Power Supply Makes a Crackling Noise

[jclh123]

Hi I recently bought a 500W power supply and its been working great for about 5 months now.

But recently, I've been hearing this crackling noise and it took me 2 days to find out where it came from, and I found out that it is coming from my power supply.

My power supply comes with this little knob which controls the speed of the PSU, and I decided to give it a try and slow it down, and as expected the sound died down with it. But, the crackling noise stays. Not too loud, but still annoying.

Out of fear that my computer would overheat, I turn up the speed every once in a while. Proportionally the sound would get a bit louder.

It goes something like this: CRACKLE -CRACKLE -QUIET -CRACKLE CRACKLE - QUIET. And theres an occasional quiet squeal along the middle. Any solutions guys?

[homer]

sounds like a bad fan. here are some solutions...

1. return the PSU if it is still under warranty
2. buy a new PSU
3. replace the fan in the PSU *

Notes:

* should only be done if you are qualified. PSU's are dangerous to dismantle even when unplugged.

[jclh123]

warrantys done....*2 weeks *censored*...* and I don't think replacing it would be the best option as of this point coz my dad's gonna kill me! x_x

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

If the power supply is crackling, I don't see any other option....
Are you 100% it is coming from the PSU?

[jclh123]

yeah theres this knob to slow down or speed up the speed of the PSU's fan. When I slow it down the sound disappears. I'm hoping to look for a low budget option, like hitting it, or cleaning it, or something.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Perhaps the fan itself has just come loose or something.

I would do as Homer suggested and hand it over to someone with experience with PSU's to fix it.

What kind of noise is it, do you know? (like something hitting something or what)

[squall_01]

could be the bearings in fan.  Try takeing a flat screw driver an see if there isnt any resistant when you turn it.  Never smake it.  It will cause more issues.

[stevejohnson1958]

warrantys done....*2 weeks *censored*...* and I don't think replacing it would be the best option as of this point coz my dad's gonna kill me! x_x

I would check the warranty status again, friend.  Though you may not be able to return it to the store from where you purchased it...you may be able to contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

It would help if we knew who the manufacurer was...along with the model number, so that we can check your warranty staus and refer you to the correct contact(s).

I would definitely not screw around with the internals of a PSU...unless you want to void the warranty (if there is one)...or cause bodily injury from the stored electricity within the PSU's capacitors.

Your best bet...replace the unit and be done with it.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Your best bet...replace the unit and be done with it.

Agreed.

Why would your dad kill you? 

[homer]

from the stored electricity within the PSU's transformer.

just FYI, the electricity is stored within the PSU's capacitors, not its transformers.

[squall_01]

I agree luckly my dad is an electroic engeenier,  I dont recommened it ether just something to have tried doing.  Sorry for the sp.

[stevejohnson1958]

from the stored electricity within the PSU's transformer.

just FYI, the electricity is stored within the PSU's capacitors, not its transformers.

Thank you...my bad...

Now go from thread-to-thread and start correcting some of the spelling around here...

Report back when you're done.