Short answer: a high-pitched whine that rises with frame rate is usually coil whine, often from the graphics card, and it’s harmless. Clicking, grinding or crackling from the power supply itself is different. Switch off and investigate.
Which noise is which
| Noise | Usually means | Worry? |
|---|---|---|
| High whine or squeal that changes with frame rate | Coil whine | No, usually harmless |
| Steady whoosh that rises when gaming | Fan speeding up | No |
| Rattle or ticking that changes with fan speed | A cable touching the fan, or a worn fan bearing | Check it |
| Single click when switching on or off | Normal relay or switching sound on many units | No |
| Repeated clicking, and the PC won’t start | Protection tripping or a fault | Yes |
| Crackling, popping or sizzling | A failing part | Yes, switch off now |
Coil whine
NZXT explains that coil whine comes from coils in the power circuits vibrating as current passes through them. It gets louder as the load rises, and very high frame rates in light or older games can make it especially loud. It doesn’t damage anything and isn’t a sign of failure.
Graphics cards are the most common source, but any part with coils can do it, including the power supply.
How to find where it’s coming from
- Cap your frame rate to your monitor’s refresh rate. If the whine drops, it’s load-related coil whine.
- Listen close to the graphics card, then the power supply, with the side panel off.
- If it only happens on loading screens or menus, that’s the frame rate running uncapped.
How to reduce coil whine
- Frame rate cap. NZXT calls this the most effective fix.
- Clean power. NZXT suggests a UPS or power conditioner can help where incoming power is poor.
- Replacing parts is a last resort. Whine varies from one unit to the next, even of the same model.
Clicking and rattling
A ticking that rises and falls with fan speed is often a cable brushing the fan. Switch off, unplug, and check the cables near the fan grille, especially if your power supply is mounted fan up. A grinding fan can mean a worn bearing. If the unit is in warranty, claim it.
When to replace it
- Crackling, popping or a burning smell.
- Repeated clicking with no power.
- A grinding fan on a unit out of warranty.
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Questions
Is coil whine bad for my PC?
No. It’s a normal sound from coils under load and doesn’t damage anything.
Can I return a graphics card for coil whine?
Policies vary. NZXT notes coil whine on its own isn’t usually grounds for a warranty replacement.
Why does my PC whine on game menus?
Menus often run at very high frame rates. Capping the frame rate usually fixes it.
My power supply clicks once when I switch off. Is that normal?
Yes, on many units. Repeated clicking without power is not.
Can a power supply cause coil whine in my graphics card?
It can contribute. Poor incoming power can make whine worse, according to NZXT.
Sources
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