Buzzing Sound From PC (PSU) During High Load

When I used heavy apps or played games on my Windows PC, it started making weird buzzing noises. This sound was different from the usual fan noise. It got louder when my PC worked harder. At first, I thought maybe the fans were dirty or something. But when I checked, I found out the noise was coming from the power supply unit (PSU).

In this article, I’ll share a simple fix that worked for me, look at other possible fixes, and talk about how to safely handle a buzzing PSU.

What I did: Simply tightening the PSU

What worked for me was pretty easy—I just had to make sure the power supply was screwed on tightly to the case. Some screws had gotten loose over time, making it move a bit and buzz. After turning off the power and being safe, I tightened those screws. And guess what? The buzzing stopped, even when my PC was working hard.

Also see: Computer Makes Clicking, Humming, or Screeching Sound

Safety precautions if you’re trying to do the same

Before you try fixing your computer’s insides, especially the PSU, remember to:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it. Hit the power button a few times to get rid of any leftover power.
2. Use an anti-static wristband or keep touching metal to avoid static that could hurt your computer parts.
3. A simple screwdriver is all you need, but make sure it’s the right size so you don’t mess up the screws.
4. Don’t screw too tight; just enough is good, or you might damage the PSU or case.
5. Check for any obvious damage to the PSU, like scorch marks, which could mean bigger problems than loose screws.
6. After everything’s tight and the power’s back on, listen for any buzzing. If it’s still there, there might be more to check.

If you’re not sure about doing this yourself, it’s better to ask for help or think about getting a new power supply.

Related resource: How to Check Power Supply Wattage on Windows 11/10 PC

Coil whine in the Power Supply Unit

Coil whine is a common reason for buzzing or whining noises from power supplies, especially when the computer is doing a lot. This noise happens because of how the electrical coils inside the PSU vibrate with changing power needs. You’ll hear it more when your computer is working hard, like during games.

Coil whine isn’t usually a sign of anything bad for your computer, but it can be annoying. If you think coil whine is your issue, here are some things to try:

1. Make sure everything inside, like the PSU, graphics card, and motherboard, is tight. If things are loose, the noise might get worse.
2. Check if the noise really is from the PSU and not another part, like the graphics card, which can also have coil whine.
3. Playing with power settings in the BIOS or operating system might help with coil whine (this is more for experts).
4. If coil whine is really bothering you, think about getting a new PSU known for being quiet. Look for ones with good parts and reviews for being quiet.

Some noise can be normal, but if it’s too loud or comes with other problems like overheating, you should check it out or get help.

Linked issue: Computer Fans Randomly Speed Up, Why?

Fan issues in the Power Supply Unit

The fan in the PSU is important for keeping it cool. But sometimes, it can be noisy because of dust or old bearings.

1. Dust can make the fan noisy. Cleaning the fan regularly with compressed air can help.
2. Make sure the PSU and your PC have good airflow. Bad airflow can make the PSU hot and the fan noisy.
3. If the fan’s bearings are old, you’ll hear more noise. A grinding noise means the bearings might be bad.
4. If the fan itself is the problem and you can’t just replace the fan, you might need a new PSU. If you’re not sure how to do it, ask for help.

Other related problem: Computer Fan is Loud When Watching YouTube Videos

Faulty or aging components in the Power Supply Unit

Over time, parts inside the PSU can get old or break, making noises like buzzing. Capacitors, especially, can go bad and make noise. Here’s what to do if you think old or broken parts in your PSU are the problem:

1. Look for any signs of damage or wear, like bulging or leaking capacitors. But don’t open the PSU case yourself—it’s dangerous and could hurt you.
2. Notice if the noise changes over time. A bad part might get noisier as it fails.
3. Think about how old your PSU is. If it’s been used a lot for many years, parts might naturally start to wear out. PSUs can last 5-10 years depending on how much they’re used and their quality.
4. Trying another PSU can help figure out if the noise is really from your PSU or something else.
5. If you think the PSU is breaking, getting a new one is usually the best choice. Pick one with a good warranty and reviews for peace of mind.

It’s important to fix PSU problems fast, as a bad PSU can cause other parts of your computer to fail. If you’re not sure what to do, getting help from a pro is a good idea.

Final words

Hearing a buzzing sound from your PSU can be annoying and worrying. For me, tightening the PSU worked. But what fixes your problem might be different.

If you know the noise is from the PSU, remember it’s not meant to be opened, and doing so can be risky and might void the warranty. For old PSUs or when the noise bothers you a lot, replacing it might be the best idea. A new PSU can make you feel better about your computer’s performance and safety.