Most modern power supplies operate quietly and don’t make loud sounds. While some older models made loud whines or buzzing when shutting down, now the sounds are almost inaudible. If you’re hearing a loud buzzing from your computer and suspect it might be the power supply, you should look into it immediately. It might be something minor, but it could also signal an impending power failure.
Why is My Power Supply Buzzing?
Your power supply could be buzzing for any number of reasons. It’s a complex mechanical part with many pieces that can go bad or experience problems. However, there are a few reasons that are more common than others.
No matter what the suspected cause, you need to look into any problems and fix them to avoid potential failure.
Is a Buzzing Sound a Bad Sign?
A buzzing sound isn’t always necessarily a bad sign. Sometimes your computer parts make noise, which is how they work. A loud, persistent, or unusual buzzing that hasn’t occurred before indicates a problem, though.
How to Stop the Power Supply From Buzzing
To stop the power supply from buzzing, you need to isolate the source of the problem, determine whether it’s a danger, and then choose a solution that’s best for your PC.
Locate the Source of the Sound
Many people who post looking for solutions to PSU buzzing find that the sound isn’t actually coming from the PSU at all. Often, it comes from the motherboard or graphics card.
If you aren’t entirely sure that the sound is coming from the PSU,access the side of your caseand listen carefully to each part. It’s okay to run your computer with the case open. Just try not to touch any of the components. Once you’re sure the sound is coming from the PSU, proceed with troubleshooting.
Reposition and Clean the PSU
One way to fix problems caused by errant dust or poor positioning is to reposition and clean the PSU. If you don’t have it secured to the case with screws, take the time to find or purchase new ones before you start.
Once you’re done, turn the computer on and check to see whether it fixed the buzzing problem. If it didn’t, you need to check for other issues.
Look for Any Conflicts
