Computer making high pitched noise when shutdown

Suppressing

United States19 Posts

November 15 2011 09:31 GMT

My computer is making a very high pitched noise after I shut it down, very confused as to what could be making noise when its turned off (figured out it was the computer because when I unplugged it the noise stopped). Any help as to finding out and stopping the noise would be much appreciated.

Edit
Can not hear the noise when it is on and running.

nihlon

Sweden5581 Posts

November 15 2011 09:57 GMT

It might be coil whine (google it if you want to hear a comparison) from your psu. If you identify that the sound is coming from the psu and it's fairly new you could probably get a replacement from the manefacturer/store where you bought it. It's not harmful so you could just live with it otherwise or turn off the power completely each time.

Medrea

10003 Posts

November 15 2011 10:01 GMT

I didn't know coil whine could happen when the computer is off.

I have some devices in my place that whine because the guy next door is an amateur radio broadcaster and he has a 4 foot antennae. My TV speakers in fact, because a part inside them is the same length (or an exact fraction) as the wavelength of the broadcast, or something like that.

nihlon

Sweden5581 Posts

November 15 2011 10:05 GMT

It's not as common but it can happen with the computer off (normal shutdown obviously, not with the switch at the psu off). Of course it could be something else as well.

Medrea

10003 Posts

November 15 2011 10:16 GMT

Yeah I don't really know for certain. I am assuming he has his CPU speaker plugged in and the harmonic resonance is just bouncing off of that. If that is the case anyway. I figure the noise isn't very loud.

For me the signal is sometimes so strong I can't even use my WIRED devices on one side of my apartment. Like my PS2 controller or maybe its the PS2 itself. The signal is that fucking strong. Also it will warp my CRT television to the point where it looks like someone hit the degauss switch on older computer monitors.

Suppressing

United States19 Posts

November 15 2011 23:54 GMT

I looked for some videos on YouTube of the coil noise you mentioned, most of those sounds like there is a bit of grinding involved. Mine is just a high pitched noise that's pretty continuous in how it sounds (most likely coil whine just differing sounds).

I do not have speakers for my computer, I just use my steel series headset (I unplugged them when it was shutdown and they were not making the noise). As far as the volume I have cathedral ceilings in my bedroom and those probably help it echo to a more loud degree (not LOUD but noticeable and enough to make me /rage lol).

If the noise isn't dangerous then I'm fine leaving the computer on (don't hear the noise when its running) or turning off the power switch to the psu/unplugging it

jaj22

United Kingdom1376 Posts

November 16 2011 03:10 GMT

PSU coil whine is possible with the PC off because there's still a switched +5V circuit active. It should be constant pitch because power draw will be constant.

It's not dangerous anyway, and often reduces with age (damped by dust or whatever).

TheToast

United States4808 Posts

November 16 2011 05:24 GMT

Do you by any chance have a laptop?

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Computer making high pitched noise when shutdown

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