psu clicking sound when alt-tabbing a game

Troubleshooting a Clicking Noise from Your PSU: A Gamer’s Experience

Introduction

Upgrading your GPU can be an exciting experience, but it can also introduce unexpected issues. Recently, I upgraded my graphics card from a 3060 Ti to a 9070 XT, and while I expected improved performance, I was taken aback by a peculiar clicking sound coming from my PC. After some troubleshooting, I discovered that the source of the noise might not be what I initially suspected. Here’s a detailed breakdown of my experience and findings for anyone else who might face a similar issue.

Identifying the Problem

Upon hearing the clicking noise, my first instinct was to suspect the new GPU. Previously, I had encountered issues with electrically noisy AMD graphics cards, such as the Vega 64. In an effort to resolve the problem, I removed any undervolt settings and reverted the power limits, but the clicking sound persisted.

Further Investigation

After spending several days diagnosing the issue, I made some critical observations:
– The clicking sound was actually emanating from my power supply unit (PSU), specifically an EVGA Supernova 650 G2.
– This noise only occurred while I was engaged in medium to moderately intensive gaming—particularly while playing “Honkai Star Rail.”
– Most intriguingly, the clicking correlated with my activity while alt-tabbing out of the game to other applications spread across my second and third monitors.
– The sound seemed to respond dynamically to on-screen events; for example, it would click during in-game explosions and cease shortly after.

Audio Evidence

To provide a clearer picture, I recorded a video capturing the clicking sound. You can hear it distinctly while I am not interacting with the mouse or keyboard, with only minimal ambient noise affecting the recording. Check out the video here.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing a similar clicking noise from your PSU, consider this an opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation. Understanding the relationship between your hardware interactions and the noise can provide valuable insights. While my clicking issue might point toward the power supply, it underscores the importance of comprehensive hardware assessment during and after upgrades. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to monitor the situation, and good luck with your builds!