High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

I just built myself a new system today. I thought I connected everything correctly but the second I powered up, there was a high pitched squealing sound coming from something. I couldn't tell exactly where the sound was coming from. I immediately powered down because stuff like that scares me. Other than the sound, everything seemed to be functioning normally as far as I could tell. All the fans were running and there was seemingly normal stuff on the screen. Anyone know what the problem could be? Should I try to pinpoint the source of the sound?

Hopefully I didn't screw up. Last computer I built was 5 years ago.

Here is my system in case it matters:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+
GIGABYTE GA-MA69GM-S2H Motherboard
COOLER MASTER Hyper TX2 CPU Cooler
EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB
G.Skill (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
FSP Group (Fortron Source) 500W Power Supply
Seagate Barracuda 160GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Sony NEC Optiarc 18X DVD±R DVD Burner

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

Spec. looks good.

How loud was the "squealing"? Damn right I'd not be happy about it... but u need to figure out where it is coming from.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

I would start by checking your fans. If you can't determine which is it, you can use a pen or similar plastic instrument to gently tap or rake the blades while running. If the noise changes pitch, bingo...

So how loud is this noise? Does it ever change in pitch/volume? When I built my most recent computer I discovered I have a capacitor (or something) that 'squeals' -- this noise changes in pitch depending on load, lol. Anyways, I have had it almost a year and it still runs fine, though I do have a backup board in case it dies. The noise has grown somewhat quieter as of late.

edit: be sure to check all fans:
case
power supply
cpu
video card
motherboard

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

The only moving parts in a computer are the fans and hard drives (well and cd drives but I assume you didn't get around to using one). So you really shouldn't have a problem determining where its coming from. Most likely a wire is rubbing against a fan. Anyway you need to get it taken care of since a dead fan could lead to overheating and system damage.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

Don't bother with a pen or whatever. Just touch the hub of each fan in turn. It'll slow slightly, and you'll be able to tell if the sound changes.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

Ok, I'll try to pinpoint the noise tomorrow and report back if I find anything. I'm too lazy to go try it now. Thanks guys.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

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Don't bother with a pen or whatever. Just touch the hub of each fan in turn. It'll slow slightly, and you'll be able to tell if the sound changes.

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Good luck with the vcard fan whilst avoiding ESD! Damn it Sam, this is my technique and I don't appreciate helpful refinements [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

On a serious note, yes it is probably easier just to touch most of the fans though the vcard may be tricky.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

Other than a moving part, could it possibly be my mobo giving me some kind of warning sound? The noise is significantly loud btw. Not something I can just ignore. I'll see if it's a fan tomorrow.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

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Damn it Sam,

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My bad.

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Other than a moving part, could it possibly be my mobo giving me some kind of warning sound? The noise is significantly loud btw. Not something I can just ignore. I'll see if it's a fan tomorrow.

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I mean, is it a BEEP? That's pretty different than a SQUEAL.

edit: By the way, you can also try unplugging a harddrive, to see if the sound goes away. Probably harder than lightly touching a fan, but if it's a squeal, it's a moving part. And, as stated above, that means either a harddrive or a fan.

Re: High pitched squeal coming from a newly built computer
 

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...but if it's a squeal, it's a moving part. And, as stated above, that means either a harddrive or a fan.

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Well it can be a capacitor (at least they can make noise), but in my case it isn't too loud, slightly louder then the cpu fan when it is not running in extreme mode.

Based on how loud this seems to be going off of what you are saying, it seems unlikely though.

Anyway the process of elimination should get this narrowed down quickly.

edit: this is usually referred to as a 'singing capacitor'