PSU clicking in operation ( not the ON and OFF relay)

[matpc]

Hey guys

sorry to bother with this thread again

But I think I'm having clicks regardless of the load of the PC (when it's already turned on)

The PC doesn't turn off and everything works normally, is the PSU supposed to click after it was turned on in operation? Could this be some kind of defect perhaps or is there some risk?
It happens every 10 days for no apparent reason (I connect the PC to a quality line filter)
Happens while playing or idle
My house is OK with the electrical installations
I guess if the relay was the source of the noise the PC would shutdown? Is there any other noise from the power supply mechanism?
I connected everything correctly to the PC, cables, etc. I just checked



My PC: 5700x3d, NVMe, 4x8 3200mhz, TUF B550M, 4070 Super



Can I use it or do I run any risk?



thanks

 

[eidairaman1]

Could be coil resonance (whine) or just switching or psu just doing some conditioning.

Use it and move forward.

Call us if your pc doesn't turn on, or crashes.

Rtfm and study some videos on youtube

 

[pavle]

It sure isn't normal. Change the PSU if you can.

 

[Vincero]

Do you happen to use a UPS or AVR located next to your PC - something with an autotransformer contained within?

These can click whilst in use as a normal part of their operation.

The only other thing that could be a click sound is arcing - which isn't really a good thing. But it could be something as simple as the IEC cable not plugged in properly at the back.

 

[Bill_Bright]

is the PSU supposed to click after it was turned on in operation?

Many PSUs will click "once" shortly after turned on. I am not aware of any that continue to click after that. But that just means I have not seen/heard any.

HOWEVER, you probably should try to understand when it clicks. Many PSUs today run in silent mode until internal temps cross a specific threshold and then the internal fan spins up. That fan may be signaled to spin up through a relay. And mechanical relays click when activated. So if you can associate the clicks with the fan spinning up or off, that clicking may be just fine. If not, then it suggests another issue.

Also, if you can see through the vent grill, ensure it is not a wire being hit by a spinning fan blade. If it is, a long "wooden" glue or Popsicle stick might work to move it away. I do NOT recommend opening a PSU unless a qualified technician. It is important to remember that anything that plugs into the wall can KILL!

 

[anonuser57]

Maybe the fan is bad. The next time you hear clicking stop the fan with a popsicle stick and see if it stops.

 

[matpc]

Do you happen to use a UPS or AVR located next to your PC - something with an autotransformer contained within?

These can click whilst in use as a normal part of their operation.

The only other thing that could be a click sound is arcing - which isn't really a good thing. But it could be something as simple as the IEC cable not plugged in properly at the back.

i plug into a line filter ( quality one )

i think i´ve plugged the power cable firmly

i´ve read about the PSU that it has the relay that clicks when ON and OFF but i´m not sure what the clicking means in operation

Happens so randomly , hard to diagnose

Do i run the risk of frying my other components?

Many PSUs will click "once" shortly after turned on. I am not aware of any that continue to click after that. But that just means I have not seen/heard any.

HOWEVER, you probably should try to understand when it clicks. Many PSUs today run in silent mode until internal temps cross a specific threshold and then the internal fan spins up. That fan may be signaled to spin up through a relay. And mechanical relays click when activated. So if you can associate the clicks with the fan spinning up or off, that clicking may be just fine. If not, then it suggests another issue.

Also, if you can see through the vent grill, ensure it is not a wire being hit by a spinning fan blade. If it is, a long "wooden" glue or Popsicle stick might work to move it away. I do NOT recommend opening a PSU unless a qualified technician. It is important to remember that anything that plugs into the wall can KILL!

it can be the fan but i´m not 100% sure

i´ve seen some teardown videos and the only thing i could found in the PSU was the relay clicking

i plug into a line filter ( quality one )

i think i´ve plugged the power cable firmly

i´ve read about the PSU that it has the relay that clicks when ON and OFF but i´m not sure what the clicking means in operation

Happens so randomly , hard to diagnose

Do i run the risk of frying my other components?

it can be the fan but i´m not 100% sure

i´ve seen some teardown videos and the only thing i could found in the PSU was the relay clicking

i don´t really mind the PSU that much ( if it breaks) , i´m mostly worried if it takes my whole system down

i forgot to add in the thread but the PSU is xpg core reactor 650w

 

[Vincero]

Well the PSU isn't a complete dumpster fire, although they did cheap out a bit with the fan - FDB fans are not infallible, and it could be starting it's way out. That said fan noises generally are a bit more low key and repetitive, so don't think it's necessarily the fan.

PSUs (in the grand scheme of things) aren't expensive so you could try swapping it out - if you have a reasonable spare (or tech mates who might have) then maybe try that to see if it goes away.

