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Name: viaro
Hello everyone!
Some of you may remember that a while back I was having a strange problem with my computer. In the morning when I would boot it up - it would make a sort of grinding noise. Like it was struggling.
But I was positive that it wasn't a case fan.
As it turns out, it isn't a case fan.
For a long time my computer stopped making that noise and I just forgot about it. But now it's back. And this time I know exactly what is causing it.
When I started the computer, to my surprise it started making that noise again! I got on my knees and put my ear to the side of the case like I have done so many times before.
But this time, when I put my ear to the side of the case - aside the PSU - I knew right away that it was coming from the PSU!
I went onto NewEgg and checked the reviews for my model PSU (Antec SL400). And guess what? People were describing my problem - exactly. A 'grinding noise' that would 'go away when the computer heated up' ...
So now that I've been able to find what the problem is - I need some advice from you guys (if you don't mind). I'd like a new PSU.
I don't have too many things on my computer...
3 case fans
1 80GB WD hard drive
1 Samsung CDRW/DVD drive
1 MSI GeForce FX5900XT
1 Turtle Beach 'Santa Cruz' sound card
ASUS "A7V8X-X" motherboard...and that's about it I guess.
But I still would like at least a 400W PSU.
So does anyone have any suggestions for a really good, but affordable, stable and quiet 400W (or more) PSU ?
Thanks in advance!
Your PSU could be ram packed full of dust. Which would cause the fan to maybe get stuck or grind or whatever.
BE DAMN CAREFUL THOUGH. If you do decide to open the psu (which I am not saying you should, but I have done in the past) it contains serious high voltage, and capactiros that retain voltage after switching it off). Just telling you what I know....
lol. Disclaimer.. disclaimer...disclaimer.... DO not attempt.. etc.
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Apparently the manufacturer should already be aware of the issue with the (Antec SL400) PSU, if it's still under warranty see if you can have it replaced for another model.
B4 you criticize a bigger man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, you're a mile away, and you have his shoes.
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I agree with cleaning your PSU of dust and checking into the warranty.
I'd buy another Antec just the same.
I'm using an Antec TruePower 430-Watt.
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Badboy,
I had my eye on that very PSU you have. The TruePower 430W. Is it a good PSU?
I do not believe it is dust and I'm not going to open it up - other people have described the problem I am having with the same PSU I have and most of them have only had the PSU for a week or so. There is something wrong with the PSU, it is not dust.
Anyways, how is the TruePower 430? Expensive, but I think I might go with that one.
- Steven
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I've been happy with this PSU. I bought it at Best Buy so I paid too much for it.
I've got an Athlon64 3200+, ECS 755-A2 MOBO, ATI Radeon 9800 Pro display, 1GB RAM, a 12X DVD cooker, a CDROM, and a floppy. I was trying to use an Enlight 300 Watt PSU and performance was spotty. Those problems resolved, this PSU is quieter, and the case runs cooler because it has a 2 fan design.
It was worth $100 to me. If I'd been a little more patient, I could have got it for $74 on line.
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Hmmm. Ok, then I think I might go with that one.
All the reviews I read on NewEgg were good except a few...
"I went through two RMAs of this product, both from voltage spikes/burnouts. It took one of my hard drives the first time, and the second time it took out my video card. The replacement was quick, but I'm going with another company from now on."
"Not sure if this item is defective but it creates a lot of RF interference on my TV screen(non cable) Has anyone seen this?"
"Ok, this is a good power supply, like all antec's power supplies. But if you already have a lower watt antec (non true power) power supply and you want something with a higher +12v reading then you will be as dissapointed as I. Don't get me wrong this is a great product but i was hoping that a true power 430 would have more stable and higher readings than my regular antec 350. My +12v still reads at 11.7-11.9, and my core voltage reads a differance of about 4%. Though now i do have enough power for my 9800 pro, amd 2500m, nf7-s mobo, 3 hd's, 1 dvd rom, sound card, 4 fans, fan bus, and overclocked to 2.6 ghz. newegg is the best!"
...And some others.
- Steven
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If the PSU is still working but is just making a noise, I'd 1st check it for dust buildup. You don't necessarily have to open it for that, just look in thru the fan or take it outta the case & look thru the vent openings. If need be, you can blow it out with compressed air.
If you think it's the fan, you can test that without opening it as well. Just CAREFULLY slide something into the fan to stop it from turning, then fire it up for a few seconds. If there's no noise, the fan is probably the culprit.
That'll leave you with a few choices:
1. open the PSU & replace the fan
2. open the PSU, remove the fan, oil the bearing & reinstall it
3. replace the PSU
As was stated, be VERY CAREFUL if you decide to open the PSU.
Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4200 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro
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I know others say not to do this but I have been doing it for years without incident (knock on wood). I use my trusty air compressor to blow out everything on a regular basis. You need to keep water out of the air tank and you don't want to tough any part of the computer with the blow gun. Keeps all my rigs clean as a whistle. Just use some common sense. You don't want to overrev the fans or blow air into the openings on the optical drives with too much force. If this idea scares you then buy some canned air made for that express purpose.
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone,
But the PSU is breaking. It isn't dust.
Several other people have had the same problem, and the length of time isn't consistent.
With mine, I've had mine for almost a year - and yeah then maybe it could be dust. Well actually, no it couldn't.
But these other people, they have only had their Antec SL400's for a week or so and then their's start to have the same grinding noise that stops after a few moments. This describes my problem exactly. So what would explain that? Dust? Not very likely. Less likely than having the PSU a year.
So basically, I want a new PSU. It isn't dust. Any suggestions?
I'm thinking of a Antec TruePower 430, or maybe an Aspire?
- Steven
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I made my suggestions...do what you want with them
Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8 x 210MHz
512MB PC3200
Asus Ti4200 128MB
WinME/WinXP Pro
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