Sqeal sound during download through ethernet cable.

Understanding and Addressing Coil Whine During Ethernet Data Transfers

Introduction

Many PC enthusiasts and everyday users have encountered various sounds emanating from their computers, some benign and others indicative of underlying hardware issues. Recently, a concern has arisen among some users regarding high-pitched, intermittent noises that occur specifically during data downloads via Ethernet connections. This article explores the nature of such sounds, their potential causes, and best practices for diagnosing and mitigating them.

The Scenario

A user reports experiencing a high-pitched squealing or whine noise when downloading data through an Ethernet cable. Notably, this sound does not occur when utilizing Wi-Fi connections. The user mentions regular maintenance, such as cleaning with compressed air, and observes that the noise is increasing in audibility and frequency as more data is being transferred. The system components include a Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX DDR4 motherboard, MSI MPG A750GF 750W power supply, a Gigabyte RTX 4070 graphics card, and an Intel Core i5-13600KF processor. All device drivers are up to date.

Potential Causes of Coil Whine

Coil whine is a high-frequency, often squealing noise produced by electromagnetic components within electronic devices. It is typically caused by vibrations in coils—inductors and transformers—due to electrical current fluctuations. Common sources include:

Power Supplies (PSU): Fluctuations in power draw can lead to coil whine.
Graphics Cards: GPUs are known for coil whine, especially under load.
Motherboards and VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules): Power regulation circuitry can produce coil whine during high power demands.
Ethernet Adapters: While less common, network interface cards (NICs) can occasionally emit similar noises if their transceivers or associated circuitry vibrate.

Why Does the Noise Occur During Ethernet Downloads?

The correlation between increased data transfer and the onset of noise suggests that the power consumption or electrical activity in certain components spikes during network intensive tasks. Specifically:

Increased CPU or VRM load: Handling network traffic can temporarily elevate processor activity.
PCIe or Ethernet controller activity: Data transmission might cause fluctuations in power delivery.
Power supply regulation: The PSU responds to changing loads, which can induce coil vibrations.

Addressing and Diagnosing the Issue