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    Graphics card squealing...

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by oogabubchub, Dec 22, 2009.

  1. oogabubchub

    oogabubchub Notebook Guru

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    I just loaded up The Sims 3 today and got some odd squealing out of what seems to be my graphics card (single GTX 260m) on my M17x. It sounds almost like a faint teapot going off. I never heard this when playing any of my other games (Crysis, SupCom, CS:S, TF2). I haven't had Crysis installed lately, so I can't test on it, and I don't think TF2 and CS:S are as graphic intensive as the Sims is. It only occurs during gameplay. Is this something I should be concerned about?
     
    oogabubchub, Dec 22, 2009
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  2. Xeneize

    Xeneize Notebook Deity

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    The only thing that could make noises is something with moving parts such as the fans.... why don't you download HWMonitor and do some testing under load.... maybe you have a fan thats going bad?
     
    Xeneize, Dec 22, 2009
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  3. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    That is wrong.
     
    moral hazard, Dec 22, 2009
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  4. Xeneize

    Xeneize Notebook Deity

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    What else could be making noises?
     
    Xeneize, Dec 22, 2009
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  5. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    the chokes, coils, caps, etc can all whine. most likely it is a coil noise. if this is the case there is nothing you can do about it
     
    zfactor, Dec 22, 2009
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  6. oogabubchub

    oogabubchub Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for the quick responses. I'd imagine if it were non-moving parts, it would be due to heat, but the sound occurs immediately upon launching the game. I'll check my temps and give you an update.

    Sidenote: I'm using the NVIDIA GPU Temp Windows gadget as my monitor. Anyone have experience with this and its accuracy? I have no other third party temp software installed.
     
    oogabubchub, Dec 22, 2009
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  7. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    if its a choke or a coil its not from heat its just from the extra current or stress going through it
     
    zfactor, Dec 22, 2009
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  8. rdalcroft

    rdalcroft Notebook Guru

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    You will notice the whine more when playing games on lower resolutions. I have found that the lower you go in resolution the louder the graphics cards whine. But usually you will not notice it as your fans will kick in when they get hot.
     
    rdalcroft, Dec 22, 2009
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  9. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    vsync also helps...so does hot glue. ;)
     
    Mandrake, Dec 22, 2009
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  10. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    yup hot glue is great if you are willing or some silicone.. but it stinks and is messy
     
    zfactor, Dec 22, 2009
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  11. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    lol, at least my ati cards squeal less than my nvidia cards did.
     
    Mandrake, Dec 22, 2009
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  12. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    Nvidia cards are notorious for squealing, both desktop and laptop ones

    Just a part of life, yay for many loud fans and headphones to distract me from it :)
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Dec 23, 2009
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  13. Xeneize

    Xeneize Notebook Deity

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    Wow I learn something new every day.... I can't say I've ever had that problem with any of my numerous Nvidia Cards....
     
    Xeneize, Dec 23, 2009
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  14. jivemofo

    jivemofo Notebook Geek

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    first for me too out of all the nvidia cards i've had on my desktops. then again with a home made water cooling set up and craploads of fans it's tough to hear anything other than the hum of my pump and the whooossh of the fans.
     
    jivemofo, Dec 23, 2009
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  15. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    i can hear my ATI's squealing when i run vantage but not when i play games :)
     
    Speedy Gonzalez, Dec 23, 2009
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  16. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    I only run vantage it seems lol
    :(
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Dec 23, 2009
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  17. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    you don't play games?
     
    Speedy Gonzalez, Dec 23, 2009
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  18. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    not often on this machine, got a really strong HTPC hooked up to a 52" I game on and a powerful desktop haha

    But those are no fun for benching as the competition is too broad ;)
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Dec 23, 2009
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  19. kais_4

    kais_4 Notebook Guru

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    My desktop 8800gt used to squeal alot. The cure? Ignored it.. after about 6 months it's finally stopped.. ignorance is bliss..
     
    kais_4, Dec 23, 2009
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