Corsair HX450W... Loud!?

dyslexical · Post by **dyslexical** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:21 pm

Hello guys!
Recently I've upgraded my computer setup. I was disappointed to find it was substantially louder than my existing one.

It seemed unlikely that the PSU change was causing the increase in noise, but I've ruled out everything else.

My original PSU was a Seasonic S12 which I barely even thought about, I didn't notice any big noise from it. I've now just replaced it with the HX450W.

The Corsair HX520 and 620 were being praised for being quiet PSUs... From what I'd read I'd expect a HX520/620 to make a comparable (only slightly more, or slightly less) noise, than my S12. And so I would of just assumed another PSU in the series, the HX450, would be the same!

So I guess what I was wondering was... Has anyone else directly compared a HX450 to the 520/620? Or heard a HX450W to say whether it's noisy or not?

The sound that my HX450 produces while loud, doesn't sound unhealthy or faulty.
But it's so much more loud than I'm use to, that I'd easily go out and buy a different PSU today to be rid of the noise.
But having just spent so much money on the HX450W, clearly, I wouldn't be excited to do that

40974111 · Post by **40974111** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:25 pm

my HX450 is loud.
I read here that removing the plastic baffle inside removes most of the noise. Haven't got around to doing it yet.
Honestly, I was disappointed with mine too, and its clearly the most noticeable sound in my system.

blackworx · Post by **blackworx** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:12 am

I think Corsair wanted to give the HX units ultimate reliability, and plumped for the slightly louder (but presumably longer-life) ball bearing fan option. Makes sense if it keeps claims on the 7 year warranty to a minimum, especially since the vast majority of users would still consider it "silent". Doesn't help anyone hoping for silence though!!

new2spcr · Post by **new2spcr** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:37 pm

40974111 wrote:my HX450 is loud.
I read here that removing the plastic baffle inside removes most of the noise. Haven't got around to doing it yet.
Honestly, I was disappointed with mine too, and its clearly the most noticeable sound in my system.

I swapped the fan on my VX450 but left the plastic baffle. It's supposed to direct airflow over hot components so I figured I better let it stay there.

dyslexical · Post by **dyslexical** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:09 pm

Well thanks for the replies, it's a relief to know this isn't just me!

I hadn't read much about mods to the HX450, I tried searching before posting for more info about the HX450 noise, but only found the original HX450 release thread.

I am encouraged that perhaps mods could help with the noise. Of course that would mean voiding the warranty, but then if I was going to have to just buy a different PSU altogether I suppose that's saved money all the same. I'd really need to investigate a lot first, I can't imagine it's very safe?

Also, how effective are these mods?
Did changing the fan help substantially?

blackworx · Post by **blackworx** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 1:12 am

dyslexical wrote:Also, how effective are these mods?
Did changing the fan help substantially?

As effective as you make them really. The Adda ball bearing fan is basically THE noise source, so replacing it with a much quieter one will make a really effective mod. I agree with new2spcr - the baffle is there for a reason and it's unlikely to contribute a significant amount to the overall noise if you install a very quiet fan, so I'd choose to leave it in place.

But, as you say yourself, if you're at all worried about the safety angle then chances are you shouldn't be opening up your PSU without some decent reading. Here's a good place to start: http://techreport.com/discussions.x/14236

new2spcr · Post by **new2spcr** » Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:37 am

dyslexical wrote:Well thanks for the replies, it's a relief to know this isn't just me!

I hadn't read much about mods to the HX450, I tried searching before posting for more info about the HX450 noise, but only found the original HX450 release thread.

I am encouraged that perhaps mods could help with the noise. Of course that would mean voiding the warranty, but then if I was going to have to just buy a different PSU altogether I suppose that's saved money all the same. I'd really need to investigate a lot first, I can't imagine it's very safe?

Also, how effective are these mods?
Did changing the fan help substantially?

Yes you will void your warranty but for me that wasn't an issue. If I opted to send back the PSU and Corsair decided to send me a replacement, what if that one would be noisy too..?

I was afraid during the fan swap operation but it all went well. I never touched the PSU's components, except for the fan and the header it was attached to, tried as much as possible to avoid touching anything. If you go for a swap, make sure the plastic baffle is monted properly where it's supposed to be. I had to re-mount it twice to get it right.

The mod was very successful. I replaced the Adda fan with a Noctua NF-S12-1200 and I can't hear the fan spinning at all. It might be as well the quietest component in my computer. The PSU gets slightly warmer to touch (Noctua's aren't that happy about obstructions in its airflow) but I can live with that. The exhaust temps never go above 40 degrees C if I remember correctly.

Good luck!

Edit: Make sure you pick a fan that has a low starting voltage

Edit 2: since I have my PSU alone in lower chamber (the Antec P182 case), the PSU unit always gets fresh & cool air - the fan never ramps up. It might be a different story if you have your PSU in the same compartment as other components and it that case you might experience the fan ramping up.

dyslexical · Post by **dyslexical** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 6:41 pm

Wow, that's very helpful. I'll definitely seriously consider changing the fan now... Thank you so much for those tips!