Buzzing noise from pc (even while the pc is off)

[Javetus]

So my pc makes a weird buzzing noise, it doesn't matter if it's on or off, and it's not continuous, sometimes it buzzes every 10 seconds and other times it can be 15 min without doing it.

The sound is noticeable and high pitched (i'm not the only one who can hear it) the thing is, i changed the cables, i changed the power strip and i even changed the power supply, the sound remains.

The sound appears even when the button of the power supply is off, it only stops when i remove the cable or turn off the power strip, i tried the pc in another house and during a couple of hours it didn't make any noise and when I carried the pc to a tech store for help, the guy at the store didn't hear any noise either so it may be an electrical problem at my home

So... I'm really out of ideas and I'm desperately looking for some help

[_I_]

CCOKE님이 먼저 게시:

Any update? I have the same issues here

psu brand/model/age?

get a new/better psu not known for coil whine

[Phénomènes Mystiques]

Do not use cheap power strips and get a good rated Joules. Quality strips will make no noise BUT Chinese ripoff strips WILL make noises.

If the strip is good branding, then please test your homes outlet with a PROPER device to rule out flux. I seen one of my homes outlets had a flux and arching spark, I promptly replaced this...

Older homes can have outlying issues when using high-tech gear as these homes are not rated for these types of devices.

My home is circa 1977 and I will need to replace the AWG lines to a higher load grading within 10 years to become satisfactory rated for 2020/30's+ hardware/appliances.

If you put a plug into the outlet, if it is loose, you have flux. If you were to fix the outlet and it still is not proper, trace the wire as there could be a break in the line.

You can rewire an outlet yourself, or call a professional. Not hard but can be EXTREMELY dangerous.

Most electricians will charge low money for one wire run WITHOUT a wall knock down.

If ANY visible electrical arching is noticed, promptly DO NOT use that outlet until it is properly fixed.

All outlets are shared outlets on each opposing wall with the exceptions of high wattage appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines which get their own outlets.

So you do not want ♥♥♥♥ loads of things plugged into the other side of the wall and in the case of shared walls, the reason is the same, such as apartments and condos.

Just my two cents as a home owner that does their own electrical work - successfully.

[_I_]

power strip will make no difference on coil whine
its how the psu converts the 120/240v ac to 240-480v dc, then chops it up and converts it to lower voltages that makes the whine

the pc always needs the standby 5vdc to run bios turn on circuit when power is ok
the psu does not completely turn off when the pc is is in off/standby modes

[Bastard Emperor]

A buzzing noise is usually due to an energized transformer - part of you PSU but it could also be a bad connection in your electrical supply. Get the electrician to check the circuit that powers your sockets in that room and make sure all terminals from the consumer unit to the affected area are screwed down to the correct tolerances and that all cables are in good condition. A bad connection can also cause heat and in some cases start a fire. Best to be safe.

[_I_]

transformers in switching power supplies do not make audible noise, they switch at a freq much higher than humans can hear

the old 60hz transformers made noise at 60hz a frequency which is audible to humans

in switching power supplies the whine is from choke coils

[[☥] - CJ -]

I have a power tool battery inverter that has audible noise at certain loads or even just being turned on.

I also have a UPS with audible noise when its in use even at a very low load.

So a PSU with audible noise wouldnt be unheard of for one reason or another, especially lower quality ones. Depending on the age of the PSU its not uncommon for example for a PSU to have dust and the like inside of it which could cause such a noise.


it isnt uncommon for a transformer to have audible noise, even transformers on power poles can have audible noise which im sure most people have heard at least once, so i dont think its impossible or unlikely for PSU's to also have them for one reason or another.
-

With that said, Normal Power strips are not the same as Power strips with Surge Protection. Normal power strips are exactly that, something that allows multiple devices to be plugged in without any sort of protection. As they can be quite cheap, using them with high powered devices like a PC or Power Tools is normally frowned upon.

[Senator Armstrong]

I think you may have a bee in your PC 🤭

[jamesglen7]

There's a yellow $7 tool you plug in the outlet, GB Electric Inc., and identifies circuit faults. It can be found at most hardware stores. It has three lights and will display six different conditions with only one being correct. Check all outlets and contact an electrician in event of a fault display.

[_I_]

jamesglen7님이 먼저 게시:

There's a yellow $7 tool you plug in the outlet, GB Electric Inc., and identifies circuit faults. It can be found at most hardware stores. It has three lights and will display six different conditions with only one being correct. Check all outlets and contact an electrician in event of a fault display.

that just detects incorrect outlet wiring
if ground is on the wrong pins

[jamesglen7]

The author should try a gfi protected outlet in the kitchen or bathroom. If you trip a gfi outlet and it resets you should be alright to use it for your pc and wont need the tool.

[_I_]

gfi outlet is not filtering, or anything
just a sense to trip when any current goes from ground prong to the hot wire

basically if the outlet or whatever is plugged into it is grounded incorrectly will turn off the outlet

and switching power supplies dont really care how clean the power coming in is
they rectify it to 220-440v and chop it up and convert it to lower voltage rails
thats done in a few stages, but done efficiently
any noise is from choke coils not its transformers
maybe fans if they are going bad, but wont show up for a few years

[[☥] - CJ -]

Yeah that tester is just for making sure an outlet is wired correctly such as properly grounded, hot and neutral not on the correct/switched leg, etc so on. Its nice to have one though.

And as mentioned a GFI/GFCI is simply there to help keep you from being electrocuted due to some kind of fault in areas that have Water, they arent used as a filter.

HOWEVER
Old/Outdated receptacles/switches CAN be the source/cause of problems when dealing with devices like a PC. So replacing old outlets can help to resolve certain issues. Just be sure to turn the breaker off and double check that the receptacles dont have power before messing with any outlets.

Doing so has resolved some annoyances in my house over the years, for the record.