Hey Everyone,
Recently, I’ve been hearing some strange Ticking/Clicking noises coming from my computer. I had just installed a new system fan (intake, 2000 RPM), so naturally I assumed it was this. I unplugged it and ran it for a few hours, but I was still hearing it. So I took off the side panels and had a buddy run some programs and such while I stuck my head inside the machine. As it turns out, it was the PSU making the sound.
So far, all I’ve done is checking to make sure there was nothing physically in the way of the fan. As far as I can tell there isn’t. I also tried running it on it’s side, still made the noise.
It is worth noting that I run a bottom mount PSU, but the case came with a cover/filter for it, and I have a board underneath it (no carpet) so I kind of doubt anything got sucked into it.
I also tried running it without the cover/filter in case it was just rattling, but this wasn’t it.
I saw in a forum somewhere that it might be making the clicking noise because of the load on it (not this model specifically, just in general). So, I used a free wattage calculator to find out what would be the most my system could handle. The website told me minimum is 337 Watts, and suggested 377 Watts.
I currently use the Thermaltake TR2 600W PSU. To sum the manufacturer’s site:
600 Watts under 20-100% load, 720 Watts peak
80+ Bronze Efficiency (82-88%)
Lifetime > 100,000 Hours
I’ve had it for about 6 months now, meaning that at most I’ve used it 4200 hours (that’s running it 24/7).
Another things that makes me think it isn’t strain on it is that it doesn’t do this any more than normal when I’m gaming, presumably when I’m drawing the most power.
It does it most during startup, just after Windows loads.
Looked around in BIOS, didn’t see any settings relating to Power Supply.
Oh, and as far as I can tell, the PSU fan doesn’t have any nicks in it or anything.
It also has a five year warranty. I’d rather not have to send it in, as I use it a lot (that’s why I’m posting here) but I’d much rather do that than risk damage to my system.
User Info Page Biography for full specs.
Use a top mounted exhaust fan IF you have any temperature problems. Use a program HWMonitor or similar to read the temps from within Windows while using the machine to find out if more cooling is needed.
I once read an article with advice on bottom mounted power supplies when I first accidentally purchased a case that used one ( a number of years ago) and aside from the above fan recommendations that I have been using, it said to flip the power supply over so that it draws its air from inside of the case. Some would say that the external air would be cooler for the power supply, but it is also true that the supplied filters will in time clog up faster being on the bottom and the power supply would fail from heat die to the lack of air circulation through it. It is much easier to notice a build up of dust on a front vent or filter, it is rare that we will think of checking the bottom mounted filter often enough (out of sight, out of mind).
You have to be a little bit crazy to keep you from going insane.