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Thread: Do I need a new PSU?

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    Do I need a new PSU?

    Hi Guys,

    OK so about a month ago I got a second hard drive, and ever since I put it in my pc has had this really low fequency vibration which is very noticable.

    I have tried to track it down and it isn't coming from any of the fans, so I am wondering if it is from my PSU. Maybe the extra hard drive is overloading the PSU?

    I dont think it is the hard drive itself, as its not the kind of noise that yu would expect from a hard drive....

    the psu is only 450W, so I was thinking maybe I should upgrade it.... Does it sound like that is needed? And if so are there any suggestions for a quiet hard drive?

    Thanks a lot

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    Whats the spec of your machine and what model and age is your PSU?

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    It could be resonance rather than just the drive itself - is it mounted properly and screwed in place? Try using antivibration washers/screws to reduce its ability to get the case to resonate. I kid you not, my HDD is in removable trays but the tray isn't screwed to the rack in the chassis. when it's going it actually causes the tray to repeatedly bump into the case. I've got the screws + washers to install when I next get chance to haul the thing out of the desk mount.

    Best way to determine where noise is coming from is to disconnect items one by one (leave everything in the machine, no need to remove it, just remove the power cables) you can then check fans by gently stopping them momentarily. See this useful hexus video for more info on tracking down system noise: http://tv.hexus.net/show/2008/11/Pac...PC_-_Episode_2

    Or if you want to start with the first episode in the series:

    http://tv.hexus.net/show/2008/10/Pac...PC_-_Episode_1

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    OK thanks for the help. I have managed to track the sound, and indeed it is coming from the hard drives.

    the 2 hard drives seem to be vibrating at different frequencies, setting up a low frequency 'beat' that is transmitted through the (aluminium) case...

    So basically I think I need to mount the hard drives differently so they are not screwed into the case. I found this: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/shark...o-a-35-525-bay

    Would that be any good, or does anyone have other suggestions?

    thanks a lot!!

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    What case have you got?

    One of the big problems yo get with hard drives is passing the vibrations into the case, esp side panels, being nice large flat sheets of metal when vibrated they act like a drum skin to generate noise.

    That anti vibration drive tray might work, it will depend on your case, so again what case have you got?

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    this case is this one: http://img.neoseeker.com/v_image.php...=1928&image=18

    collermaster mystique 631

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    Mayby have a look at suspending the hard drive.

    http://www.silentpcreview.com/article8-page2.html

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    You could always give scythe himuro a go ... I have one and it is pretty good.

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    Quote Originally Posted by Pob255 View Post
    What case have you got?

    One of the big problems yo get with hard drives is passing the vibrations into the case, esp side panels, being nice large flat sheets of metal when vibrated they act like a drum skin to generate noise.
    that's exactly the problem I've got. Fortunately I also have the remedy waiting just as soon as I can be bothered to lug the comp out of its mount and install the restraining screw+washers.

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    If you don't have any washers lying around, but have a bottle of wine, take out the cork and cut some thin slices off the end, screw though these into the hdd and the job is done. Also, as a bonus, you have an excuse to finish off the wine (drink sensibly, no more than 3 people to a bottle.

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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    Quote Originally Posted by vinnyT View Post
    If you don't have any washers lying around, but have a bottle of wine, take out the cork and cut some thin slices off the end, screw though these into the hdd and the job is done. Also, as a bonus, you have an excuse to finish off the wine (drink sensibly, no more than 3 people to a bottle.
    *disclaimer - do the cutting and installing BEFORE having the wine for your own safety and the safety of those around you, not to mention the innards of your machine.


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    Re: Do I need a new PSU?

    Quote Originally Posted by ik9000 View Post
    *disclaimer - do the cutting and installing BEFORE having the wine for your own safety and the safety of those around you, not to mention the innards of your machine.

    Good call.

    Also, when empty, recycle the bottle responsibly (this does not include shooting at it with an air gun)

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