... and their noise level
“After replacing the PSU, the video card coils stopped whining”. An extremely common statement and yet it always remains on a subjective level, which is a pity. But that is also why we will now look at things in an exact, numerical way. We do this by testing several graphics cards, where for each, noise levels of VRM coils are monitored with each ATX (3.0) power supply used. So how is it with the “whining”? When is it stronger and when is it weaker?
… and their noise level
Please note: The values in dBu are always negative, as also indicated by the header of the graphs. This more complicated interpretation results from certain limitations of our interactive graphs, which do not handle negative values well. But keep in mind that values should always be preceded by a minus sign, and -70 is more (i.e. noisier) than -80.
- Contents
- Why a PSU can have an impact
- Testing methodology
- Noise level measured with a noise meter
- Dominant frequencies...
- ... and their noise level
- Tonal peaks and noise levels in aggregate (chart)
- Complete sound spectrograms
- Conclusion
Great job, I don’t think anyone has ever tested this before! Indeed, the differences look quite small if compared to coil whine variance between GPU models. Based on your data, every other change will have a bigger impact than replacing the PSU. Undervolt, underclock, switching to a non-mesh PC case.
This is very interesting. Anecdotally, my 4090 Suprim X has occasional coil whine when working on Folding@home. Its not consistent, perhaps 1/24 hours it’ll whine, and of course its worse the more power its drawing. This was on my Corsair HX750 Platinum (2022? version) with the VHPWR adapter with 3 PCIE cables.
I switched to an FSP Hydro Ti 1000W and I used the native VHPWR cable and I haven’t noticed any whine since.
The sound that you have registered and no longer register may be the result of higher harmonic frequencies, which may eventually arise depending on the of noise in the power grid. The latter is always unique and each source may react differently to it. It is impossible to generalise here. What worked “somehow” with the same components in your country may work differently elsewhere (because the power supply is connected to a different network, with a different noise). And then there is what always applies. The sound that subjectively disturbed you may have disappeared, but the character of the coil whine may have changed so that someone else evaluates it as more disturbing (because again there may be a different frequency to which another user’s hearing is more sensitive, and which you may not mind). Personally, especially after this test, I have a great respect for this topic and I consider it advisable not to draw any conclusions, because they may be subjective. In any case, it is very dangerous to give any advice to anyone. They are always irresponsible because there are too many variables.