User a bright flashlight to carefully inspect the area where the sound originates.

Look at the fan blades and any wires that may be free to move.

Look through the openings in the PSU but do not open the PSU. Nothing inside is repairable and attempting to do so can be dangerous.

See what you can find.

. I had to mention that "clunk" sound was made by me turning off ECO mode switch. PC is about 6 months old. I wasnt editing, gaming or mining. Rapid clicking sound appears on heavy load of gpu or turning off eco mode. Like I did in record. PSU making noise since begging. Might be natural electricity thing maybe?

 

[Ralston18]

I listened to the recording again and understand the "clunks".

I can also hear what sounds like the fan spinning up.

Try reducing the load on the PSU by disconnecting any additional drives. Methodically test the PC/PSU from some starting point where there is no clicking or other noises. (If such a starting point exists.) Discover the conditions/load when the clicking begins. What "load" causes clicking to start?

Google "PSU clicking" and read through a few links that appear. Some PSU noises, including clicking, can be normal and expected.

Very likely that you will find additional information and discussion about the noises being heard.

Key is to be certain about what is really happening and not jumping to any conclusions or taking corrective actions that may not really be helpful or even determental - if not harmful in some manner.

There may be other thoughts and ideas.