Hey guys, over the past few months I had been replacing parts in my computer. I had originally gotten an i7 930 for really cheap compared to it's starting price, and felt the need to go on an upgrade spree. Since then, I've replaced the mobo, the RAM, the PSU, and the graphics card.

A few weeks back I started hearing an occasional high pitched whining noise coming from my computer. It wouldn't happen often, but it seemed to be when the CPU was under a decent amount of load (like running a game). Over time, it seems to be whenever I do anything, except leaving the machine idle, it makes this whining noise. it sounds like a less obnoxious (although still obnoxious) dial-up sound, but not the static parts. It's really weird..

Also, I had unplugged my power cable because I thought it may have been an issue using a power cable that couldn't handle the load of the PSU (upgraded to an 850W from a 550W). As I was switching out the power cables, I noticed the same sound emanating from my power strip. So at the same time I think it's an issue with my computer, I'm starting to think it could have been avoided somehow. Could it have been a varying voltage through the power cable/strip that started making this noise?

If you need anymore information, I'd be happy to provide it.

Could it be emanating from a fan bearing?

1. As the bearing/shaft wear takes place, the amount of "play" [the gap] between the two increases...
And what's then likely to happen, is...
The shaft [and rotor] begins to bounce around inside the bearing at VERY high speed.
Which can result in various wierd noises.
Especially if the bearing/shaft is dry.
These noises might be intermittent in the early days of the problem, but get steadily worse as time goes on.
Any way you can lubricate the bearing/shaft?
What I did when it happened to me, was to buy a new fan.
That fixed it, and stopped the noise.

2. The shaft really aught to sort of "aqua-plane" on a thin layer of lubricating fluid...
Which aught to fill the very thin gap..
And hence when things are as they aught to be, all should be smooth and silent.

If the power strip is doing it try a new power strip.

Also note there are some instances where a similar sound can come from the VRM on certain ATI video cards.

Hmm... I'll have to open it up and see exactly where the noise is coming from. I don't have an ATI card so I can rule that out. I'll get back to you at some point later this week when I have time to open it up and listen closely to it.

I've tried a couple power strips, nothing helped. Although like I had mentioned, the original power strip is also making the same noise, so I'm inclined to think it may not be a fan bearing, but my mind is open to possibilities when dealing with computers.

Yea, the noise is definetly coming from the CPU. It's not any of my fans or my PSU. I've unplugged all the fans in the case and the noise still persisted. Not really sure what could be causing it.

My friend suggested it was rattling around a little in the socket, but I've checked and made sure it was nice and snug.

Could it be that from not getting the right voltage from the wall to the PSU to CPU that it somehow took on that noise as a normal occurence? I havent' noticed anything wrong with the machine in terms of use from before it happening to now.

bump

Any ideas? Also, could it be the thermal paste isn't there anymore? Although that would lead to overheating and shutting down rather than whining I would think.

I've no idea for that. I also encountered the same question.