PC Problem...

[Kraco]

@Kraco: you'll probably have to run the system in place (in the case in this situation) to see what's causing the noise. It could be vibration from the PSU contacting the case, or a cable rubbing a fan. OCZ products don't have the best reputation for reliability, just pushing the envelope for performance.

Yeah. I have tried a few times to locate the source by simply opening the case and even pressing some parts of the system to see if it would reduce the noise, if it's from vibration and resonance, but not with much luck. It's incredibly hard to pinpoint the source. It's kind of annoying since it just starts suddenly one day, perhaps lasts until I turn off the computer, then next day the PC might be okay once again. A week may go by without the rattling, but then it's suddenly back, sometimes for days. The noise has been gone for a month once or twice.

I was hoping having the PSU outside of the case would allow me to know for sure. But like you said, if it's resonance related after all, then I'm naturally out of luck.

[Animeniax]

Yeah. I have tried a few times to locate the source by simply opening the case and even pressing some parts of the system to see if it would reduce the noise, if it's from vibration and resonance, but not with much luck. It's incredibly hard to pinpoint the source. It's kind of annoying since it just starts suddenly one day, perhaps lasts until I turn off the computer, then next day the PC might be okay once again. A week may go by without the rattling, but then it's suddenly back, sometimes for days. The noise has been gone for a month once or twice.

I was hoping having the PSU outside of the case would allow me to know for sure. But like you said, if it's resonance related after all, then I'm naturally out of luck.

Sorry sometimes it's the simple things that people forget to check, like with my videocard causing BSODs (I say it's simple because in retrospect, it's a hacked card with BIOS flash and utility to get it to run correctly, which can cause instability). Have you tried using compressed air to blow the PSU out? Also since you probably won't get warranty support, consider opening the PSU and replacing the fan.

In addition to what ds said, if you have issues installing windbg, check http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2717426 which you think wouldn't apply if you are only installing the debug tools, but somehow it does.

[Kraco]

Have you tried using compressed air to blow the PSU out? Also since you probably won't get warranty support, consider opening the PSU and replacing the fan.

It has never had overly much dust, maybe due to the case's filter, but yeah, I've done that occasionally, now more thoroughly since I took it entirely out of the case.

Interestingly enough I also read that over here the retailer is responsible for the warranty of the product (if such was announced during purchase like it usually is) even if the importer/manufacturer goes bankrupt. So, I have that covered, one way or another, if I can verify it's indeed the PSU's fan. Otherwise I would replace the fan. I've done that in that past with one or two PSUs, and it's usually a walk in the park.

[Animeniax]

It has never had overly much dust, maybe due to the case's filter, but yeah, I've done that occasionally, now more thoroughly since I took it entirely out of the case.

Interestingly enough I also read that over here the retailer is responsible for the warranty of the product (if such was announced during purchase like it usually is) even if the importer/manufacturer goes bankrupt. So, I have that covered, one way or another, if I can verify it's indeed the PSU's fan. Otherwise I would replace the fan. I've done that in that past with one or two PSUs, and it's usually a walk in the park.

That's a peculiar warranty policy, to have the retailer honor it versus the manufacturer. I kinda like the idea, but from your experience is it better or worse for getting quick and reliable service? I tend to order parts online so I prefer manufacturer warranty.

[Kraco]

That's a peculiar warranty policy, to have the retailer honor it versus the manufacturer. I kinda like the idea, but from your experience is it better or worse for getting quick and reliable service? I tend to order parts online so I prefer manufacturer warranty.

I guess it depends. I liked using the direct manufacturer warranty a lot when my TV's panel started to malfunction. I needed to do nothing but agree on a time with the people and they fetched the TV from my home, then agree on a time again and they brought it back fixed. The exact same thing happened with my scanner/inkjet. A lot more convenient that carrying the thing to the store and back, and possibly faster. However, when I lost a HDD years ago, I went to the shop I'd bought it from. They gave me a replacement immediately, no questions asked (or actually they didn't have anymore one so small, so I paid an unsignificant amount to get a bigger model).

At the end of the day it doesn't really matter if you have got both alternatives, but in cases like this when the manufacturer is no more, the customer won't end up as the sole loser.