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Unplugged PSU is buzzing?

post #1 of 6
8/20/12 at 1:25pm
Thread Starter 
So I have a Corsair AX1200.
I'm thinking it might be broken so I unplugged everything and took it out so I can test it at a friend's house.
Strangely enough, when I put my ear against the PSU I can hear a distinct buzzing noise.
It's not some random noise because the rhythm is too distinct to be random.

Anyone knows why that is?

I know I'm probably looking at an RMA here but I'm still curious.
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post #2 of 6
8/20/12 at 1:27pm
capacitor? or maybe you got some bees made a hive in der

:edit:
obviously the capacitor thing is the only productive/relevant thing I have to add. I'm curious as well.
Edited by clark_b - 8/20/12 at 1:29pm
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post #3 of 6
8/20/12 at 1:28pm
If it buzzes for a little after you unplug it, it's probably residual power stored in the/a cap causing an inductor coil to vibrate.
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post #4 of 6
8/20/12 at 1:38pm
My psu started to buzz recently after upgrading to a GTX580. Sometimes (Coil whine) can occur due to pc configuration, or change in hardware ( me for example ), or on occasion it's a sign of a failing psu. The buzzing noise you hear is the resonating of the coils inside the psu when current is passing through them, sometimes high loads cause the vibrations to make audible noise, sometimes its low to idle loads. Some people notice it when playing games with high fps, some just sitting at desktop.

When you can hear buzzing still after the psu is switched off is an after effect of this. When the coil whines under any load it creates a small current within the magnet the coil surrounds, and it's this small current which can continue to cause the vibration of the coil, even after powering down.

In most cases it does not mean imminent failure or loss of power and your psu is likely to continue performing as it should, however it may also continue to produce the annoying noise. In most cases manufacturers are happy to RMA the offending unit and replace it with a new one ( if within warranty ). If you still have the receipt i would advise having the unit replaced , which is better than having a noisy unit.

It can of course be a sign of failure or be related to the trasnformers or another part of your pc, so please don't take my opinion as pure gospel.
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post #5 of 6
8/20/12 at 1:52pm
Thread Starter 
thanks for the info smile.gif
Didn't realise there was that much going on in a power supply redface.gif
Another gray area full of useful information discovered =D
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post #6 of 6
8/20/12 at 2:27pm
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How long after it was unplug did the noise persist? minutes or hours? also, even CPUs make audible noises in the ultrasonic range - to the point of having audio signatures that reveal what they're doing.
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