XFX clicking noise

[tiki66]

So, my XFX PRO450W started clicking. Happens sometimes, clicks few times, then stops. Model is XPS-450W-SEW.

Very common problem with these PSUs as I see, here is a video of one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcLzGFjkUKo

Note: video is not mine. Also, it is not coming from fan (tried stopping the fan, noise continues). And on mine PS that happens only from time to time, not all the time.

What could be making that noise? Here is picture of my PSU:

http://imgur.com/a/iBLgC

EDIT: I also tried looking at voltages when clicking happens, 12V and 5V rails keep being stable (measured with multimeter)

[joshnz]

Re: XFX clicking noise

I would say a
bad capacitor. or
shorted diode.

[tiki66]

Re: XFX clicking noise

Really? Even if the PSU is working normally?

[joshnz]

Re: XFX clicking noise

hmm if works fine further investigation is needed.
sounds like a converter is running in discontinuous mode usually caused by not enough load.

[Blechus]

Re: XFX clicking noise

Is it clicking even at heavy load? I assume a bad PFC circuit... (sorry about my english, its not my native language)

[goodpsusearch]

Re: XFX clicking noise

PFC coil?

Btw who is the OEM?

[Relayer]

Re: XFX clicking noise

Hello tiki66,
The ticking almost sounds like the PSU is hiccuping. By this I mean, that the PSU tries to start up, senses a fault, then shuts down. It continually repeats this cycle.
It also sounds a little like arching as well. Very strange that its intermittent.
Can you check the outputs of the PSU with a multi-meter to see if there are any voltage fluctuations that keeps in tempo with the ticking?
You may also need to monitor the voltage across the main filter capacitor as well.
You need to check the above in and out of fault condition to compare it.
If you have access to an oscilloscope, that would even be better.
Regards,
Relayer

[Quaddro]

Re: XFX clicking noise

hmm if works fine further investigation is needed.
sounds like a converter is running in discontinuous mode usually caused by not enough load.

Yes, many psu make this sound if there's no load in the rail.

But if it run with load and still have this noise, well..it's like something shorted.
Like an arcing sound..

[Stefan Payne]

Re: XFX clicking noise

Btw who is the OEM?

That is clearly made by gods and the best in the world. According to many people on the interwebs.

Seasonic

The Legendary S12II-Bronze series introduced around 8 years ago...

[goodpsusearch]

Re: XFX clicking noise

As I suspected...

This seems to be a common problem with that platform. I suspect the PFC coil and/or that glue that gets conductive:

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16655
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58380

[Stefan Payne]

Re: XFX clicking noise

As I suspected...

This seems to be a common problem with that platform. I suspect the PFC coil and/or that glue that gets conductive:

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16655
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58380

HOW DARE YOU!!111

No, just kiddin.
Hate the plattform too.
And especially the people recommending it today without any reason...

And because of the caps they assume the PSU will last and has better components...

PS: in the HX520W Thread, does it seem like the +5VSB chip has a hole in it and released the magic smoke?
Those things seem to die rather often for some reason...