How to Reduce PSU Fan Noise Under Load

You may be wondering what causes PSU fan noise under load. If the fan runs at a high speed or makes clicking noises when your PC is under load, it could be due to various factors. Extreme PC usage can wear down components, and the noise could be caused by the fan. Depending on the source, the fan could be damaged, clogged, or dirty. In some cases, cleaning the fan may be sufficient to get rid of the noise. Some PSUs are equipped with filters to help keep them from running as hard as they can.

OnlySilent featured on media
Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Overclocking

While overclocking your computer, you should take note of the power supply fan noise. While it is normal for a fan to be noisy, when overclocked, it will produce a higher level of noise. Overheating can damage the circuits and lead to frequent system shutdowns and overheating errors. Here are some tips to reduce fan noise while overclocking your computer:

Coil whine

If you’re experiencing PC case noise, the culprit is probably your PSU. But how do you pinpoint its source? First, open the case and listen to its parts for noise. Do not touch anything, but do proceed with troubleshooting. If the noise is caused by poor positioning, repositioning and cleaning should solve the problem. If the noise continues, the PSU may be too hot or it might be running at too high a speed. If so, a self-protection circuit in your case might be shutting down the machine. If this happens, data on your hard drives could be corrupted.

Overvolting

A computer’s power supply can make a clicking or buzzing noise. If the noise is particularly noticeable, it may be a problem with the voltage regulator. Checking for a fault or reducing the clock speed may help. If the noise persists, dusting the power supply may solve the problem. An overload may also contribute to the noise. Overvolting your power supply can cause the fan to spin faster and louder than usual.

Dirty power cables

If the PSU is running too noisy while under load, the cause could be one of several things. It could be the fan itself, or there may be dust or hair embedded in the unit’s case. The best way to remove the obstruction is to clean the fan itself using compressed air. If the problem persists, consider replacing the power supply. If all else fails, try the following solutions:

Overheating

If your laptop is overheating due to fan noise, it may be a sign that something is wrong. A malfunctioning fan may be to blame, or it may be overheating due to software issues. Regardless of the cause, fans help to cool down computer components. To stop Mac fans from making noise, try these tips:

Coil clogs

If your power supply unit (PSU) is making a whining noise when your PC is under load, it’s possible that the problem is not with the fan, but with a coil. A coil whine is just as annoying as a noisy fan, but is harder to diagnose. This kind of noise is the result of high-frequency current flowing through inductors on the power supply board, or printed circuit board. This whining noise can be identified by listening to the motherboard or GPU. If these are not the problems, you may need to clean the power supply board.

Tightening PSU screws

A simple way to make your PC quieter is by tightening PSU screws. You might have overlooked this step during PC assembly, but you can make your computer more quiet by tightening PSU screws properly. Many people overlook this step and install their PSU in the wrong orientation. It may even cause the power supply to catch fire. The correct orientation of your power supply is usually specified by the motherboard. Before you start tightening the screws, make sure you check and tighten the screw properly.

Cleaning the PSU fan intake

PC builders often skimp on the screws that attach the PSU. As a result, the whirling mass of the built-in fan can result in a loud noise. Another culprit for loud noises is a clogged air intake and cooling fan. Both of these components can be noisy if not cleaned regularly. Likewise, dust filters on older computers are likely to be clogged and prone to accumulating dust. Then, if your computer is sitting on a desk or on a table, the air will have to escape through the front panel, causing a clicking noise.