Is everything connected to the PC also plugged in to the same line filter? Line filters are useful but in scenarios where there is either no/bad earth connection they can allow connected equipment to build up a charge which can result in arcing - very rare and usually not significant enough to even make a sound.
Try without the filter to see if the issue goes away - unless the power in your area is so bad things don't work without it.

 

[Bill_Bright]

FDB fans are not infallible

No fan is. The best can fail prematurely and worst technology can last nearly forever. Odds may be better with one technology or the other, but luck of the draw plays a role too.

I agree that this does not "sound" like a failing fan. Fan noise is often intermittent and typically when going bad, it is more like a rattle or the worn bearings make a grinding noise - until it stops (as in the fan motor seizes up and stops spinning).

As far as swapping PSUs, I agree. Then keep the old as a spare for testing or emergency temporary use.

 

[dirtyferret]

i don´t really mind the PSU that much ( if it breaks) , i´m mostly worried if it takes my whole system down

i forgot to add in the thread but the PSU is xpg core reactor 650w

the core reactor is a quality unit designed at the time to go up against other well reviewed platforms. It has very good protection so it should not "take you whole system down" . Has the clicking noise just started or has it been occuring since day one? Has the PSU shown any instability?

although they did cheap out a bit with the fan - FDB fans are not infallible,

I would not call it cheap, it's a well used fan from a well know OEM.

It could be the fan, hard to make any judgement at this time. A lot of PSU get damaged in shipping so even quality units can sometimes be bad.

 

[matpc]

Hey guys sorry being late to reply

But my PSU is brand new

Used it about 10 + days

the click happened once in desktop and another time in gaming

i´m almost sure it isn´t the line filter , as i could not hear a thing in the previous PSU ( xpg pylon 650w )

I mean arcing overall in the previous PSU

the power cable is properly seated as well

I´m trying to understand , if it were the relay clicking again , the PC would be probably shutting down ( which is not )

I´m not having any instability

the click appeared like twice in the spam of 10 + days

i don´t think there is another component that clicks in this PSU

Hey guys sorry being late to reply

But my PSU is brand new

Used it about 10 + days

the click happened once in desktop and another time in gaming

i´m almost sure it isn´t the line filter , as i could not hear a thing in the previous PSU ( xpg pylon 650w )

I mean arcing overall in the previous PSU

the power cable is properly seated as well

I´m trying to understand , if it were the relay clicking again , the PC would be probably shutting down ( which is not )

I´m not having any instability

the click appeared like twice in the spam of 10 + days

i don´t think there is another component that clicks in this PSU

wondering if it is worth to RMA , everything is working 100%

Hey guys sorry being late to reply

But my PSU is brand new

Used it about 10 + days

the click happened once in desktop and another time in gaming

i´m almost sure it isn´t the line filter , as i could not hear a thing in the previous PSU ( xpg pylon 650w )

I mean arcing overall in the previous PSU

the power cable is properly seated as well

I´m trying to understand , if it were the relay clicking again , the PC would be probably shutting down ( which is not )

I´m not having any instability

the click appeared like twice in the spam of 10 + days

i don´t think there is another component that clicks in this PSU


wondering if it is worth to RMA , everything is working 100%

wondering , can PSUs be shipped with the absence of protection ?

 

[Bill_Bright]

i´m almost sure it isn´t the line filter , as i could not hear a thing in the previous PSU ( xpg pylon 650w )

I mean arcing overall in the previous PSU

Even if a line filter was bad, I don't see how it could make a clicking sound. Arcing sounds are different, more like a "snap" if quick, or scratching if slow and longer duration - relatively speaking.

wondering if it is worth to RMA , everything is working 100%

For 2 clicks in 10 days that didn't affect stability? Unless the PSU was physically isolated from the rest of the computer AND sitting right next to your ear, AND you were intently listening for a click coming from the supply, can you even be 100% certain the clicks came from inside the PSU? Computer cases are cavernous. That along with being metal means sounds "reverberate" and can "seem" to come from anywhere, or from no where in particular. This is why I often suggest using the inner tube of paper towel roll as a stethoscope to help pinpoint the source of sounds.

I just don't see the PSU maker accepting that as a valid reason for a return. Now "maybe" the retailer (where you bought it from) will take it back as some retailers have a 30 day "no questions asked" return policy. However, not all do for electronic items and some charge a restocking fee. And if bought on-line, you likely will have to pay for shipping, at least one way.

wondering , can PSUs be shipped with the absence of protection ?

Sure. However some protection features are required by various laws and regulations, depending on the country you live in. The US, Canada and EU for example, have some pretty strict fire and safety laws and regulations all makers must comply with. Unless the PSU is a counterfeit, it will have those.

If the maker advertises other protection features, then they should be there too - unless counterfeit or the maker is totally dishonest. XPG has been around a long time and I would consider them a reputable company.