Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • shovenose
    Send Doge Memes
    • Aug 2010
    • 6575
    • USA

    #1

    Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

    It's whined for two years, since day one, in two different homes, in ten different systems, so I know it's the power supply, not something else causing it.

    I'm angry at Seasonic because they refused to warranty it. Apparently because I've tolerated the coil whine for two years I can tolerate it forever? Nah, screw that, I took it apart.

    Despite Teapo caps which I don't have a problem with, it seems really great build quality, like I'd expect. But, any idea what's coil whining and if I can fix it? To me it sounds like it's coming from the center of the PSU, maybe the little transformer under where the blue and brown wire are in the pictures. Hard to tell though even with the top off.



    Thanks all.
    Attached Files
  • Per Hansson
    Super Moderator
    • Jul 2005
    • 5895
    • Sweden

    #2
    Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

    Try using a straw for pinpointing where the noise is coming from.
    Also be careful: primary side heatsinks are often live!
    "The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it."

    Comment

    • ReeceyBurger123
      Never Give Up !
      • May 2014
      • 7325
      • Britain

      #3
      Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

      Originally posted by Per Hansson
      Try using a straw for pinpointing where the noise is coming from.
      Also be careful: primary side heatsinks are often live!
      Primary heat sinks are always live very few supples I've seen where they are not, don't go anyway near them when it's on The cause is probably the main transformer, I fixed my pioneer when it was whining loud. Simply by dumping loads of epoxy on it after pulling a real tight cable tie around the outside ‘frame' of the transformer. It's hit or miss I've tried it on a few transformers that have a bad whining noise to them mainly Vestel supplies
      Last edited by ReeceyBurger123; 06-02-2021, 11:23 AM.
      Please Do Not PM My Page Asking For Help Badcaps Is The Place For Advise, Page Linked For Business Reasons Only. Anyone Doing So Will Be Banned Instantly !

      https://www.facebook.com/Telford-Tel...7894576335359/

      Comment

      • RJARRRPCGP
        Badcaps Legend
        • Jul 2004
        • 6301
        • USA

        #4
        Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

        Seasonic SSR->banned!

        On my ban list for being shit!
        ASRock B550 PG Velocita

        Ryzen 9 "Vermeer" 5900X

        32 GB G.Skill RipJaws V F4-3200C16D-32GVR

        Arc A770 16 GB

        eVGA Supernova G3 750W

        Western Digital Black SN850 1TB NVMe SSD

        Alienware AW3423DWF OLED




        "¡Me encanta "Me Encanta o Enlistarlo con Hilary Farr!" -Mí mismo

        "There's nothing more unattractive than a chick smoking a cigarette" -Topcat

        "Today's lesson in pissivity comes in the form of a ziplock baggie full of GPU extension brackets & hardware that for the last ~3 years have been on my bench, always in my way, getting moved around constantly....and yesterday I found myself in need of them....and the bastards are now nowhere to be found! Motherfracker!!" -Topcat

        "did I see a chair fly? I think I did! Time for popcorn!" -ratdude747

        Comment

        • ReeceyBurger123
          Never Give Up !
          • May 2014
          • 7325
          • Britain

          #5
          Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

          Originally posted by RJARRRPCGP
          Seasonic SSR->banned!

          On my ban list for being shit!
          Yeah not looking too beefy to be honest
          Please Do Not PM My Page Asking For Help Badcaps Is The Place For Advise, Page Linked For Business Reasons Only. Anyone Doing So Will Be Banned Instantly !

          https://www.facebook.com/Telford-Tel...7894576335359/

          Comment

          • shovenose
            Send Doge Memes
            • Aug 2010
            • 6575
            • USA

            #6
            Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

            Yeah, I got booped by an antec I was messing with 10 years ago and learned that way not to touch heatsinks with PSUs plugged in ��

            I will try the straw thing tonight.

            And yes I mean it's not bad build quality, just not what I expected from Seasonic.

            Comment

            • RJARRRPCGP
              Badcaps Legend
              • Jul 2004
              • 6301
              • USA

              #7
              Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

              Originally posted by shovenose
              Yeah, I got booped by an antec I was messing with 10 years ago and learned that way not to touch heatsinks with PSUs plugged in ��

              I will try the straw thing tonight.

