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No tunes just a very high pitched whistle/whine.
It's a 360W Chieftec unit. It's done it for probably 6 months and I never thought anything of it until I was reading about another guys PSU probs.
Time to replace?
If so any recommendations for a quality basic PSU. No feckin LEDs or 23 fans I'm not into modding just like things to work well.
I'd probably look at an Antec or an Enermax PSU ~400W but they're not cheap.
Take a quick look at the fan and see if there is anything obvious there that could cause the whistling noise as that is the obvious culprit. Don't open it up though if you can help it!
If you do replace it dont get one that is less than 360w, since that is the one you already have and make sure it has enough molex connectors for your needs. - I'd prob pay around £35 mark for an avarage one in UK.
Can you say Fortron? The egg has been running specials on these too! Fortron has an exemplary reputation.
- Fortron
- PC Power & Cooloing
- Sparkle
- SeaSonic
- OCZ
- Antec
Your basic cream of the crop.
$36
Dual 12v rail
Read on the back for its MAX power......they always fudge those front page numbers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104952
I recommend at the minimum this one, but I'm thinking future.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954
Rest of the list 300-400w: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ubmit=Property
I'm using Antec true controller and a Fortron Blue.
Doesn't sound like a fan noise. More like a flash charging on a camera.
<starts to magine big capacitors full of charge and starts to worry :bawling:>
Take the sucker apart and look at the caps.. I have seen caps that were burst that made the same sort of noise.Quote:
Originally posted here by Aspman
Doesn't sound like a fan noise. More like a flash charging on a camera.
<starts to magine big capacitors full of charge and starts to worry :bawling:>
Sounds like a 'charging cap'
that's exactly what a whistling fan sounds like ..........
give the fan a good blow out, AND a well positioned finger into the centre to check for bearing wobble .............
you will probably get a quieter fan just by doing this, which will PROVE it IS the fan beginning to fail :)
do NOT replace JUST the fan :eek:
for QUIET spares I go here
I didn't know you were trying a fix. I personally leave my comps on when I leave the house; I'd be a little worried myself. But take it apart and post some pics. IMHO it sounds like a crummy PFC. I'd start looking at the (PFC) power factor correction, and let's have a look at that LC network. Depending on what method of circuitry they used of course. If that's a sophisticated network they probably gave an extra diode and capacitor in that PFC. What's the brand? If you can find the schematic that would be great.
Personally I need pictures.
I'm sure nihil will throw some insight into the mix.
Edit: We go to Silent PC over here foxy. :)
Cheers gents.
Will try cleaning out the fan first and if it persisits I'll pop the sucker apart and have a look at the caps. I'll post pics if I'm not sure.
The PSU is a Chieftec 360W (don't know the exact model) it came with the case a Chieftec Dragon Medium Tower (in loverly blue).
I'll do it tonight if I've got time, I'm putting up coving tonight and I've got some plastering to do but after that if she'll let me finish early. I really hate DIY :mad:
Bloody Hell Asp ............Quote:
I'm putting up coving tonight and I've got some plastering to do
just how big IS this PC :D
Actually ..
it isnt so much the Capacitors making that noise.. But due to their not filtering the DC properly OR passing the wrong range of frequency harmonics to a transformer.. the High pitch whistle (that often varies with load) is the Former (the metal part) of the transformer rattling, or more a sub harmonic of the rattle..Quote:
Take the sucker apart and look at the caps.. I have seen caps that were burst that made the same sort of noise
Imitationrust had the closest to the point hereQuote:
I'd start looking at the (PFC) power factor correction, and let's have a look at that LC network. Depending on what method of circuitry they used of course.
Ok sounds good. What does it look like?Quote:
I'd start looking at the (PFC) power factor correction, and let's have a look at that LC network
<edit> Ok it looks like a ring with copper wire wrapped round it. If it''s jiggered is this simply not time for a new PSU? Do you guys try to repair everything?:killcompu:
I think some of your houses must look like a Heath Robinson nightmare.
Hey Foxy, case side windows are so last year, I'm going for French doors ;)
I fixed mine ... now it's realy quiet and it keeps me fit ...
Here is a Link to see what it looks like.
But seriously if you have a nasty whistling PSU I would consider buying a new one just for easing the nerves alone it's worth it..by the way how old is the Chieftec PSU ?? Is it still under warranty ??
Anywho,
Just my 2c.
C.
It's a 18 months - 2 years old. Not that old but out of warranty. It's suprising how expensive a good quality PSU is. It'll have to wait till after pay day anyway.
I was about to say it was a pissy crowbar circuit.Quote:
Originally posted here by Und3ertak3r
Actually ..
it isnt so much the Capacitors making that noise.. But due to their not filtering the DC properly OR passing the wrong range of frequency harmonics to a transformer.. the High pitch whistle (that often varies with load) is the Former (the metal part) of the transformer rattling, or more a sub harmonic of the rattle..
Actually I'm a neat freak except in my tinkering room in my basement.Quote:
Originally posted here by Aspman
Ok sounds good. What does it look like?
<edit> Ok it looks like a ring with copper wire wrapped round it. If it''s jiggered is this simply not time for a new PSU? Do you guys try to repair everything?
I think some of your houses must look like a Heath Robinson nightmare.
Hey Foxy, case side windows are so last year, I'm going for French doors
Actually I think you're looking at an inductor, which I always thought to be a ghetto-rigged type of component. But what they do is actually quite interesting; they’re the opposite of a capacitor. It builds up an electrical field and actually stores magnetic energy. This also depends on the number of raps as well. If I'm correct they block DC and allow AC to pass. I always take my PSU's apart to see the workmanship inside. Now that I'm thinking about it, do you know how to safely discharge a cap? One should not put faith in bleeders either. You can actually start to weld if you 're not careful. If the answer is no, I'd seriously advise to not take it all apart, especially by yourself. If you see something blown, Radio shack can always do a simple repair. I strongly recommend a new PSU aswell.
If you need parts I shop at Mouser's.
http://www.mouser.com/
I've owned a few Chieftec products.
Here is an old project I had going, it's a Chieftec server tower gutted of all its fat.
http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/1594/4207gf.jpg
You know what? I think I have to agree with you there. I've shocked myself enough times in the past not to want to repeat it :zap:Quote:
One should not put faith in bleeders either. You can actually start to weld if you 're not careful. If the answer is no, I'd seriously advise to not take it all apart, especially by yourself.
I like my Chieftec case. Heavy as hell feels like it was made properly. Wish it had 120mm fan mounts though.