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GTX 580 Buzzing

M

mmarasco

n00b
Joined
Nov 24, 2011
Messages
14
**Relevant PC specs**
CPU: Intel 2600k (OC to 4.5ghz)
MOBO: Gigabyte g1.Sniper 2
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 580 Superoverclock x 2 (SLI)
PSU: Corsair 1050HX

Hi everyone!

Problem: Since day of purchase I have been having some difficulty with this computer. As the thread states, there is an audible clicking noise that can be heard over all computer parts and well outside the case.

Vysnc disabled, there is a high pitch squeeling noise. With vysnc enabled the noise changes to a fast clicking noise. The only way I can think of describing this sound is liken to how you would use your tongue to make the sound of a machine gun firing constantly.
Please note, these sounds only occur when GPU are under load.

Testing: My first assumption was that the sound was being produced by the GPU's through coil whine / capictors. I tested each GPU individually, they both produced the same sounds. I had to RMA one of the GPU's because of a loose fan bearing; I was sent a new replacement card of the same model, this GPU also produced the same noise when under load.

My brother has the same setup as me, except he has two 6950's. His computer also produced the same clicking noise but only more louder. Due to warranty I am unwilling to open the case and part of warranty the place of purchase can inspect the parts. The technician found that the PSU was responsible and has now been RMA'd.

Back to my computer; the technician's summary made me started to think it had something to do with the PSU and perhaps the GPU's were not producing the sound. So I removed the GTX 580's and installed my previous card, a GTX 275. With vysnc on/off the GPU did not produce any audible sound from afar. By placing my ear next to the GPU, a very faint buzzing noise same as my GTX 580's would produce was there but again, it was barely audible.

I went further with the testing by taking out the PSU from the case and placing at a distance far enough to be distinctively audible from other computer parts. I reinstalled the GTX 580's and ran a game, the PSU was making the exact same clicking noise as the GPU's. With vysnc off, the high pitched squeeling noise was also present on both the PSU and the GPU's.
In summary, whatever clicking / squeeling noise being produced by the GPU's was also occuring on the PSU; although somewhat fainter but still very much audible.

I have since replaced the PSU with a silverstone strider 1200w gold, which has capacitors inside the PCIe cables to help reduce 'buzzing' noises from high end GPUs. But...again still the same sound. I'm not sure if this was present previously, but every so often I can hear small intervals of an electrical hum from as far as I can tell, the GPUs even when the computer is idle.

I'm more concerned now of the electrical humming, happens also when scrolling through internet explorer or even Images saved on this computer.

Has anyone had this issue before? Gigabyte have a horrendous RMA process (from experience) so I am abit wary to do so. My main concern is the possible damage to any components in the computer, if this 'electrical buzzing' can reduce the lifetime of the GPU / PSU then I would definately RMA it. Thoughts?

Thankyou, I apologise for the amount of text. Any help provided will be much appreciated!

Kind regards,
Mike.M
 
First of all, i won't read the whole post cause its abit long and ur "problem" is quite frequent.

It's called "capacitor whine", its a defect that doesn't cause performance loss, just produces noise when the GPU is busy. Many people report that with Vsync ON the noise stops or calms down or changes, which seems to be your case. This can also happen on PSU because they also have capacitors. The issue can come from only one of the PSU or GPU, or from both together (meaning that changing PSU "could" stop the noise on the GPU).

I don't think you should return the card just for that noise, read around the forum and see how many people report this issue in any model and any manufacturer (although it is said that high-end cards tend to do it more often).

My own XFX HD7970 BEDD has this issue since I bought it, its the reason I discovered this forum (looking for answers about this noise). XFX support told me I could return the card if I wanted but the website from which I bought it "scan.co.uk" was not really keen to accept it (although they did at the end but I ended up keeping it since its an overclocking champion :D )

Edit: i read your whole post. I also have this noise when scrolling down in IE9 or firefox.
 
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Give it a couple of days and see if goes away. It is capacitor whine and sometimes it will stop after a couple of days of warmup + breakin.

If it doesn't go away, RMA it.
 
Ive had a few cards that would whine when loaded up..My current 580 will whine when I run FAH, but not when I game..
Its nothing to worry about.
 
Thank you all so much for your help and input. This really eases my mind and I'll definately be keeping it now, I'll just drop the PC on the floor lol.

Again thanks! Truly appreciated!!!
 
Figured I'd post a much overdue update, hell its been an ongoing issue since lol.

After multiple repairs / replacements, noise still persists.

According to Gigabyte staff, the Gigabyte GTX 580 super overclock it is normal for it to occur.

And thus...:confused:
 
That's funny. Gigabyte told me (when I asked them BEFORE I was going to buy) that their card won't have coil whine, and that the ones who did report it and/or complained about it on Newegg reviews and such all had issues with their power supply.

Guess you can't even take the companies at their word.

As for the coil whine, it'll happen at any time the GPU is stressed. Even when you're gaming on light loads, the coils/inductors/chokes are doing what they do when you hear that noise -- they're just not doing it at as high a frequency, and therefore not as loud.

It will be most pronounced when:

- Frame rate hits ridiculous numbers, like over 9000
- GPU is under intense loads that exceed the GPU's normal processing capability (I've found an example of this to be BF3 at max settings)
- Folding

It is normal, but it sure as hell shouldn't be. Quality chokes can reduce or eliminate whine, and I wish more people would raise ire about it so companies take more serious note of it.
 
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