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Comments on Computer whining (~16khz noise coming from somewhere in the case)
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Computer whining (~16khz noise coming from somewhere in the case)
My computer makes a very annoying high pitched noise under medium loads. I have been chasing this problem for a few days now and would appreciate any input you might have.
System details: OS: Lubuntu 21.10; CPU: AMD FX-8350; Mobo: Asrock FX990 Ext.4; GPU1 MSI Geforce GTX1060 6GB; GPU2 ATI Radeon HD7750. Will elaborate upon request.
See the constant 16khz tone on the far right? that's my problem:
The noise usually appears after playing KSP for about 30min-1hr, with some other stuff (usually a youtube video) going in the other monitor.
Things that I think are NOT the cause:
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My audio setup. I've turned off the speakers, unplugged them, moved wires around, all with no discernible effect.
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The CPU fan. I've gone into BIOS and throttled it up and down manually. I can see the RPM readout changing but the noise does not appear, even at max RPM.
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The GPU1 fans. I went into Nvidia Xserver settings and throttled them up and down without reproducing the noise.
I can't say I've encountered a problem that makes using my PC physically painful before. Please let me know if you have more troubleshooting ideas.
Post
Olin's answer correctly diagnoses this as a form of coil whine, which can be emitted from almost any component but in your case is coming from the PSU.
If you're not comfortable with voiding the warranty and touching potentially high-voltage components, the simpler (but perhaps more expensive) option is to try a different PSU. The amount of whine you get from any given device can vary considerably based on the make and model, and is typically less (although not necessarily silent) on more premium components.
My current PC came with a fairly basic Cooler Master PSU which was so whiny the machine was practically unusable, but the noise all but disappeared when I replaced the PSU with a more expensive Corsair gaming model. Of course you need to decide how willing you are to spend money on a new component without knowing up front if it will solve the problem, but if you order it online you should at least have the right to send it back for a refund if it doesn't help.
Clarification in response to comment: my answer is not that Cooler Master PSUs are always noisy or that Corsair PSUs are always quiet. Both are respectable brands with a range of products at various difference price/quality points. My suggestion is that if you have a particularly noisy PSU and are prepared to spend some money, then upgrading to a more premium model (possibly one which is specifically sold as "silent" or "quiet") might solve the problem, as it did for me.
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