Strange Sound from Computer Case When Runnung AH3

[Condor]

When running AH3 Alpha I hear a sort of click from my computer case every 30 to 60 seconds. It's sound like some type of relay. I don't hear this in AH2 or at any or when running any other software.

I am seeing FPS of 80-100 with most of the graphics settings except detail disabled.  I notice nothing unusual on the screen when it occurs. Any of you hardware experts have any ideas? Does it indicate a problem? I do have vertical sync disabled for FPS monitoring. Could it relate to that?

I have a 700W power supply so I can't believe anything is starved for power. DxDiag attached.

[Bizman]

I don't know if this is related. I have a HD 6970 and when I play AH3 Beta the fan spins like the GPU would get airborne at any moment. It does the same when I run a graphic intensive benchmarking program so the key word is maximal GPU usage.

I recall reading that some power supplies have some sort of a relay system to reduce something. I know this isn't too clear but I read it several years ago. If my memory serves me it had something to do with cutting down the fan noise, the relay checking the need for cooling every minute or so. The author described the clicking sound being somewhat annoying. Thus, because your video card is dragging lots of power the power supply is also running hotter than usual, triggering the fan control relay. Maybe.

[Condor]

I don't know if this is related. I have a HD 6970 and when I play AH3 Beta the fan spins like the GPU would get airborne at any moment. It does the same when I run a graphic intensive benchmarking program so the key word is maximal GPU usage.

I recall reading that some power supplies have some sort of a relay system to reduce something. I know this isn't too clear but I read it several years ago. If my memory serves me it had something to do with cutting down the fan noise, the relay checking the need for cooling every minute or so. The author described the clicking sound being somewhat annoying. Thus, because your video card is dragging lots of power the power supply is also running hotter than usual, triggering the fan control relay. Maybe.

Thanks,

Sounds reasonable. I checked temps and my video GPU temp increases from 42C ate rest to about 80C in AH3 and the fan speeds up from 24% to 36%

[Chalenge]

It could also be a failing hard drive.

[Condor]

It could also be a failing hard drive.

Love an optimist

[Chalenge]

Better that you be warned in advance.

[TequilaChaser]

I was also thinking it might be possibly a hard drive (the platter type)

Also, what Bizman posted sounds familiar, from past article readings...

Your VC temperatures you posted for idle: 42c ...speeding up to 80c running AH3, seems a bit high to me...especially the idle temp.... 80c seems high to me as well...

You posted that you have your VC fan speed set to 24%:idle/low load , then 36%: high load

I personally recommend to adjust your current set limits, or turn off the automatic fan speed control, then go in and for example: set the idle or bottom temp/fan speed to around 40-50% and set the under load/higher temp/fan speed anywhere from say 65%, 70% or even 80% or higher...

Just a recommendation....your temperature readings seems high to me, both for idle and for under load....

I don't know anything about your computer build, but one needs good adequate airflow ...

Hope this helps

TC

[Bizman]

The higher end Radeon HD6000 series seem to run quite hot. Mine has been on for an hour or so and it's 53c idle. I don't monitor frequently but I did some testing when the Alpha triggered the high fan speed. 80 seems to be a normal temperature under heavy load.

IIRC there was some discussion about their temperatures way back when the HD 6000's were new. Pudgie might know. Anyway, if my memory serves me right, they run hot by design without any performance or stability issues. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[TequilaChaser]

Hmm...my XFX HD6950 2GB video card never goes above 47/48c under load while playing aces high...

Got to love my Thermaltake Level 10 GT PC case.....it really does keep everything running cool


TC

[Spikes]

Love an optimist

When dealing with computer issues it is very difficult to be optimistic. You'll see one day.

[guncrasher]

I was also thinking it might be possibly a hard drive (the platter type)

Also, what Bizman posted sounds familiar, from past article readings...

Your VC temperatures you posted for idle: 42c ...speeding up to 80c running AH3, seems a bit high to me...especially the idle temp.... 80c seems high to me as well...

You posted that you have your VC fan speed set to 24%:idle/low load , then 36%: high load

I personally recommend to adjust your current set limits, or turn off the automatic fan speed control, then go in and for example: set the idle or bottom temp/fan speed to around 40-50% and set the under load/higher temp/fan speed anywhere from say 65%, 70% or even 80% or higher...

Just a recommendation....your temperature readings seems high to me, both for idle and for under load....

I don't know anything about your computer build, but one needs good adequate airflow ...

Hope this helps

TC

idle temp depend a lot on the temperature of the room itself as well as the case.  80 degrees is not too bad considering that that specific card can handle temps up to 100.  ah3 uses a lot more of the gpu than ah2. so everybody is gonna see a spike in higher temps for their card.

semp

[hgtonyvi]

I also noticed that my GPU fan speed increased when running AH3 beta. I guess that's because the game is relying more on the GPU.

[Condor]

When dealing with computer issues it is very difficult to be optimistic. You'll see one day.

Yup. The IT guy at the plant where I worked like to say there are two types of computer users. Those who's hard drives have failed and those who's hard drive will fail. I'm one of the latter so I always have backups.

I doubt the noise is the hard drive though, it's a different sound than I'm used to hearing from HDs and I only hear it in AH3. Never in AH2. 

[Condor]

The higher end Radeon HD6000 series seem to run quite hot. Mine has been on for an hour or so and it's 53c idle. I don't monitor frequently but I did some testing when the Alpha triggered the high fan speed. 80 seems to be a normal temperature under heavy load.

IIRC there was some discussion about their temperatures way back when the HD 6000's were new. Pudgie might know. Anyway, if my memory serves me right, they run hot by design without any performance or stability issues. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

My HF6950 is at 41C right now with fan at 29%. I did an internet search and it seems these cards tend to run hot. The max temp mentioned in several reviews is 95C.

[Chalenge]

I would immediately move all of the data on the drive that AH3 is mounted on to another drive (clone it). You can use Macrium Reflect to do the migration quickly and efficiently for free. After the move if the noise continues then you know it is not the hard drive. In that case you should probably begin replacing all of your case fans, and even the GPU fan(s). I can't remember ever having a GPU fan make that kind of noise, but I try to replace things long before they might fail.

What happens in the case of a HDD is the platter starts to get this deep rut engraved into the surface. I just love taking HDDs apart and finding that very rough groove cut into the mirror surface. It can develop very quickly, too.