EVGA G3 650w buzz during games (also causing electromagnetic interference)

[thraddash]

I recently bought an EVGA Supernova G3 650w, for my new build. It's supposedly an excellent quality top-tier PSU.



However, the PSU seems to be buzzing slightly during games, and a replacement unit is doing the same thing. The buzz is mostly in the PSU but sounds as if it's also coming from the GPU. Again, only during heavy GPU activity, or in game menus. The buzz also leaks into my headphones and microphone, so it's also causing some kind of EMI interference.



I've been tearing my hair out trying to isolate the problem and I'm pretty sure it's the PSU. I've tried a different GPU in my computer, same problem. I've tried the PSU on a different computer along with my GPU, same problem. So it's seemingly not the motherboard or the GPU at fault (even though it only happens during GPU activity). I've tried a different power socket in the house, same problem. And my previous computer didn't have this issue either. For the record, I'm not using onboard sound, I'm using a Xonar DX soundcard - but again, that isn't what's causing the buzzing. It still happens with soundcard removed.



It's incredibly upsetting as I can't communicate with friends in-game anymore, not to mention the annoying buzz in my headphones and physically from the computer.



Could it really be the PSU's fault? It certainly seems that way but I thought it was a top quality PSU. At this point I can only assume it is the PSU though. I'm considering returning this and buying a different brand of PSU in the hopes that will resolve the issue. Could a P2 instead of a G3 solve the issue? Surely the G3 is high enough quality that it shouldn't be causing this.




Please, can someone help me with this? I'd love to get another EVGA PSU if that will solve the issue but I'm inclined to go with another manufacturer at this point.

[-The_Mask-]

Specs?

[thraddash]

Specs?

7700k
Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3 motherboard
Gigabyte Aorus 1080ti
Xonar DX soundcard

2x8gb RAM
Samsung M2.NVMe
Samsung 500gb SSD


and of course, EVGA Supernova G3 650w

[oggyphillips]

Did you get a workaround?

Because I just bought and installed the same PSU, and the buzzing noise happens when I get into load?

[thraddash]

Nope. I even bought a new PSU, a Corsair RM650x, and EXACTLY same issue, in fact same tone and pitch and everything.

I now believe it is caused by a combination of components, mostly related to the amount of power drawn. In other words, I'm pretty sure there's nothing that can be done about it. But I would love to be proven wrong.

[Jon Gerow]

Is your AC outlet grounded?

[thraddash]

Is your AC outlet grounded?

It's as if the Lord himself has descended to help us!

Actually, I don't know how to tell if my outlet is grounded or not.

What I can say is that our power outlets have three prongs, so I believe that means it's grounded yes? I tried a couple of different outlets in the house, no change. Also it didn't happen in my previous Computer, but maybe that was due to it using a lesser graphics card and thus the amount drawn being less.

[Jon Gerow]

Three prongs doesn't mean its grounded. The ground wire needs to run all the way back to the panel and that's not always the case in older construction.

To test proper home wiring, you need a tool like this:

http://a.co/ihcNP2T

Obviously that's the U.S. version, but they sell them with different plug types for different regions.

[thraddash]

Three prongs doesn't mean its grounded. The ground wire needs to run all the way back to the panel and that's not always the case in older construction.

To test proper home wiring, you need a tool like this:

http://a.co/ihcNP2T

Obviously that's the U.S. version, but they sell them with different plug types for different regions.

Hmmm, that's interesting. In a way I'm hoping that isn't the case cause I just spent $180 on an external sound card to eliminate the EMI/buzz leakage.

If this was the case then what solutions would there be anyway? Pay substantial amoutns to have rewiring performed?

Hopefully @oggyphillips can test this.

[TELVM]

You can check earthing in wall outlets with just a multimeter.