My current 750W ASUS power supply runs a Ryzen 7 5800X and an RTX 5070 Ti. I have a 280mm AIO and a custom 3D-printed GPU shroud to keep the system quiet, but the PSU is still easily the loudest component. Under heavier loads, with the GPU around 300W and the CPU around 140W, its fan becomes especially noticeable. Even at idle, I can hear a grinding or fan noise in the background while using open-back headphones. I have tested the other components and am fairly confident the PSU is the source. Would spending roughly €100–120 on a newer, quieter and possibly higher-wattage PSU be wasteful, or is that a reasonable upgrade? Any recommendations for quiet models or features I should look for?
5 Answers
It is not wasteful if the noise genuinely bothers you. A quieter PC can make a big difference, and replacing the loudest component is a perfectly reasonable use of money. Look for independent noise measurements, a strong efficiency rating, and a model with a semi-passive or fan-stop mode.
I would replace it, especially since it is the loudest part of the system even at idle. Consider a higher-capacity unit, perhaps around 850–1000W, so it spends more time operating at a lower load. Choose a reputable, well-reviewed model with good acoustic measurements rather than relying only on the brand name.
Before buying, double-check that the sound is definitely coming from the PSU and not coil whine, a case fan, or the GPU. Also check whether the power supply has a fan-stop switch and make sure it is installed so the fan is drawing cool air rather than hot air from inside the case. If it has no fan-stop feature and remains loud at idle, replacement makes sense.
Replacing the PSU is safer than opening it up and changing the fan yourself. Power supplies can retain dangerous charge even after being unplugged, and modifying one can create a serious safety risk or void its protections. Selling the old unit afterward is better than attempting an internal fan swap unless you are fully qualified to work on PSUs.
There are several reasonably priced quiet options from lines such as be quiet! Pure Power, ASRock Steel Legend, and some MSI A-series units. Check Cybenetics or other independent testing for actual fan noise before purchasing, since the same wattage and efficiency rating can still produce very different acoustics.
I tested the other components extensively, and this PSU does not have a fan-stop switch. It is definitely the source of the noise.