              And yes I mean it's not bad build quality, just not what I expected from Seasonic.
              I'm wondering if it's not even made by Seasonic. Looks like it could be L&C.
              ASRock B550 PG Velocita

              Ryzen 9 "Vermeer" 5900X

              32 GB G.Skill RipJaws V F4-3200C16D-32GVR

              Arc A770 16 GB

              eVGA Supernova G3 750W

              Western Digital Black SN850 1TB NVMe SSD

              Alienware AW3423DWF OLED




              "¡Me encanta "Me Encanta o Enlistarlo con Hilary Farr!" -Mí mismo

              "There's nothing more unattractive than a chick smoking a cigarette" -Topcat

              "Today's lesson in pissivity comes in the form of a ziplock baggie full of GPU extension brackets & hardware that for the last ~3 years have been on my bench, always in my way, getting moved around constantly....and yesterday I found myself in need of them....and the bastards are now nowhere to be found! Motherfracker!!" -Topcat

              "did I see a chair fly? I think I did! Time for popcorn!" -ratdude747

              Comment

              • momaka
                master hoarder
                • May 2008
                • 12164
                • Bulgaria

                #8
                Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                Does the whine noise change under different loads? (Try something like AIDA-64 or OCCT to load the CPU only, GPU only, and then CPU + GPU to get maximum load.)
                If noise changes with load, it's either the main transformer or the APFC inductor.
                If the noise is constant and always there even when the PSU is in sleep / soft off mode, then it's probably the 5VSB transformer.

                Applying some varnish to the insides of these parts may be able to make them more quiet... but it may not either. (And also, that APFC inductor doesn't really look exposed and easy enough to open to apply varnish.)

                I dislike whining PSUs too... though I can tolerate then once I get used to them. But it depends. I did fix/recap one Westinghouse LCD monitor that whined so badly that I had to switch it out or disconnect it from power after using it every time.

                Comment

                • shovenose
                  Send Doge Memes
                  • Aug 2010
                  • 6575
                  • USA

                  #9
                  Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                  Haven't had a chance to investigate more yet but yes the noise changes. It's always there even with the PC off but it's pretty subtle. With it on it is varying in noise depending on load and other things. So weird even scrolling with the mouse can change the noise.

                  Comment

                  • CapLeaker
                    Leaking Member
                    • Dec 2014
                    • 8022
                    • Canada

                    #10
                    Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                    if it is the transformer soak it in varnish or epoxy. that should get rid of the transformer whine.

                    Comment

                    • Uranium-235
                      Comrade Glimmer
                      • Aug 2007
                      • 5042
                      • US

                      #11
                      Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                      I just got a 550GB3 and haven't heard any whine so far. It's pretty heavy. I think as heavy as my focus 750
                      Cap Datasheet Depot: http://www.paullinebarger.net/DS/
                      ^If you have datasheets not listed PM me

                      Comment

                      • shovenose
                        Send Doge Memes
                        • Aug 2010
                        • 6575
                        • USA

                        #12
                        Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                        Originally posted by Uranium-235
                        I just got a 550GB3 and haven't heard any whine so far. It's pretty heavy. I think as heavy as my focus 750

                        pretty sure thats a different version though

                        Comment

                        • redwire
                          Badcaps Legend
                          • Dec 2010
                          • 3900
                          • Canada

                          #13
                          Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                          To get rid of coil whine (on a Corsair PSU) I added 3x6,800uF 25V caps on the 12V rail. I took an old Molex connector, soldered the cap array there.
                          So almost 21,000uF of extra filtering and all whining disappeared. I think the whine can be the PSU's regulation loop going a bit unstable, so extra capacitance helps with that. You can try it, even 6,800uF made it much quieter.

                          I kept the caps in the PC with my new Seasonic SSR-550PX I got cheap as a replacement. Other SS have in-cable capacitors.
                          The extra cap array doesn't cause a problem.

                          Comment

                          • shovenose
                            Send Doge Memes
                            • Aug 2010
                            • 6575
                            • USA

                            #14
                            Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                            Originally posted by redwire
                            To get rid of coil whine (on a Corsair PSU) I added 3x6,800uF 25V caps on the 12V rail. I took an old Molex connector, soldered the cap array there.
                            So almost 21,000uF of extra filtering and all whining disappeared. I think the whine can be the PSU's regulation loop going a bit unstable, so extra capacitance helps with that. You can try it, even 6,800uF made it much quieter.

                            I kept the caps in the PC with my new Seasonic SSR-550PX I got cheap as a replacement. Other SS have in-cable capacitors.
                            The extra cap array doesn't cause a problem.

                            Interesting.


                            But how will this help when the whine is present, albeit different pitch, even when off, the 12V rail isn't even doing anything?

                            Comment

                            • momaka
                              master hoarder
                              • May 2008
                              • 12164
                              • Bulgaria

                              #15
                              Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                              Originally posted by shovenose
                              But how will this help when the whine is present, albeit different pitch, even when off, the 12V rail isn't even doing anything?
                              Good call!

                              So, if the PSU is making whining noise both in standby/soft-off mode and aksi when turned On, then that means the whining noise is likely coming from the 5VSB circuit (probably the 5VSB transformer.)

