Question What’s this clicking/sparking noise when loading/adjusting settings on games

Feb 24, 2025
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Hey guys, so I got this new build: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/ryx84p


And I've noticed that when I change game settings or sometimes load into a game that my PC makes a clicking noise:
View: https://youtu.be/XV8KFq4rC_A?si=4S8lXo2gKhjggV9a


The example video is me changing the render scaling settings on Monster Hunter Wilds


I'm unsure what this noise is and I am a little worried, it actually doesn't make the game when playing games but the above example happens when I load Monster Hunter Wilds or change the render scale, any idea what this could be? I don't want it frying on me, could this be CPU or PSU coil? The same clicking can be heard when switching the PC on and Off but only a single time, could this be a coil, fan bearing or something else?
 
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Hey guys, so I got this new build: https:// uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/ryx84p


And I've noticed that when I change game settings or sometimes load into a game that my PC makes a clicking noise:

View:
View: https://youtu.be/XV8KFq4rC_A?si=4S8lXo2gKhjggV9a



The example video is me changing the render scaling settings on Monster Hunter Wilds


I'm unsure what this noise is and I am a little worried, it actually doesn't make the game when playing games but the above example happens when I load Monster Hunter Wilds or change the graphic settings, any idea what this could be? I don't want it frying on me, could this be a GPU or PSU coil I believe it’s coming from the PSU? The same clicking can be heard when switching the PC on and Off but only a single time, could this be a coil, fan bearing or something else? I’m pretty worried as this build is pretty new
 
Hey guys, so I got this new build: https:// uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/ryx84p


And I've noticed that when I change game settings or sometimes load into a game that my PC makes a clicking noise:

View:
View: https://youtu.be/XV8KFq4rC_A?si=4S8lXo2gKhjggV9a



The example video is me changing the render scaling settings on Monster Hunter Wilds


I'm unsure what this noise is and I am a little worried, it actually doesn't make the game when playing games but the above example happens when I load Monster Hunter Wilds or change the graphic settings, any idea what this could be? I don't want it frying on me, could this be a GPU or PSU coil I believe it’s coming from the PSU? The same clicking can be heard when switching the PC on and Off but only a single time, could this be a coil, fan bearing or something else? I’m pretty worried as this build is pretty new
return the power supply and get a new one.
What that sounds like is the filtering network off the switching transformer is open causing the over voltage spark gap to discharge when not loaded.
 
@jaybart1234

I could not hear any clicking noises. There could be a number of reasons for that....

Explain more about clicking the PC on or off. How do you turn on and turn off the PC?

= = = =

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

(Not a pcpartpicker link.)

PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition (original to build, new, refurbished, used)?

Disk drive(s): make, model, capacity, how full?

Attached peripherals?

What you can do is is fairly straight foward and easy.

Use (to begin with) Task Manager and Resource Monitor to observe system performance.

Use both tools but only one tool at a time.

Open the tool window and leave the tool window viewable.

Game as usual while while watching for what changes when the noises occur.

May take a bit of trial and error to narrow down what is happening.

The key being that you discover something that you can do to cause and/or end the noise....
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

To me it sounds like a fan blade brushing up against a cable/cable tie. Roll up a sheet of A4 paper into a tube, hold one end to your ear and use the other end to inspect/probe for the source of the noise.

Please stick to one thread unless you want spaghetti brains. + Moved thread to Systems section.