Couple of concerns with new pc

[JBG1997]

Case
CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
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Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Eight Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.0GHz/104MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 5200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4070 - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 6500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W RM SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
DeepCool AK620 ZERO DARK High-Performance Dual Tower CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5Gbe LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (6 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 3 to 5 working days
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo
Packaging
PCS Corsair Carton Upright
Price: £0.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/XwuXZ!kQzU/

Hello

I bought this pc from pc specialist 3 months ago. Gaming performance seems fine and I have been mostly happy with it, but there's a couple of things concerning me. I wanted to ask for advice before going in and messing something up. Bear with me as I don't really know much about this stuff.

One of the issues is an intermittent grinding noise. When turning the pc on everything sounds ok with just the usual whirring of fans. About 10 minutes in however, there is a 1-2 second grinding sound followed by continuous louder whirring than before. This isn't the fans simply revving up because all the speeds and temps remain the same when this happens. The grind happens regardless of what I'm doing, whether gaming or just idling on the desktop. After happening once It comes and goes every few minutes. It's always a short grind followed by louder whirring. After inspection I can't see anything touching the fans or anything. This noise doesn't seem like it's normal? My old pc never did this.

Another noise I am hearing is a pulsating humming. This is very faint and is not as bothersome as the grind/whirring, but I'm not sure what this is and whether to be worried.

Another thing I noticed is my front case fan isn't spinning at all. Strange thing is that the Bios shows both case fans are working at around 700rpm. Is the fan broken? I only noticed this yesterday after looking inside the pc while it was running.

Appreciate any advice on what to do about this.
Thanks

 

[JBG1997]

Ok so I think the noise is coming from the PSU fan stopping and starting. It's the only fan I haven't examined but it would make sense. I cannot see where else it would be coming from. Disappointing if it is the PSU because I have no control over it unlike the other components. The constant stopping and starting is getting on my nerves.

Would PCS even be able to deal with this? There could be a defect but it might just be the PSU acting normally. Don't really know what to do.

 

[TonyCarter]

If it's just the standard black case fans (one on front, one on rear) then I think they just follow the motherboard fan curve set in the BIOS (or the motherboard software if you've installed that).

The Deepcool cooler fans may make some noise as they spin up to full speed, but if the temps are well controlled, then you may be able to tweak the fan profile of those too, so that they maintain a steady speed that's as quiet/loud as you wish.

For the PSU fan, as as long as there's nothing fouling it, then it should be almost silent...even when it's running (of course it will get louder the hotter it gets, the more power is drawn). Not sure if the 650W version of the RM has the same fans as the beefier RMX versions, but they shouldn't be obviously noisy unless something it hitting them when they spin up. Can you see if any small cable is dangling

(ETA: RM has rifle-bearings, RMX have quieter mag-lev bearings).

We'd normally recommend quite a large overhead for gaming PC PSUs as it enables simple upgrades down the line...as it's better to pay £50 more now for a 850/1000W PSU than pay £200 on top of the price of a new, more powerful GPU in 3 years time...and even if you don't plan on getting a beefy GPU in that time period, it enables the PSU to run at its most efficient, and quietest modes most of the time.

Here's the fan profile for the RM650...as you can see it's silent until you draw more than about 260ºC (40% load)...

So using that same 40% load as a trigger point on a beefier PSU would mean the fan comes in later too (i.e. 340W on an 850PSU, 400W on a 1000W PSU).

RM850X

RM1000X

 

[JBG1997]

If it's just the standard black case fans (one on front, one on rear) then I think they just follow the motherboard fan curve set in the BIOS (or the motherboard software if you've installed that).

The Deepcool cooler fans may make some noise as they spin up to full speed, but if the temps are well controlled, then you may be able to tweak the fan profile of those too, so that they maintain a steady speed that's as quiet/loud as you wish.

For the PSU fan, as as long as there's nothing fouling it, then it should be almost silent...even when it's running (of course it will get louder the hotter it gets, the more power is drawn). Not sure if the 650W version of the RM has the same fans as the beefier RMX versions, but they shouldn't be obviously noisy unless something it hitting them when they spin up. Can you see if any small cable is dangling

(ETA: RM has rifle-bearings, RMX have quieter mag-lev bearings).

We'd normally recommend quite a large overhead for gaming PC PSUs as it enables simple upgrades down the line...as it's better to pay £50 more now for a 850/1000W PSU than pay £200 on top of the price of a new, more powerful GPU in 3 years time...and even if you don't plan on getting a beefy GPU in that time period, it enables the PSU to run at its most efficient, and quietest modes most of the time.

