Strange noise coming from computer

[murry]

Bit of an odd one this but maybe someone will have some suggestions.
Just recently, about a month ago, my computer started making some funny squeek(?) noises when playing games. When im just on the destop doing anything it sits there fine with the only noise being the spinning fans. However when i go into a game, Serious Sam 2, B&W 2, Call of Duty 2 demo, to name a few, i get a bizarre squeeking sound coming from the inside of my case. Its kind of a squeek/electricty jumping sound, not very easy to explain.

This sound only starts when i go into the actual game, so if its sat on the menu its fine. This leads me to believe it could be my graphics card. However it sounds more like its coming from the top of the case, either near the CPU or the PSU.

Anybody got any suggestions as to how i could track it down, and hopefully fix it?
Thanks in advance

[jamena]

try copying a large file (i.e. make a copy of a 5Gb file) and see if that instigates the noise. If it does I'd be backing up my data...


Could it be the psu fan? Does the psu have active fan control (i.e. you draw more power, the fan speeds up)

[murry]

Well when i tried copying files around between all my hard drives (3), the noise doesnt start. I've left it running Sisoft burn in test all afternoon and didnt get any of the noise.
I've got a Thermaltake Purepower 480w PSU with fan control, if i set the fans to run at full speed the noise doesnt start either.
I ran 3D Mark and that caused the noise.

[herulach]

More than likely its the inductors/transformers on the gpu on their way out. Id get in touch with the gpu manufacturer asap

[murry]

unfortunately my graphics card is over 3 years old, Radeon 8500, so not much chance of getting anything from manufacturer. Oh well im due an upgrade anyway its starting to lag a little in the newer games

[Merlin4458]

u ran cod2 with that card? cool

[murry]

Yeah this card can still kick some ass, it might not look that good but i can still play most games at 1024 with some visual goodness to them.