Coil whine on old PWS-865-PQ (Supermicro 865W PSU)

[TJJ]

I've an old dual x5690 system (repurposed from a 4U EEATX server chassis) that's powered by a Supermicro PWS-865-PQ 865W PSU.

I've no idea precisely how old this PSU is, but given that the x5690 is from 2011 it seems likely to be nearing 10 years old.
As the machine was probably used as a server, it's likely to have been in operation 24/7/365.

Under normal operation the PSU appears to operate perfectly normally, however when the machine is in standby mode it emits a fairly loud coil whine.

Before I contemplate the expense of replacing it with a comparable unit, I'd like to know what risks I'm running; is coil whine from a PSU that's in standby mode a 'bad sign' ?

Are high-end PSUs like this one designed to better protect system components in the event of a failure?
I'm most concerned with the motherboard, as if that were damaged the machine would be essentially scrap, as replacement wouldn't be cost effective.

[Topcat]

I have several of this model that do this in standby...for years....it apparently just what they do....they've always been solid.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Originally Posted by TJJ

Under normal operation the PSU appears to operate perfectly normally, however when the machine is in standby mode it emits a fairly loud coil whine.

Reminds me of my Asus A7V8X-X (2003) motherboard. It would start squealing, especially in DOS and similar, LOL. (Via KT400) (socket 462)

[TJJ]

Thanks for the responses.
I guess I'll stick with it as-is!

[momaka]

Coil whine is normal in some PSUs.

But before you conclude anything, maybe just crack its cover and check for badcaps anyways. Being a Supermicro PSU, I expect it's probably going to be something pretty high-end inside and not with crap caps... but just to be 100% confident, give it a check (and maybe even post pictures if you like. )

That said, I do have a number of PSUs that emit loud coil whine in standby as well. The worst, though, is a Westinghouse LCD monitor I repaired a few months ago. That one has very annoying coil while. It took me almost a week to get used to it. The first few days, I'd even unplug the monitor at night before going to bed, because it was that bothersome. Once I got used to it a little (and once the new caps "broke in" a little after using the monitor for a few hot months in the summer), it didn't bother me as much anymore. It's been working great otherwise.

[emestee]

If the coil isn't too hot under load (and it shouldn't be), hot glue it. This mutes the whine.