Here's the fan profile for the RM650...as you can see it's silent until you draw more than about 260ºC (40% load)...
View attachment 41136

So using that same 40% load as a trigger point on a beefier PSU would mean the fan comes in later too (i.e. 340W on an 850PSU, 400W on a 1000W PSU).

RM850X

RM1000X

Thank you for the reply.

Honestly I'm not really sure if it's the PSU at all anymore, could be a different fan or something else causing the grind, but most likely a fan. I have seen other people suggest stopping each fan briefly to test whether the noise stops, so maybe I'll try that. All I know for sure is:

- the noise starts about 10-15 minutes after booting.
- it's always a short creaky grind sound followed by slightly louder whirring than before. Kind of sounds like something needs oiling.
- after happening once it comes and goes around every 2-5 minutes.
- doesn't seem to be affected by load. This happens even at idle.

As for the other issue, the BIOS clearly shows that both case fans are spinning at around 700rpm. However, when looking inside the PC the front fan clearly isn't moving. The way I configured the curves, both fans should be running at 30% speed up to 50 degrees. Why would the BIOS show it as working when it isn't?

 

[TonyCarter]

I don’t use the BIOS to control my fans, as mine are all part of the iCUE Link system, but I’d have thought there’d be one profile for the CPU Fan and one for the chassis/case fans, I assume by clicking each of the fan options in the bios as below…or maybe that level of control can only be done via the Asus FanExpert software?

Mine’s a completely different setup, so can‘t even offer screenshots from mine as an example.

But section 2.3 on p10 of the motherboard’s BIOS manual should help…

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/13MANUAL/PRIME_PROART_TUF_GAMING_AMD_AM5_Series_BIOS_EM_WEB_EN.pdf

 

[JBG1997]

I don’t use the BIOS to control my fans, as mine are all part of the iCUE Link system, but I’d have thought there’d be one profile for the CPU Fan and one for the chassis/case fans, I assume by clicking each of the fan options in the bios as below…or maybe that level of control can only be done via the Asus FanExpert software?

Mine’s a completely different setup, so can‘t even offer screenshots from mine as an example.

But section 2.3 on p10 of the motherboard’s BIOS manual should help…

https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/13MANUAL/PRIME_PROART_TUF_GAMING_AMD_AM5_Series_BIOS_EM_WEB_EN.pdf

Yeah mine looks similar to that. I already changed the fan curves under Qfan control, to stop them revving so much while gaming. I changed the CPU fan curve as well as the 2 case fans. These are CHA1 and CHA4 for me.

Fan profile shows that all 3 are running, but the front case fan doesn't spin.

 

[JBG1997]

I've been very stupid. The fan I thought wasn't working actually is. The part I was looking at was not the fan blades but the casing in front. It was hard to see through the glass panel because it's tinted. After taking it off I realised it was me being an idiot. All fans are spinning as they should be.

The noise thing is still a problem though. I opened the side panel and tried stopping each fan while it was running, all except the PSU fan because I can't get to it. No changes in noise when I did this. I put my ear right up to the PSU and it's definitely coming from there.

Now that I'm sure it's the PSU I have 3 options.

1. Try to get it replaced under warranty, but then I'd have to send the whole pc back and risk it getting damaged in transit. I would also be without a pc.
2. Buy a new psu with my own money and try to replace it myself.
3. Buy some noise cancelling headphones and pretend like the noise isn't there.

 

[SpyderTracks]

1. Try to get it replaced under warranty, but then I'd have to send the whole pc back and risk it getting damaged in transit. I would also be without a pc.

This is the only option. It's insane that people don't use their warranties, it's not only replacing a defective part for free, it's also having the work covered further.

Don't worry about not having a PC, if you phone PCS and explain you're competent, they may be able to ship just the PSU out to you for you to fit (I don't work for PCS, not saying they will, just it's worth asking) but even if they can't don't be foolish just for the sake of being without a PC for a few weeks.

This PC is to last you 7 - 10 years. A couple of weeks out of that is absolutely nothing.

 

[TonyCarter]

A fully modular PSU isn't difficult to replace, if it's a like-for-like replacement (or uses the same cabling) then it's just removing cables (from the PSU end), removing a couple of screws and doing the reverse to refit it.