                              I read in another thread that you've had this issue since day one when the PSU was new. In that case, at least we know the issue probably isn't related to bad caps. Otherwise, I would have suggested for you to check the primary cap (especially since it's only a 400V Teapo, and APFC circuits love to munch on non-Japanese cap brands, especially ones rated for 400V only.) But I think that out of the equation for now.

                              The only two things I can think of to be causing that noise: either the 5VSB circuit (could be the transformer, or it could be from "sensitive" feedback loop on the 5VSB - though I suspect the latter does not apply, as that usually only happens when very low ESR caps are used on the 5VSB output filter)... or perhaps something external to the PSU is making the PSU/5VSB circuit while. On that note, do you have the PSU connected to a UPS? If yes, have you tried unplugging it from the UPS and plugging it directly in the wall?

                              Last but not least, give the solder side a good inspection. Perhaps there was a component that got loose / bad solder joint during transportation... and perhaps it's not something that is super-critical, but enough to cause the whining noise you have. If you get a chance, maybe snap a picture or two of the solder side and post it here.

                              But really, I'm just suspecting the 5VSB circuit for now. You might be able to get that more quiet with a few extra / bigger caps... or not, depending on how the circuit was designed.

                              Comment

                              • shovenose
                                Send Doge Memes
                                • Aug 2010
                                • 6575
                                • USA

                                #16
                                Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                                Originally posted by momaka
                                Good call!

                                So, if the PSU is making whining noise both in standby/soft-off mode and aksi when turned On, then that means the whining noise is likely coming from the 5VSB circuit (probably the 5VSB transformer.)

                                I read in another thread that you've had this issue since day one when the PSU was new. In that case, at least we know the issue probably isn't related to bad caps. Otherwise, I would have suggested for you to check the primary cap (especially since it's only a 400V Teapo, and APFC circuits love to munch on non-Japanese cap brands, especially ones rated for 400V only.) But I think that out of the equation for now.

                                The only two things I can think of to be causing that noise: either the 5VSB circuit (could be the transformer, or it could be from "sensitive" feedback loop on the 5VSB - though I suspect the latter does not apply, as that usually only happens when very low ESR caps are used on the 5VSB output filter)... or perhaps something external to the PSU is making the PSU/5VSB circuit while. On that note, do you have the PSU connected to a UPS? If yes, have you tried unplugging it from the UPS and plugging it directly in the wall?

                                Last but not least, give the solder side a good inspection. Perhaps there was a component that got loose / bad solder joint during transportation... and perhaps it's not something that is super-critical, but enough to cause the whining noise you have. If you get a chance, maybe snap a picture or two of the solder side and post it here.

                                But really, I'm just suspecting the 5VSB circuit for now. You might be able to get that more quiet with a few extra / bigger caps... or not, depending on how the circuit was designed.

                                So, I've used this PSU directly plugged in, on UPS, off UPS, I moved so two different homes. Used it in a PC lent to a friend for a while. Had it in a ton of different builds with NO common factors. It's always whined.


                                Honestly I've pretty much given up making it quiet. Just gonna keep it as my spare PSU for temporary use or end up using it in the living room or garage. Although if I can simply add a cap to the 5VSB circuit to shut up the squeal I would totally be willing to do that. If I simply look up the pinout for the 24 pin connector and add a cap between 5VSB and ground it might work? Any capacitor or I need low ESR? Thnx.
                                Last edited by shovenose; 06-19-2021, 09:08 AM.

                                Comment

                                • redwire
                                  Badcaps Legend
                                  • Dec 2010
                                  • 3900
                                  • Canada

                                  #17
                                  Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                                  I didn't know it's the +5VSB that is whining.
                                  The SMPS switching frequency is above what you can hear, but the regulation loop might be sonic.

                                  I would try add a cap a few 1,000uF to the rail and see if it quietens it up, up to 3,300uF.
                                  Note if the original 5VSB cap is bad, this just covers for it.
                                  It might have a stability problem regulating the rail, so adding a small load might help. You would know if it goes quiet say when charging a cellphone on USB and the PC is off.

                                  ESR is not that important with an extra cap and you not likely taking 2-3A off the rail.
                                  edit: it's the cap next to the little 5VSB transformer.
                                  Last edited by redwire; 06-19-2021, 05:02 PM.

                                  Comment

                                  • CapLeaker
                                    Leaking Member
                                    • Dec 2014
                                    • 8022
                                    • Canada

                                    #18
                                    Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                                    I’d agree with red wire, but since the psu is doing this day one, it would be stupid from Seasonic to sell something like that doesn’t have enough capacity on a certain rail.

                                    Comment

                                    • redwire
                                      Badcaps Legend
                                      • Dec 2010
                                      • 3900
                                      • Canada

                                      #19
                                      Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                                      You'd have to look at the VSB circuit around IC2 and the opto-coupler, usually the feedback to TL431 if done wrong makes whistles too.

