Desktop build sounds like a small refrigerator. I’ve taken to using earplugs when working in silence. Should I switch out components, or is that just the way it is? buildapc

Description

My build is really noisy (can hear from 10ft away easily) even if it’s just sitting on the login screen or BIOS. The sound is a constant hum, not unlike a refrigerator. I thought it would at least be quiet when not in use, but it’s loud no matter what — and if my laptop can be silent at times, surely my much-more-expensive desktop can too, right?

Relevant parts

• case: In Win 303
  
• CPU: i7-6700k, not overclocked
• CPU cooler: Corsair H80i v2, with ML120 fan pushing
• GPU: EVGA GTX 1080 FTW Hybrid (has 120 mm cooler, ML120 fan pushing)

Troubleshooting steps

1. Replaced several fans, including both cooler fans and all fans at the bottom of the case (where I initially thought noise was coming from) with ML120's. No noise difference.

2. Disconnected GPU from power and motherboard, turned on PC. No meaningful noise difference.

3. Tried both push-pull and just push for both coolers. No difference.

Other info

It sounds like the noise is coming from the CPU area. I’m almost positive that it’s the pump on the H80i.

Temps are fine, as far as I can tell. Switching the cooler pump between Quiet and Performance makes no difference in noise levels.

I RMA'd the cooler because of this (it also recently stopped showing CPU fan speeds) and have the new one near me, unopened. Here are the explanations and options I’m seeing:

1. It’s a defective cooler, and the new one will be quieter, so I should install that.

2. That model of CPU cooler is just noisy as hell by design and I should get a different one.

3. It’s normal for desktops to be that noisy, and I should just get over it.

4. ...?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Submitted December 09, 2017 at 12:57AM by pcbuilder95 http://ift.tt/2AZgkM5 buildapc