PSU ramps up and down while gaming

[Pecata]

Hello there.

I recently got a new build, including an rtx 3080 ftw 3, ryzen 5900x, B550 Phantom Gaming with an Cougar GEX 850W Gold +80.

However in games especially demanding ones when there is a change in the gpu temps, it begins to ramp up and down for a sec (I m guessing the PSU fan?), for several times (sometimes it can happen only once) and when a stable temp is reached it stops. Happens mainly in games, rarely while browsing.

I checked cougar's website this PSU seems to be enough for the parts mentioned above. Couldn't find any power saving mode or anything of the sorts.

Any idea what could be the issue a faulty PSU?

Thank you for your time

 

[Mussels]

The fan turns on at 40% load on that PSU, according to the website - 340W if my math is correct

i can see your system peaking around the 450W mark at most, so it's simply that you find the PSU fan too loud


If your case allows it, flip the PSU? it may get cooler air that way, or direct the fan noise away from you

 

[Ben Neeley]

Hello there.

I recently got a new build, including an rtx 3080 ftw 3, ryzen 5900x, B550 Phantom Gaming with an Cougar GEX 850W Gold +80.

However in games especially demanding ones when there is a change in the gpu temps, it begins to ramp up and down for a sec (I m guessing the PSU fan?), for several times (sometimes it can happen only once) and when a stable temp is reached it stops. Happens mainly in games, rarely while browsing.

I checked cougar's website this PSU seems to be enough for the parts mentioned above. Couldn't find any power saving mode or anything of the sorts.

Any idea what could be the issue a faulty PSU?

Thank you for your time

You definitely have enough wattage on your PSU. Maybe the PSU is in a corner, and the fan is towards the case instead of the space above it, which would hinder how much air it could circulate. I would try flipping it.

If that doesnt work, then you might just have a faulty PSU, which does happen sometimes, especially with PSU’s.

 

[Pecata]

I am using the Cooler Master 511 RGB case. The PSU is placed in the big plastic slot down, not sure if flipping will help. (The image is an example of the actual case)

 

[Ben Neeley]

I am using the Cooler Master 511 RGB case. The PSU is placed in the big plastic slot down, not sure if flipping will help. (The image is an example of the actual case)

View attachment 184874

Idk for sure, but as long as the fan is open to some kind of open air, then it should be circulating air well. Like I said if not that then its just a faulty unit.

 

[Mussels]

theres no reason it has to be faulty, it might just be noisy as the fan turns on

 

[Pecata]

theres no reason it has to be faulty, it might just be noisy as the fan turns on

Probably that may be the case here. Problem is that I can't find any review online on this model. Guess I gonna change in the future since this sound is really annoying. Corsair 850 RM should be a solid choice right?

 

[Mussels]

Probably that may be the case here. Problem is that I can't find any review online on this model. Guess I gonna change in the future since this sound is really annoying. Corsair 850 RM should be a solid choice right?

I mean, if you're willing you could just replace the PSU fan.


Just leave the cable unplugged when you open it up, and replace it with a quieter fan - even if it doesnt use a standard 2 or 3 pin fan header internally, you can always run the fan power cord out with the rest of them, and wire it direct to a molex cable. I usually do that with old PSU's the fans have died in, but as long as the fans blowing air the PSU will be fine.