Power Supply Clicking Sound Problem or Normal Operation?

[NoviceTechie]

Hi,

I'm using a Thermaltake Toughpower 850 (w0172ru) in this desktop I built in January.

Recently I noticed that its been making a clicking noise. The clicking sound itself is really quick, and also subtle - if I'm facing the PSU, I don't hear anything, but if turn my ears towards the direction of the PSU, I hear the high frequency clicking sound.

I disabled my onboard fans (3 of em) and now the only fans going are the PSU fans and the processor cooler - the direction of the sound is always from the PSU.

I'm at a loss and I don't know if this is normal operation sound for a PSU. The PSU hasn't failed at all and doesn't display any sounds of failing. I don't really want to go through the hassle of RMA'ing this PSU, if there isn't anything wrong with it.

From my experience, all electrical devices generate subtle noises, and I wanted to know - is this low sounding rapid chirping/clicking sound normal for power supplies? Or should I RMA with Antec, since technically they cover all their products for up to 3 years (bought it in January)?

I've searched teh forums, but all other posts about clicking sounds usually accompany burning or some larger misfortune.

 

[win2kpro]

I would go ahead and RMA the power supply. If you open it up you void the warranty. It may be a problem as simple as a defective fan, wire or other component touching a fan blade, etc. A Chirp or a squeal is often associated with defective capacitors.

 

[NoviceTechie]

ah, I was afraid of that. This desktop is the only one I had.

Is there an alternative though? Is there a way to distinguish between the usual operating noise and an actual defect?

The best/most accurate way I can describe the noise is that unique electrical sound you hear when you walk by an electrical plant or transformers in a city. Its like humming, but its actually crackling, or clicking, at an extremely high frequency. The sound this PSU creates is like that, but more quiet.

 

[win2kpro]

The alternative is to install a known good power supply and see if the problem continues.

 

[sunnyeagle]

You will have to replace it. They are not to make the noise you are hearing. One day it will stop working. At least you have an advance warning. Thermaltake is not one my top choice, but to each his own.

 

[NoviceTechie]

tbh when I was building the rig, I wanted an Antec - but I was impatient b/c it was out of stock..

I guess I learned a lesson, /sigh.

I'm going to buy a new PSU 2day - and I ran 2 watt calculators and I only need about 500 watts. I'd like to throw in a 100 watt leeway in case I upgrade further, can you recommend a brand that's trust worthy?

 

[sunnyeagle]

I always liked OCZ...

 

[llOriginll]

If you don't mind the slight (and I mean slight) premium for a Corsair you can't go wrong, freaking quality and runs silent as anything.

I'm using the 650W version and it's sweet xD

Link (UK)

 

[win2kpro]

It's hard to beat a 650 or 750 Corsair.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

I don't know what chassis you are using, but when I use a mid tower chassis with three 5.25" slots or a full tower chassis with four 5.25" slots I drop my optical drives down to
the 2 bottom 5.25" slots then I have room to bundle the excess wiring and get it out of the way on the top of the top optical drive.

I zip tie my extra wires then cut down an old motherboard anti static bag, put the wires in the bag, zip tie them in the bag and it makes a nice, neat little package to lay on top of the top optical drive. If I later need one of the connectors I have tied up, all I have to do is open the package and pull out the connector and wiring I need, and put the remainder back in place.

 

[NoviceTechie]

I was actually checking out that corsair 650TX earlier. I found it on Newegg with respectable ratings, but found it cheaper @ Mwave (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=BA24312).

All the corsairs are claiming modular design, but are any of 'em modular in the Kingwin (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch_v3.asp?scriteria=AA75764) sense? Tbh I've never heard of Kingwin before, but its a 660w with a lower price.

I'm a little wary buying something that looks that good, with that low a price, but I'm using a first generation Antec Nine Hundred case and since the PSU's are mounted on the bottom, there's a huge mess with cables..

 

[win2kpro]

Kingwin is a lower qualilty power supply than Corsair. Corsair 5 year warranty, Kingwin 3 year warranty.

Also, I prefer a single +12v rail rather than multi +12v rails so I don't have to worry about power distribution.

On a modular unit you have twice as many potential points of failure in the accessory leads than you do with hard wired leads.