[cyberspacegenie]

A few months back I built a computer with the following spec:

Q6600
P5K-E
Antec P150 case (with 430w PSU)
EN8600GT Silent (passive cooling)
Transcend DRR2 800 RAM
Samsung HD501LJ Hard drive

The computer has been working fine. I had it overclocked to 3GHz until recently when I overclocked it further to 3.2GHz. (1.4v)

The memory is rated for 5-5-5-15 with 1.8v but I am currently running it at 4-4-4-12 with 1.95v. It has been running at this latency at both 3Ghz and 3.2GHz.

Since the overclock to 3.2Ghz the computer has begun to emit a low high pitched sound usually under load, but also sometimes on the movement of the mouse while highlighting something. The sound is low but high pitched, tinny and electronic - almost like the noise the sometimes comes out of monitors.

I've listened inside the case to try and locate the source of the noise but its pretty difficult to pinpoint. it seems to be either the video card or the MoBo.

Temps on the computer are pretty low now summer has gone. And the computer seems to be running ok (except for one issue, where Spy sweeper is suddenly taking 3.5 hours to run a scan that it used to do in 15mins - but not sure if this is related).

At 3Ghz the sound almost disappears but i have began to hear it a little at this speed too, although only slightly.

Anyone any ideas what the problem could be and if it is serious?

[Krlll]

Possibly caused by a capacitor on the mobo.
No cure other than RMA.

[Insomnia]

Does it sound like a sound thats meant to happen, as if it's coming out of a speaker? Or does it sound like something other then that? I don't think capacitors make sounds when they "expand", because it happened on my old Mac. It just caused it to go to the Mac version of a BSOD, or a "Grey Screen Of Death".

If it sounds like it's a proper noise, it's probably the motherboard telling you something is wrong. If it isn't... then... well, I feel sorry for you.

[Krlll]

A high pitched sound as described is a relatively common sign of a failing capacitor.
I should also add however that the capacitor could be anywhere,ie PSU,etc.

[Dave Hybrid]

Moved to the CPUs, Motherboards & RAM forum.

[cyberspacegenie]

I was afraid that it might be something like that, but hoping it wasn't. Any ideas how I might be able to pinpoint the location of the capacitor (i.e. whether the problem lies with video card or the MoBo). If it is a dying capacitor what effect does that have on the computer?

[Insomnia]

Well, if one of your capacitors doesn't work, then I think that the computer just wont come on.

Open up you computer and check to see if any of the capacitors look swollen or damaged. Just make sure you don't give it a static shock!

[alex]

It could simply be a fan on it's way out, but it thats the case it could (more seriously) be the fan on the cpu hsf.

Your case and hsf fans are having to contend with an overclock and it only started when running at peak.

A 'whining' sound is indicative of a fan motor on it's way out and this sound, to me anyway, tends to sound as you've described.

Easily tested for, just disconnect each case fan one at a time, run at peak, and see if the noise occurs.

Could also be a capacitor, but there's really no harm testing for other things.

[cyberspacegenie]

After further investigation I think the sound maybe coming form the PSU. It seems to be from near the top of the case.

I'll try disconnecting the fans one by one but I dont think its the case or HSFan as these are powered through a fan controller and dont speed up under load unless I turn them up. The sound is definitely linked to the load on the system. Today I set the Bios back to optimum default so its back running at 2.4GHz but the sound is still there running orthos.

Does this mean that there is a possibility that the PSU could die on me, or is it something that is just an annoyance?

[Krlll]

The capacitor will eventually fail.
If as you suspect it is coming from the PSU this is more dangerous.A PSU that fails can take plenty of other stuff with it.
Do not take chances.
Even if you have to go to a shop and buy a PSU do it.You can always bring it back as good as new saying it didnt fit etc.