Vaio Power Brick Making Noise?

I just purchased a brand new and sealed VGP-PRZ10 dock for my computer. It came with a VGP-AC19V16 power brick in the box. In a quiet room, with the brick right next to me, I hear it making some noise. When I hold it up to my ear it makes a clicking noise, similar to that of a noisy HDD. Is this normal/ should I have to worry about it?

I've never noticed any noise issues with my other bricks, VGP-AC19V23, VGP-AC19V32 (the one the Z comes with), VGP-AC19V21 (old stick adapter), and VGP-AC19V30 (current stick adapter). I do, however, have a VGP-AC19V13 adapter that's 5 years old. Right before that one died, it started making clicking noises when plugged in. I'm just concerned that this adapter may be heading down the same path.

 

I've got the VGP-AC19V26 (VGN-Z), and if any reassurance it makes quiet electrical fizzing / humming noises. Well.... More fizzing than humming but you get an idea.

It's been like that since day one, and I've been using my Z for over two years with it (with no battery attached most of the time). Not a single hiccup. Though my brick gets VERY hot if I use my machine for intensive stuff. Sometimes bordering the 'too-hot-to-touch' region.

The thing is, the brick doesn't make an audible sound when I use it at home (can only hear if I place it right next to my ear), but if I use it at my college, it's quite loud; can hear it from a distance of a meter or so. I would assume that's because of some noise within the AC grid at my college (ie, alot of people use the numerous power points scattered around the campus / building).

Returning to your case. I wouldn't worry too much, considering you bought it new and it will have warranty. If it ever gives out, all Sony needs to do is give you a new brick, unless they needlessly ask for the entire docking set back (which is possible considering all the absurdities I've seen warranty-replacement claims require). Regardless, I would keep the battery attached to your Z for a week or so when on the dock. Do some intensive stuff on it to get the AC brick to suck on more juice. And get it running warm / hot. Kinda like a burn-in period to get the thing running to your needs and usage patterns.

 

A slight humming in AC/DC power converters is normal, especially in 50Hz areas where the hum tends to vibrate pieces more.

 

Thanks both of you for your replies! I'll just keep my eye on it, but it sounds like a non-issue [no pun intended].