PSU clicking noise on load

[Kistel]

I purchased an Antec High Current Gamer 620 power supply about a week ago and started to notice it making some soft but continuous clicking noises when playing games.

When idle the PSU is quiet with no clicking noises whatsoever. However, when I start playing a demanding game like Battlefield3, after a few minutes there is a constant clicking noise coming from the PSU. After I turn off the game, the clicking noise stops.

Is this a sign that the PSU is defective or prone to failure? Should I RMA it?

 

[qubit]

Definitely RMA it. All you should hear is the fan spinning up, if the load is high enough. In fact, as it's so new, you should be given a brand new unit, no questions asked.

 

[Norton]

Definitely RMA it. All you should hear is the fan spinning up, if the load is high enough. In fact, as it's so new, you should be given a brand new unit, no questions asked.

^^ this- clicking may be a noisy fan bearing as the unit heats up/fan increases/noise increases...

If the fan fails, the PSU could fail and burn out your system

 

[Kistel]

Thank you for the prompt replies. I have decided to return the PSU and exchange it for another model as the HCG-620 is not longer in stock through the retailer I ordered it from; and apparently it is notorious for a clicking noise.

I am looking at the High Current Gamer 750 or Corsair TX650V2 as replacements.

 

[1nf3rn0x]

Go with the corsair, awesome brand!

 

[Kistel]

I am leaning toward the Antec HCG-750 because the Corsair TX650 is quite loud according to reviews. The HCG-750 is a Delta-based unit, whereas my current HCG-620 is a Seasonic-based unit. I am hoping that Delta products are less prone to fan ticking / misalignment than the Seasonic-based units.

Are there any other solid, quiet 600w+ PSUs in the $90 price range?

 

[rickjames284]

I believe I have the same problem. Thanks for the advice.

 

[scaminatrix]

I've got the same problem and I was trying to find answers everywhere - even the Corsair forums. Is it definitely grounds for RMA? I don't want to waste £30 on shipping my PSU to Holland.

It was louder, but I swapped CPU from my old defective 555 BE to a 1055t and now it's much quieter. Strange, but that's computers for ya

 

[Kistel]

If you can determine it is only a wire getting caught up in the fan, then I would not bother with an RMA unless you recently purchased it and are entitled to a free replacement from your retailer.

But if you are not sure whether or not it is a bad fan, a wire or electrical noise, I would probably just RMA it to be on the safe side.

 

[qubit]

Are there any other solid, quiet 600w PSUs in the $90 price range?

I've recently bought a Corsair CX600 PSU for my second PC and it's excellent, not terribly expensive and quiet too. I've had a high-end Corsair HX850W in my main rig and that's superb. Put this along with the consistently excellent reviews once sees of Corsair products and you can't go wrong.

If you can get a Seasonic, then you'll very well there too, as they're superb and often make the PSU's for other brands, such as Corsair.

 

[Kistel]

I've recently bought a Corsair CX600 PSU for my second PC and it's excellent, not terribly expensive and quiet too. I've had a high-end Corsair HX850W in my main rig and that's superb. Put this along with the consistently excellent reviews once sees of Corsair products and you can't go wrong.

If you can get a Seasonic, then you'll very well there too, as they're superb and often make the PSU's for other brands, such as Corsair.

Thanks, but I have decided to go with the Antec HCG-750. I am a bit weary of Seasonic because the 620watt HCG that suffers from clicking is a seasonic-based unit, so I am going to try a delta-based unit (HCG-750) to see if that solves the issue. But thank you for the suggestion; if I end up having to RMA the HCG-750 as well, I will definitely look into the Corsair CX600.

 

[qubit]

Thanks, but I have decided to go with the Antec HCG-750. I am a bit weary of Seasonic because the 620watt HCG that suffers from clicking is a seasonic-based unit, so I am going to try a delta-based unit (HCG-750) to see if that solves the issue. But thank you for the suggestion; if I end up having to RMA the HCG-750 as well, I will definitely look into the Corsair CX600.

No problem. The good thing about the PSU market, is that there are many decent brands and Antec is one of them. Let us know how you get on with it.

btw, the two Corsair units I talked about are both made by CWT.

 

[Kistel]

I received the Antec 750watt High Current Gamer. The first day, it worked perfectly ... no clicking noises. But today it started making soft clicking noises during and outside of games.

Is this worth another RMA? Or is it possible, or even normal, for some PSUs to have soft clicking noises?

 

[OneMoar]

its a switching power supply that's normal ... tho its usually not audible could be just bad fan bearings or a noisy choke
if its not on fire or setting fire to something ...... ignore it

 

[m1dg3t]

Bearing's in the fan are more than likely "breaking in" or "seating" noise should go away with use. Do you have a DMM (digital multi meter) you can use to check output voltage of the PSU to make sure it is putting out what ya need? If it was me i'd monitor the voltage over the course of a week and providing they were fine/stable and the noise goes away you'll be OK, otherwise RMA for sure. Just my $0.02

Good luck

 

[brandonwh64]

My Corsair 750TX is super quiet! I don't thing I have heard it since install and I know the fan is working cause you can feel it blowing out the back of the case.