GA-H61M-S2H Rev 1.2 High-Pitched Whine (USB Ports)

[Bottlecap]

I've noticed that my GA-H61M-S2H Rev 1.2 (F3 BIOS) motherboard frequently makes a high-pitched whining noise that pitches up and down in Windows 7. It's very annoying because my system was built to be quiet. I can even make it happen by visiting certain web sites in Firefox.

I discovered through Googling that disabling the power saving features in the BIOS helps, so I disabled the following settings:

C1E
CD/C6
CPU Thermal Monitor
CPU EIST Function

This fixed the noise issue, but I'd still like to use as many power saving features as possible. Would upgrading to the latest (or beta) BIOS solve this issue? I ask because I'm not a techie and would rather not mess around with BIOS flashing, though I know my mobo has dual BIOS, which is comforting to know. I don't want to ship back the whole computer just to replace a mobo, but I had the computer built to be power efficient.

Thank you for any help.

EDIT: Okay, I tracked down the problem to the USB ports. Unplugging the mouse or my external hard drive stops the noise, which I now think is coming from the PSU if my hearing is right. Why does it happen with power savings on but not when disabled?

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GA-H61M-S2H rev 1.2 (F3 BIOS)
Intel Pentium G620 (onboard graphics)
4GB G.Skill RAM
Antec Mini P180 Case
Seasonic SS-350ET PSU
Arctic Cooling Alpine 11 Pro Rev 2 HSF
WD Caviar Blue 500GB
Windows 7 Home Premium

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

Unless you are already running the latest BIOS version I would advise upgrading to this as often it has been modified to cure this problem. Make sure that you use QFlash to run the update.

Update your BIOS with the latest version using QFlash making sure that you use the option to Disable Keep DMI Data on the home page when running it. Afterwards load Optimised BIOS defaults.

[Rolo42]

EDIT: Okay, I tracked down the problem to the USB ports. Unplugging the mouse or my external hard drive stops the noise, which I now think is coming from the PSU if my hearing is right.

Either or but doesn't have to be both?

[Bottlecap]

@Rolo42

 Sorry, I should've been more clear. If I plug in any of the USB cables individually, without any others attached, I get the noise.

@Dark Mantis

I flashed the BIOS to the latest version (F5, ignored the beta) but the dreaded noise is still there. I've played around a bit more with the power saving features, and if I just disable C3/C6 and keep everything else on (C1E, etc.) the noise goes away. If I'm correct, C3/C6 is necessary for Turbo Boost, which my Pentium G620 does not support anyway.

[Rolo42]

The only thing I can think of is EMI/RFI; the external devices are acting as large antennas, picking up interference.

How is the computer set up and what's around it?

Do you have a mic plugged in?

[Bottlecap]

The only thing next to my computer is my Logitech speakers. I unplugged them from the computer and mains and also plugged the power cables directly into the wall instead of my power bar. I am not using a mic. There is no change with C3/C6 enabled.

[Lsdmeasap]

Often this is the PSU itself, can you test with another model and verify, you might just need to get a different PSU or RMA that one if it's not a common issue with that model.

[Bottlecap]

My new computer replaced my 7-year-old Athlon 3200+ setup, so I don't know if I could use the PSU from that. But I've decided not to RMA the Seasonic as it's probably not worth the hassle. I read that the dealer may not consider some coil whine a defect and that if I get a replacement I might just have the same issue with this PSU and mobo combination. Disabling one power saving feature (C3/C6) probably won't effect my system that much considering the low-power components I'm already running, I suppose.

I read that other mobo makers have the option to seperately enable and disable C3 and C6 and that disabling C6 fixes the problem for some people. I don't know if this is something Gigabyte can add to their BIOS for more flexibility.

Thanks for all your replies.

[Lsdmeasap]

Well you might be able to at least try that power supply for testing, just to rule out or in your Seasonic as the source of the noise.   That is if the PSU even has the same connections

A lot of manufacturers may not consider coil whine a replaceable offense, but I would think Seasonic wouldn't be one of those.  Where did you read that it's Seasonic's policy to not care on this issue?

[Bottlecap]

I have never heard this specifically about Seasonic. I paid $40 for the PSU, so it's not worth shipping back IMHO, but I''m going to make sure to purchase future PSUs locally next time.

I decided to try beta BIOS F5A, and while it didnt't fix the noise issue, Win7 boots up much faster now. (Nothing to do with Quick Boot, as I always enable that.)

[Lsdmeasap]

I thought maybe you read it somewhere, and it seemed odd to hear from Seasonic but I guess anything is possible, and I could see maybe them saying it about cheaper/budget small PSU's I suppose because those wouldn't be as high quality of their mainstream versions.

Nice to hear you have faster booting now!