Faulty GPU or PSU? *Fast answer please!"

[MyNameSucks]

So I got the MSi GTX 970 and installed it, no problems whatsoever. Then I installed a Cooler Master Hyper Evo 212 cooler and Noiseblocker exhaust fan and put it all together and whenever I'm playing any game, the GPU makes a horrible coil whine noise that I can even hear on my headphones (removing the AUX jack stops the noise from coming the headphones obviously but still remains in the GPU). Is it possible that my PSU is too weak for all these? (500w)

Thanks a lot!

Edited November 18, 2014 by MyNameSucks

[GG14876]

Can't determine just from that information...

 

At the very least, what's your processor and Motherboard? If you can, just list everything that's connected.

 

Edit:

Something that might help...

https://pcpartpicker.com/

 

Use this site to spec out your computer and it will tell you what your Estimated Wattage should be, along with a breakdown of it if you click on the actual wattage.

Edited November 18, 2014 by GG14876

[MyNameSucks]

Sorry about that, heres the specs:

i7 2600k @ 3.40 GHz
Msi GTX 970
Asus p8z68-v lx mobo
8GB RAM
Windows 7 64bit
500w PSU
Antec Sonata III case

I'll try that site, thanks!

E: well the site didn't show my mobo nor case so I chose the closest ones and it estimated 350w so I don't think the PSU is the one to blame..

Edited November 19, 2014 by MyNameSucks

[yoječ]

Most likely the graphics card is the culprit. Coil whine is a common issue.

[MyNameSucks]

The sound is coming from the GPU, that I know, but why is it hearable in headphones? If I put headphones or speakers through AUX, I can hear the damn whine through them AND the GPU itself.
The GPU sound is not a problem, I can just move the case somewhere else and can't hear it, but since it comes through headphones, that's just plain annoying
E: Setting VSYNC on fixes the loudest noises (since I have 60hz monitor and games get like 100fps), but there's still some whining on games. Skyrim for example, when it's paused, no whine, unpause and I can hear it again.

Edited November 19, 2014 by MyNameSucks

[MyNameSucks]

Kind of a bump but found some new information:

So I reinstalled drivers and I have no fking clue why, but it fixed the noise coming from the GPU.

Now it doesn't make noise even with no Vsync and 110 fps (according to FRAPS on Next Car Game) on a 60hz monitor and no noise whatsoever

BUT one problem still persist and it is that there's still some weird humming noise on my headphones when playing games. What could cause it?

I recently did take the mobo out and my wires are pretty much... unorganized. The problem I'm assuming is that the audio wires somehow are in touch with something else or bad grounding, any ideas?


No GPU noise (noticeable) but headphones hum when playing full screen games, what to do?

EDIT: I was using AUX headphones and the problem occurred, switching to USB headphones fixes it, but I'd still like to know why this is happening?

Edited November 19, 2014 by MyNameSucks

[GG14876]

Most likely your headphones are picking up an outside signal and that is messing with the signal from the Computer. That is, the cord connecting the headphones to the computer is acting in a manner similar to an antenna. I've actually had a similar issue with an old TV that picked up police radios whenever they drove by... If you want to learn more, I'd suggest this article on Wikipedia to start then just lose a few hours...

 

Since USB (to my knowledge) isn't transmitting the sound the same way, you don't get it when that is being used.

[MyNameSucks]

Might be, really hard to tell. USB seems to fix it though, not completely sure since I used some ancient headset to try it, it was really bad.

Another option would be to buy a sound card (maybe the one in the mobo is a POS or badly grounded?)

Which one is better to spend the money on? 100$ sound card or 100$ headset?

Edited November 20, 2014 by MyNameSucks

[GG14876]

I would say, if any of your friends have headphones that you could borrow for an hour or so, test them all out and make sure to ask how well they work on their own computers/MP3 players. If they say their headphones work well on their computers and it works well on yours, then it's a headphone issue and that should be replaced. If they say that it works well on their computers and it works badly on yours, your MB sound is bad and you should possibly look into a sound card (or MB, but that seems a bit much..).

 

Of course, there's the whole "audiophile" vs "lay listener" arguments about getting expensive sound cards/headphones vs cheaper models and how the quality is so different or not (Gold plated cables vs wire clothing hangers)... For me, I spent $30~40 on a headphone that I've used for the past 3~4 years and it plays my games/music just fine. I'm sure if I was composing symphonies with 100+ piece orchestras I would want something that could pick up each instrument and somehow justify the huge price-tag (or allow me to write it off as a business expense).

[MyNameSucks]

I tested with various 3.5mm jack headsets, all had the same static noise. (none of my friends use USB headsets so couldn't try that)

Then I found a 3$ 3.5mm->USB adapter I got from eBay like a year ago and attached it to my PC and voila, it worked! No whine whatsoever! Realtek however doesn't recognize it so I can't adjust it though

However the sound quality is pretty sh*t, I should probably buy a better USB soundcard? I looked at Creative Sound Blaster E1 that's about 50$, that should probably work like a dream, right?

I'm using Steelseries Siberia V2 headset btw, but they're pretty worn out so I might replace them still.


So I have 3 options:

1. Buying the USB adapter at 50$

2. Buying a new USB headset at 100$

3. Buying a soundcard at 60-110$


Suggestions on the best solution are welcome!

Edited November 20, 2014 by MyNameSucks