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XFX 6970 Buzzing noise

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Dethevn

n00b
Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
4
Hi all and first post,

So I woke up today and noticed a loud buzzing sound coming from my HD 6970 (XFX). I know it's the gpu because I isolated where the sound was coming from. So I googled a little and found out it's a "coil whine" and that it's nothing serious when running graphic intensive programs, but the sound coming from my GPU happens even on idle.

It's very loud and disrupting so I downloaded a GPU mod (MSI afterburner) and noticed the temperature seems to be abnormally high with low GPU loads. Now I know the new cards are supposed to get hot but I was wondering if 75 degrees + is normal with 10-20% GPU loads and whether this has anything to do with the buzzing sound.

I also read somewhere that it is a possible PSU problem so I tried changing the connectors and even changing wall outlets but the same thing keeps happening.

So I'm basically debating RMA'ing this and getting an exchange, changing the PSU, or simply getting a different video card. If it matters, I'm using a P6X58D-E mobo, haf-x case (so its not really a cooling problem unless I really need a gpu cooler for single card), and the exact model of my PSU is the Corsair TX750W.

Thanks,

Dethevn
 
Nothing you can do. If it's that bad you could RMA the card, but don't expect a different result. Next time consider buying MSI, as they generally use solid state chokes (no whine).
 
Run Furmark or some other graphically intensive game and check your temperatures.
75C at 20% load isn't normal, but that doesn't really say much for 'actual' temperatures when the card is in use.

As far as I know, the whine itself is unrelated to temperatures.
Buying a new PSU might fix it, but honestly you have a nice PSU now so it's easier to just RMA the card if you can't ignore the sound.

If you're having temperature issues then it's a whole different story. Reseating the heatsink might help that, but it probably won't solve the whining noise.

Next time consider buying MSI, as they generally use solid state chokes (no whine).
Click to expand...
With reference cards, I don't think MSI takes those kinds of liberties.
I'm too lazy to check their website.
 
I ran 3dmark vantage and the temperatures went anywhere from 61C to 89C.

The card was singing like a bird though (and by that I mean it was buzzing like crazy). I can still hear it with headphones on...
 
XFX 6970 does the same thing. Fortunately mine seems to be isolated to 3dmark benchmarks only. It doesn't make a peep in furmark, or the various games I've tested.
As others have said...all the cards on the market now are reference cards, so all are susceptible to this issue.
 
XFX 6970 does the same thing. Fortunately mine seems to be isolated to 3dmark benchmarks only. It doesn't make a peep in furmark, or the various games I've tested.
As others have said...all the cards on the market now are reference cards, so all are susceptible to this issue.
Click to expand...

Would you mind telling me your PSU? Someone had a similar issue and the 850W Corsair seemed to fix the buzzing.
 
According to the MSI release notes, they are using solid caps.
However I see two MSI 6950 models on NewEgg (didn't check 6970). One is $20 more than the other...
 
Dethevn said:
Would you mind telling me your PSU? Someone had a similar issue and the 850W Corsair seemed to fix the buzzing.
Click to expand...

XFX 850w Black Edition. My XFX unit is based on the Seasonic M12D platform. Unfortunately the Corsair is a Channel Well, and I don't have any other PSU's to throw in as a test option.
Would be interesting to compile a list of those reporting coil whine and what power supplies they use.


To the poster above, I'm only seeing 1 MSI 6950 on newegg, and its $299
 
I have an xfx 6970 and a corsair 750tx power supply - no coil whine for me.

I used to have a tv that an old girlfriend said made a loud high pitched noise when it came on and I never heard it, so perhaps your hearing is better than most? Regardless i would RMA it if it bothers you.
 
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All of the 6970s are reference right now. The only difference is the sticker on the front of the card.
 
My 60yr old father could not here the coil whine from my XFX 6970...so differences in hearing probably account for a lot. I hear and smell everything....and its not always a good thing :p
 
SUPERGT said:
Nothing you can do. If it's that bad you could RMA the card, but don't expect a different result. Next time consider buying MSI, as they generally use solid state chokes (no whine).
Click to expand...

MSI??Aren't all these cards reference designs,meaning all the same?
 
i have the xfx 6970 and the corsaid tx750 psu plus a roomy coolermaster cosmos case. i have not heard the whine and the temperature of my video card is usually between 50 and 60c when it's idle (this is per msi afterburner). i also modified the fan control because the high temperatures were worrying me a little. CCC is a little slow with ramping up the fan speed when the temperatures start to get high. i made the fan speeds more aggressive in msi afterburner.

in any case, i'd be concerned with the temperatures and the whine together. if it were me, i'd definately RMA the card.
 
Yeah, I decided to RMA. I'm doing it for the PSU as well, picking up a corsair ax850 as I was planning to crossfire.
 
no issues with my 6970

These cards have Digital PWM's, so really coil whine shouldn't happen.

RMA'ing the card is a good idea, and changing the PSU is also a good idea.
 
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