GA-X58-UD3R: Constant high pitched noise

[Dark Mantis]

Well I would say that your PSU is powerfull enough and generally of a good quality build, the only downside is that being of an older style and spec it has been suggested before that this could be one of the contributing factors of the coil whine problem. I suppose that you have checked to make sure that the noise is coming form the coils? You can always use a length of cardboard or plastic tube as a listening device to pinpoint the area.

[nordiga]

I checked briefly and it seemed that it was coming from the CPU area. In the case that I got (Nexus Prominent 5) the PSU is mounted at the bottom, far from the CPU, so I could be sure it's not from there.

[Dark Mantis]

In that case I would advise you to return your motherboard to Gigabyte for RMA  fix of the problem as that isn't going to cost you as much as replacing the PSU. If there is any noise still when you have had the fix done then you will have to update your PSU too.

[nordiga]

Noise source identified!

I feel a little embarrassed actually, the solution was very obvious and did not require replacing the MB at all. A guy from Gigabyte support NL called me on the phone, and said that after hearing the recordings, he suspects that it might be a faulty engine in a case or CPU fan. I disconnected the CPU fan while the computer was running, and the noise stopped immediately. Of course I connected it right back. So now it's just a matter of replacing the Intel stock CPU cooler.

I was so locked on the idea that the UD3R boards make noise, that I failed to look into other, obvious possibilities - a fan making noise? who would have thought? (though the noise was far from typical fan noise)

Thanks again Dark Mantis for your help, it's always nice to come across such generosity. Also it's worth mentioning that the Gigabyte support team were very helpful, as well as the RMA technician at Zercom.nl.

Cheers!
Assaf

[Dark Mantis]

Cool! At least you got a good result in the end and I must admit to pretty much being the same as you in the respect of it did sound like coil whine. I really should have thought of the CPU fan. Never mind worked out alright.