Why is my CPU making strange noises?

[GimpyFuzznut]

This is a very strange issue I've started to encounter tonight (along with all the other crap I've had to deal with building this system!). I have a 4300 on DS3 with a Scythe Infinity custom mounted + a lapping job done on the HS and CPU. I've got my system stable at 9x333 and its been running more or less fine like this for some times now aside from some other hiccups.

Now, last night I began to notice a strange noise coming from inside my P180 case while running Orthos. I opened up the case and put my ear real close to try to locate the source of the noise. The noise was coming from the CPU area. I tried stopping each of the fans one by one with my hands (just holding them down) and the noise persisted. After listening closely, it seems the noise is coming from the CPU region itself and does not sound like anything coming from a fan.

The noise, as best as I can describe it, is a whiny/squeaky type thing. I think the best comparison is that it sounds like bad breaks on a car. That type of squeaky thing. Its pretty subtle but still loud enough to hear outside the closed case with fans running on medium.

Now here the strangest part that has lead me to believe its coming from the CPU. The noise comes and goes when its on load - running Orthos or other benchmarks for example. Its at no particular point that the noise kicks in as it seems rather random. But, when I do hear the noise, if I stop the benchmark and let the CPU idle down, THE NOISE IMMEDIATELY GOES AWAY! What the hell is going on here? Has anyone ever heard of a squeaking CPU? Could it be the thermal paste (AS5) cooking when it gets to high temperatures? I'm sure this one is going to baffle every the smartest Anandtechers.

 

[kmmatney]

hmmm.. Are you certain it's from the cpu area, and maybe not from the PSU? Switch-mode power supplies can sometimes make a squeaky sound when they need to supply a lot of juice (as do some laptop chargers).

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

Power supply is down at the bottom (its a P180) and its a brand new Corsair 620. Its most definitely not coming from that region and rather the CPU/HS area near the top of the case. Like I said, I tried holding down each of the fans, including the GPU one, and none of them were producing this noise.

The strange part is that when the CPU throttles down, the noise goes away.

Anyway, I'll check back in tomorrow morning. I really wonder what the hell this noise is. I'd also note that I haven't noticed any difference in performance upon hearing this noise - it doesn't seem like anything is breaking down or whatever, just having the usual quirky problems with the DS3.

 

[INM8]

Maybe its the voltage regulators on your mobo?

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

I have increased the voltage to the CPU. Is it normal that these would potentially make noise? These are the voltage regulators around the CPU right? It would make sense I suppose... but why exactly would these be making noise? Perhaps the frequency they are working at?

 

[INM8]

Yep those are the ones I am talking about. I can't give a technical explanation on why they would whine/squeak, but it seems a lot more probable then the cpu itself squeaking. Since the noise goes away when the cpu is running at a lower clock\volage the suggested scenario seems even more likely. Someone else will have to fill us in on the technical (electrical) details though

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

Well - if I remember correctly its possible for electrical components to make such noises under certain conditions when they are running at particular resonant frequencies. Basically has to do with AC theory. More detail than that - I don't want to get out my circuit engineering book and figure it out LOL! I just wonder if this is strange behavior to be having on a motherboard...?

 

[Mucker]

Your 4300 may have left over water trapped inside the core from fabrication. What you are hearing is the tiny steam molecules esploding out from underneath the heat spreader...j/k

You don't have an Antec SP2-500 by the way? They are defective squeakers. My guess is a coil or cap....

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

No its a Corsair PSU in a P180. I noticed this as well;
http://xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=140227

Seems the guy has the same squeak noise. Its strange - this only began to occur a couple of days ago. I hadn't noticed it before.

 

[superHARD]

I think it's a user error...j/k...idn good luck though

 

[Noubourne]

What about a poorly sealed heatpipe?

They way you describe it, it sounds like it might be gas escaping. Heatpipes are going to go under more stress the more you heat them, so it makes sense that the noise might only come when enough of the liquid inside is heated up - causing more pressure, and possibly leaking out a bad seal at the top...

Just a guess. Try changing heatsinks. If it goes away, then RMA the Infinity.

 

[sadffffff]

its likely the cpu. that squeeking noise is very common in laptops, though you usually hear it when the cpu clocks itself down when the cpu isnt being used. in your case since youre overclocking, it could be that the noise is happening when the cpu deviates from its normal clock speed

 

[yacoub]

FWIW I started hearing a weird noise when running 3D apps, but it's not consistent. I don't know if it's coming from my 7900GT, A64 Venice 3200+ or the Corsair 520w PSU. I will try to narrow it down. I think it's coming from the videocard and I'm not sure why it just started happening. I guess it could be a cap dying on the videocard? Maybe when it goes to 3D mode it stresses some voltage regulator or cap too much or something?

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

After tweaking some settings; I haven't heard the noise yet today. However, no idea if it will come back. Any other ideas?

 

[INM8]

What settings did you tweak?

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

Just different stuff trying to stabilize my OC - voltage, FSB, and memory settings. I'll report in if I hear the noise come back - I don't really see why it would go away after such changes anyhow.

 

[cryptonomicon]

This is caused from overvolting your board. The thing that is squeaking isnt your CPU, its one of the components on the motherboard, and I can't remember which but i think it is the copper thing with the coils of wire. Supposedly if you get some epoxy you can glue it down so it doesnt sqeak as much. I dont think there is any negative side effect except the noise (and obviously, the dangers of overvolting without cooling).