H90 Radiator makes "slight buzzing noise" - Is this normal?

[Kaasgeelheid]

Hello everyone!

I build my second PC a week ago in the Node 304 and it's the first time using an AIO watercooler, specifically the Corsair H90.

I noticed a weird, it's hard to describe honestly, kind of a slight buzzing noise in the pump/radiator/motherboard/fan area, and after some in-depth inspection, it seems to be the radiator thats making this strange noise.

At first I thought it was all ok, just one of the downfalls of watercooling, but it has started to bother me lately and I just wanted to be sure if this is normal for an AIO watercooler.

 

So, the obvious question:

Is it normal for a radiator on a H90 to make a slight buzzing noise?

 

Just to make sure, it isn't that loud, but it does stand out, even if all the fans are on 12V.

I could do a quick recording, but then I would have to actually do something, and I'm lazy. But if this really isn't enough info, I'll make one.

 

All help is very much appreciated!

 

 

 

[_iNefarious_]

I believe it should be the pump.

[DarrenP]

Hello everyone!

I build my second PC a week ago in the Node 304 and it's the first time using an AIO watercooler, specifically the Corsair H90.

I noticed a weird, it's hard to describe honestly, kind of a slight buzzing noise in the pump/radiator/motherboard/fan area, and after some in-depth inspection, it seems to be the radiator thats making this strange noise.

At first I thought it was all ok, just one of the downfalls of watercooling, but it has started to bother me lately and I just wanted to be sure if this is normal for an AIO watercooler.

 

So, the obvious question:

Is it normal for a radiator on a H90 to make a slight buzzing noise?

 

Just to make sure, it isn't that loud, but it does stand out, even if all the fans are on 12V.

I could do a quick recording, but then I would have to actually do something, and I'm lazy. But if this really isn't enough info, I'll make one.

 

All help is very much appreciated!

Feel the pump, on the water block. It should be the source of the noise. 

[TymmVonD]

Hello everyone!

I build my second PC a week ago in the Node 304 and it's the first time using an AIO watercooler, specifically the Corsair H90.

I noticed a weird, it's hard to describe honestly, kind of a slight buzzing noise in the pump/radiator/motherboard/fan area, and after some in-depth inspection, it seems to be the radiator thats making this strange noise.

At first I thought it was all ok, just one of the downfalls of watercooling, but it has started to bother me lately and I just wanted to be sure if this is normal for an AIO watercooler.

 

So, the obvious question:

Is it normal for a radiator on a H90 to make a slight buzzing noise?

 

Just to make sure, it isn't that loud, but it does stand out, even if all the fans are on 12V.

I could do a quick recording, but then I would have to actually do something, and I'm lazy. But if this really isn't enough info, I'll make one.

 

All help is very much appreciated!

The orientation of the rad is usually the issue. Should be treated as if it's gravity fed. Any orientation other than hoses at the bottom causes ticking sounds. Hoses on the sides shouldn't be a problem but I've heard it tick that way as well.

[Imabigmac]

How Loud is it? If you can't hear it when your right next to it I wouldn't worry my h110 makes a noise but I can't hear it unless I put ear beside the pump.

[Kaasgeelheid]

I believe it should be the pump.

 

I thought the same at first as well, the pump also makes a slight buzz, but not as loud. And when you really listen closely, it seems like it's coming from where the tubes enter the radiator.

[TymmVonD]

Also, the pump should get the full 12v. No fan profiles. Fluctuating the pump is not recommended. Similar to closing the throttle body while in boost. The charge hits the butterfly and causes the turbo to chatter from back pressure. The reason for bypass/blow-off valves. Steady flow is the best way to go. Haha a poet..

[Kaasgeelheid]

The orientation of the rad is usually the issue. Should be treated as if it's gravity fed. Any orientation other than hoses at the bottom causes ticking sounds. Hoses on the sides shouldn't be a problem but I've heard it tick that way as well.

 

They're on the side, they have to be in the 304, unfortunately. 

 

 

Also, the pump should get the full 12v. No fan profiles. Fluctuating the pump is not recommended. Similar to closing the throttle body while in boost. The charge hits the butterfly and causes the turbo to chatter from back pressure. The reason for bypass/blow-off valves. Steady flow is the best way to go. Haha a poet..

 

I've heard that before, it is currently in the CPU fan header, I should fix that, thanks for reminding me.

[TymmVonD]

Right. If the sound is from the rad, it's a little air. It'll fix itself over time, but try to lean the case over so the hoses are at the bottom and I guarantee it'll go away.

 

@Kaasgeelheid

 

[Kaasgeelheid]

 

Right. If the sound is from the rad, it's a little air. It'll fix itself over time, but try to lean the case over so the hoses are at the bottom and I guarantee it'll go away.

 

@Kaasgeelheid

 

 

 

On its side now, sound still there, but I didn't expect for it to go away immediatly. 

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it.

[TymmVonD]

On its side now, sound still there, but I didn't expect for it to go away immediatly. 

Thanks for the help, really appreciate it.

Have you confirmed it's not vibrations? I once didn't have a screw completely tight and it caused a washer to rattle a bit. If it's a tick, it's air. If it's buzzing... vibrations. If the sound is definitely from the rad.

[Kaasgeelheid]

Have you confirmed it's not vibrations? I once didn't have a screw completely tight and it caused a washer to rattle a bit. If it's a tick, it's air. If it's buzzing... vibrations. If the sound is definitely from the rad.

 

Buzzing might not be the best way to describe it, it sounds very different from the buzz my pump makes.

Laying on it's side for about 10 minutes did not fix the problem unfortunately.

Uploading video, it is very vague though, so it might not help at all. I personally can hear the "buzz", but I already know how it sounds so it's easy for me.

 

@TymmVonD here's the video:

[TymmVonD]

Unplug the rad fan for a second and see what happens. I hear a faint whine with the ticking and buzzing.

@Kaasgeelheid

[Kaasgeelheid]

Unplug the rad fan for a second and see what happens. I hear a faint whine with the ticking and buzzing.

@Kaasgeelheid

 

already did that, sound doesn't go away.

[TymmVonD]

already did that, sound doesn't go away.

I've watched it over and over. IT would be nice if Corsair specified which hose is the supply and return. That way you would know which side the hose should be on. You'd want the supply hose at the bottom. It sounds just like mine did. If I turned the case over it would quit, then start right back when set normal. I researched when I had this problem. It's said to be air in the system, but also my fan bearings were squealing. After replacing it, I only had the tick. So I put the rad at the top of the case and it solved it, but I've been running the rad on the rear exhaust for a few months since then and no problems with noise. Maybe it goes away over time. The forum is usually great for avoiding customer service, but is there a way to contact Corsair over phone from the NL?

[Darkspacekilla]

Hit the Pc "percussive maintenance" no but seriously close up the case and on start-up hit the area on your case closest to the pump/rad and it stops for me atleast, I have a h100i and it has a whine and when i tap the pc and bit hard it just stops.

I would say the problem is vibrations, corsair pumps are know to do this.

[Prophet of Entropy]

the buzzing is probably 2 surfaces hitting each other cause of vibration.  make sure all the screws are tight.