If you speak to PCS technical support and tell them what's happening then they may offer to send you the replacement (and you return the faulty item)...but I'd also suggest asking if you can upgrade to an RM850X version (uses the same Type 4 Corsair cables)...do not go for a Shift version as they use Type 5 cables.

Of course, if you're comfortable with extracting the PSU, you could simply remove the mains cable, unscrew the PSU and plug the mains cable back in outside the case to see if you can pinpoint the noise...maybe even record it for PCS to hear/see? You may even find an obvious reason for the noise, like a cable from something else interfering with the fan.

 

[JBG1997]

A fully modular PSU isn't difficult to replace, if it's a like-for-like replacement (or uses the same cabling) then it's just removing cables (from the PSU end), removing a couple of screws and doing the reverse to refit it.

If you speak to PCS technical support and tell them what's happening then they may offer to send you the replacement (and you return the faulty item)...but I'd also suggest asking if you can upgrade to an RM850X version (uses the same Type 4 Corsair cables)...do not go for a Shift version as they use Type 5 cables.

Of course, if you're comfortable with extracting the PSU, you could simply remove the mains cable, unscrew the PSU and plug the mains cable back in outside the case to see if you can pinpoint the noise...maybe even record it for PCS to hear/see? You may even find an obvious reason for the noise, like a cable from something else interfering with the fan.

Would the RM850x be compatible with my case (4000D airflow)? Honestly that is probably a better idea than just getting it replaced with the same model. I hear the x models are supposed to have quieter fans?

I will try to get in contact with support. If I do upgrade to a better model how would this work? Do I just pay them the difference in price?

BTW here is a link to a reddit post I found. This is a different model to mine but the sound in the video is exactly like mine.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Corsair/comments/11nrocm

 

[JBG1997]

This is the only option. It's insane that people don't use their warranties, it's not only replacing a defective part for free, it's also having the work covered further.

Don't worry about not having a PC, if you phone PCS and explain you're competent, they may be able to ship just the PSU out to you for you to fit (I don't work for PCS, not saying they will, just it's worth asking) but even if they can't don't be foolish just for the sake of being without a PC for a few weeks.

This PC is to last you 7 - 10 years. A couple of weeks out of that is absolutely nothing.

Thanks, I agree I need to use the warranty. I will contact support and try to get a replacement PSU.

 

[SpyderTracks]

I will try to get in contact with support. If I do upgrade to a better model how would this work? Do I just pay them the difference in price?

If they found it to be faulty, then yes, if you ask nicely I think they'd do that for you.

It's extremely unusual for PSU's to develop this kind of fault though, I'd be really surprised if it was the PSU.

 

[Scott]

If they found it to be faulty, then yes, if you ask nicely I think they'd do that for you.

It's extremely unusual for PSU's to develop this kind of fault though, I'd be really surprised if it was the PSU.

The bearing fans can be more sensitive to knocks etc so it's plausible in this instance. It would be very rare for an RMx to suffer this sort of failure though, even with a couple of transits in place

 

[JBG1997]

Update: I emailed PCS and they arranged an advanced replacement where they swap my psu for another (same model). Sadly it is making the same sound. I am now certain that it's this model that is just loud.

I asked about upgrading to the 850x but couldn't do a swap for that understandably. I don't think they would have deemed it faulty if it's just the normal noise anyway.

Time to start looking for a different PSU. Are the rmx versions quieter or am I likely to get the same noise?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Update: I emailed PCS and they arranged an advanced replacement where they swap my psu for another (same model). Sadly it is making the same sound. I am now certain that it's this model that is just loud.

I asked about upgrading to the 850x but couldn't do a swap for that understandably. I don't think they would have deemed it faulty if it's just the normal noise anyway.

Time to start looking for a different PSU. Are the rmx versions quieter or am I likely to get the same noise?

They're not supposed to make that noise, if it is the PSU, it's a fault, they're extremely quiet PSU's. In fact most of the time they operate without fans running at all so are completely silent, but even when the fans kick in, they're exceptionally quiet, you'd hear the case fans far louder than the PSU.

 

[Scott]

They're not supposed to make that noise, if it is the PSU, it's a fault, they're extremely quiet PSU's. In fact most of the time they operate without fans running at all so are completely silent, but even when the fans kick in, they're exceptionally quiet, you'd hear the case fans far louder than the PSU.

The RM can be a bit nosier as it has a traditional bearing, rather than the lev one that the x's have.

Still agree regardless, unless you're especially sensitive to noises..... a regular sounding PSU shouldn't be OTT loud.