                                      PC PSU manufacturers take the design through a "cost improvement project" where some capacitors get smaller, or taken out and the brand name gets changed. Other times manufacturing uses a substitute part. If it works under full load, it passes but whistling under light load might get ignored.
                                      It's got a 5 yr warranty?

                                      Comment

                                      • shovenose
                                        Send Doge Memes
                                        • Aug 2010
                                        • 6575
                                        • USA

                                        #20
                                        Re: Why does my Seasonic SSR-500GB3 whine??

                                        Originally posted by redwire
                                        You'd have to look at the VSB circuit around IC2 and the opto-coupler, usually the feedback to TL431 if done wrong makes whistles too.

                                        PC PSU manufacturers take the design through a "cost improvement project" where some capacitors get smaller, or taken out and the brand name gets changed. Other times manufacturing uses a substitute part. If it works under full load, it passes but whistling under light load might get ignored.
                                        It's got a 5 yr warranty?
                                        Yes but I already attempted to warranty it and they said no. In the mean time I've voided the warranty by removing the cover and I've also swapped the fan with a different one because I wanted something with more airflow for a project.

                                        Comment

                                        Related Topics

                                        Collapse

                                        • Bitvive
                                          LG Flatron starts w. coil whine and power issues
                                          by Bitvive
                                          Hi ,

                                          My old LG Flatron recently started with coil beeping. This got worse every day for a few days until it also started having power problems.

                                          Now it also went off again after displaying the LG logo, then on, off again, then on and so on...

                                          So far I have measured the power supply unit, which delivers 19.21V and should therefore be OK. I removed the circuit board and connected it to the mains plug so that I could hear the coil beeping.

                                          During the beeping, I pressed on the coils with a non-conductive tool to see if the sound changed and to find...
                                          08-18-2024, 06:34 PM
                                        • 90Ninety
                                          Coil Whine , buzzing, identifying parts R9 Fury
                                          by 90Ninety
                                          I have an R9 Furty Nano ( R9 2XX IIRC ) that I want to put to use , I got it on ebay for quite cheap but, it has some of the worse coil whine I have heard .

                                          I tried putting a long tube on my ear and hovered it around the card while in use , I cannot pinpoint it . However I my educated guess is , that it the whine is an inductor coil and it is one or all of these in the picture . Does anyone know what part this is and what part I can replace them with .




                                          Perhaps likely is that I am missing something else it could be , here is a stock picture...
                                          12-15-2022, 04:18 AM
                                        • Uranium-235
                                          SMD coil whine "chirps"
                                          by Uranium-235
                                          Does anyone have high frequency sensitivity hearing and a motherboards have tons of sounds coming from it? Is this just coil whine en masse? When data to the SSD has high I/O I can hear the clicks and chirps. Same with when the graphics drive inits. Network adapters, chirping after I connect the cable

                                          I can hear everything. Every time I put my ear to let's say an open Shuttle XH series pc (currently working on) in the next room it sounds like I'm in the middle of a the fucking public bird aviary

                                          Of course this isn't just the shuttle, though I think the small case...
                                          07-10-2023, 10:06 PM
                                        • momaka
                                          Seasonic B12 BC-550 – barely 2 years old and with BAD CAPS already!
                                          by momaka
                                          I know I've been a little scarce lately (like the last 2-3 years), but I'm still here and still doing my thing with fixing PSUs.

                                          For today's considerations, I have a Seasonic B12 BC-550 [A551bcafh] 550 Watt ATX power supply for you (click on links for full size images).

                                          https://www.badcaps.net/filedata/fetch?id=3591771


                                          https://www.badcaps.net/filedata/fetch?id=3591772

                                          It's a modern ATX unit with fixed (non-modular) cables and an 80-plus bronze certificate. Here's the label:

                                          https://www.badcaps.net/filedata/fetch?id=359177...
                                          03-12-2025, 03:42 PM
                                        • Jumme
                                          Boston Acoustics Soundware 5.1 SUB: Agonizing coil whine!
                                          by Jumme
                                          So. Had my Boston Acoustics subwoofer for 4 years and it had a terrible coil whine squeal from day one.

                                          I RMA'd it twice, but both times it came back (after a 6-8 weeks return time) and had the exact same problem.
                                          Said they "swapped the amplifier module". As it didnt help, personally I feel more convinced its the PSU module. Company now bankrupt and I cant stand the noise:

                                          Its a high pitch coil whine tone -it's terrible agonizing, when worst, I hear it clearly 4-5 m from the Sub (because sits in corner).

                                          It wines without RCA input....
                                          02-14-2021, 04:03 PM
                                        • Loading...
                                        • No more items.
                                        Working...