Bizarre system power off sound

[Valour]

This is kind of an odd problem. I put together my new PC last night without any problems (that part is not odd ). Upon bootup, I went into the BIOS settings and looked around. I then figured I would test my reset switch. When I pressed it, my system made an odd squeal sound for a split second and then reset. So I tried it again, but this time no sound. Later, after installing Windows XP, when I chose to shut down, the noise came back for a split second when power was lost. I tried another shutdown and it made the exact same sound again. After trying shutdowns and resets over and over again, I would have to say it's about a 50/50 proposition as to whether it will make that odd sound. This is without any speakers connected. It's a sound coming from the actual computer, and it doesn't matter if it's from within Windows or sitting in DOS or BIOS screen, etc.

I'm curious if anyone else has experienced an issue like this? Not that anyone is above making a mistake, but as a side note, I'm not a noob when it comes to system building (did it for a living for a local computer company for many years), so some of the easier explanations probably don't apply (example: didn't leave a scalpel in the fan blade during surgery ). Any feedback is appreciated!

CPU = E6850
Mobo = GA-P35-DS3R
GPU = EVGA 8800 GTX
RAM = 2x1GB Corsair
PSU = 650W Seasonic
Case = P180B
Audio = X-FI Gamer
HD = 80GB WD Sata

 

[BenchZowner]

Are you using a 8800 card ? ( GTS/GTX/Ultra )

 

[Valour]

Doh! Yes, I forgot to include my GPU in my list. It's a EVGA 8800 GTX. Is this the cause?

 

[BenchZowner]

Could be.
I've noticed that with some motherboards ( the Asus Commando for example ) I get a short sound from the VGA's buzzer ( the cards have a buzzer that makes a loud whiny 'beep' noise when you've powered the system on without connecting the PCI-Express 6pin power connectors ) when turning the system off, and sometimes during restart or BIOS changes 'save & exit'.

Do you have another VGA ( let's say a simple oldie PCI card ) to check if that sound is being 'played' back again ?

[ it's not a problem ]

 

[mrblotto]

I seem to remember reading something about when you hit the power button or reset switch, the sudden 'surge' can trip some sort of sensor. Perhaps you have too many devices plugged into the same rail on your PS?

Edit: oh, and make sure you have both 6-hole plugs on the back of the card plugged in..........

 

[BenchZowner]

Originally posted by: mrblotto
I seem to remember reading something about when you hit the power button or reset switch, the sudden 'surge' can trip some sort of sensor. Perhaps you have too many devices plugged into the same rail on your PS?

Edit: oh, and make sure you have both 6-hole plugs on the back of the card plugged in..........

He wouldn't boot without the two plugs connected

 

[Valour]

I'll have to check my closet to see if I have an old PCI VGA card . I know I have my 7800 GTX I can test with if need be. What you are saying makes sense... I just hate things like that.

As for PSU rail over load, I have 3 120mm Antec 3-spd fans plugged into one jumper (daisy chained), hard drive on it's own plug, 4th Antec 3-spd fan on own plug, DVD drive sharing a plug with floppy drive. I'm not well versed in the innards of a PSU, but my understanding with this PSU was that there truly is only 2 rails (against Seasonic's claim), but that it handled the load quite well (dynamically?).

 

[Valour]

It's the 8800 GTX, as you said. I was just searching on Google for 8800 GTX sounds on power down, and came by a YouTube video demonstrating this very sound.

YouTube Video with 8800GTX power down "squeal"

It's the sound at the very end of the video.

So is it in fact the mobo that causes this, because it's killing the PSU slightly premature? Like you said, it doesn't seem to be a problem, but it does bother me that this isn't apparently VERY common, as I would expect it to be.

 

[BenchZowner]

It's not doing any harm.
Actually it's the mobo turning the VGA power off a tad earlier, so the VGA thinks that you haven't connected all the power cables, so it tries to beep.But then the power comes off totally and it stops.
No harm to any components is done

 

[Valour]

Thanks for all the info. I wish it didn't do it, but at least I know what the issue is.