Coil whine

In short: Coil whine is a high-pitched hum or chirp that coils on graphics cards, power supplies and motherboards can produce under load. It is usually harmless.

In more detail: Coils vibrate minimally due to changing magnetic fields. If their frequency lies in the audible range and the component is not potted, you hear it.

In Depth

• When: Especially at very high frame rates (menus with 1000+ FPS), at certain load changes and at certain voltages.
• Dangerous? No. It is a noise, not a defect, and does not usually affect lifespan.
• Relief: Cap the frame rate (V-Sync, frame limiter), lower the card’s power limit slightly, install the card differently in the case or test another power supply. Case damping and distance help.
• Returns: Often not accepted as a defect by retailers. For a conspicuously loud card an exchange within the withdrawal period can make sense.
• Distinction: Fan noise, pump noise and scraping platters sound different. A clicking hard-drive noise, on the other hand, can indicate a defect, see SMART values.
• Power supply: Cheap power supplies whine more often.

See also: case ventilation and airflow