Issue with Corsair AX650

[JimmyHoffa]

Sorry for the following off topic question:

I've just bought a Corsair AX650, but because my build is incomplete (still waiting for the Corsair 550D to be available in my country), I've tested the PSU applying this method.

The problem is that the PSU makes an electronic buzzing/chirping sound when powered on with only a fan connected. I can hear the sound from 20-30 cm away. Even when just powered on and nothing connected to it, I can still hear a slight buzzing if I put my ear right by it. So, it seems that the noise is louder under load.
I see that many of you have an AX series PSU and that's why I would like to ask you if yours makes the same noise. I don't know if this is normal or if the volume of the noise will increase/decrease under a heavier load. Maybe Redbeard can help me clear this out. I really don't know if I should RMA the unit.

Thank you.

 

[Lethal]

JimmyHoffa, I've split this off from the Case Modding thread because it's really a power supply issue and hopefully you'll get the response you need here.

 

[Tsumi]

It's called coil whine, and it is completely random as to which ones it happens to, and under what conditions. It also depends on your sensitivity to the noise. You might hear it, while your family member/friend might not, or they would hear it under different load conditions.There have been reports about it happening while shut off. There have been reports about it happening under idle. And there have been reports about it happening while under certain loads.

Coil whine is unpredictable, and completely normal. Usually, it's always there, but outside most people's range of hearing. Although, it does seem to be a more frequent occurrence with the Seasonic X series/Corsair AX series. If it bothers you, Corsair will usually allow you to RMA it.

 

[Jorona]

Exactly what Tsumi said. Corsair usually will allow an RMA for coil whine.

 

[Nathan_P]

I have an AX650 but have never heard the coil whine, this is on a 24/7 dual xeon rig. I have however heard the coil whine on my GTX 460. As others have said if it bothers you then RMA it, just bear in mind that there is no guaranteee that the replacement will be any better.

 

[JimmyHoffa]

JimmyHoffa, I've split this off from the Case Modding thread because it's really a power supply issue and hopefully you'll get the response you need here.

Sorry about that, Lethal. Thank you for doing it right.

It's called coil whine, and it is completely random as to which ones it happens to, and under what conditions. It also depends on your sensitivity to the noise. You might hear it, while your family member/friend might not, or they would hear it under different load conditions.There have been reports about it happening while shut off. There have been reports about it happening under idle. And there have been reports about it happening while under certain loads.

Coil whine is unpredictable, and completely normal. Usually, it's always there, but outside most people's range of hearing. Although, it does seem to be a more frequent occurrence with the Seasonic X series/Corsair AX series. If it bothers you, Corsair will usually allow you to RMA it.

So, this coil whine is a "characteristic" of a computer PSU. What I want to know is if the noise that my PSU makes is considered to be normal. I can clearly hear it. Here's a recording that I did with my phone's cheap microphone. You should listen to it using your headphones. I power on the PSU at 00:05 and you can hear the buzz from that moment on and the fan speeding up.
You could say that the noise is not that noticeable, but keep in mind that there was only a fan connected. My main concern is how will it behave at heavier loads.
This is my first PSU that has this kind of noise. Or, maybe now it's the first time I can hear it because the PSU's fan doesn't start at low load?

Thank you, Tsumi.

Exactly what Tsumi said. Corsair usually will allow an RMA for coil whine.

I know, but if I return it, I will be returning it to the shop from where I've bought it. I think they will say that this buzzing sound is normal and I will have a hard time convincing them to replace it.

Thanks, Jorona.

I have an AX650 but have never heard the coil whine, this is on a 24/7 dual xeon rig. I have however heard the coil whine on my GTX 460. As others have said if it bothers you then RMA it, just bear in mind that there is no guaranteee that the replacement will be any better.

I thought at that also, that the replacement could behave the same way. That's why I'm trying to find out if the buzzing sound that my PSU makes is normal or not. The thing is I'm building a DAW for my home studio and I don't want any noises/interferences.

Thanks, Nathan_P.

 

[Tsumi]

Yep, that definitely sounds like coil whine. Completely random and unpredictable as to which units will have it and which ones don't. It is quite possible that once you have your computer all set up, the noise will go away, as it might only happen at ultra low loads.