What is COIL-WHINE-PSU?
This low-severity issue affects the power supply unit (PSU). The power supply emits a very unpleasant high-frequency sound, especially when switched off or under load. The usual suspects are resonance of embedded chokes (coils) at certain PWM frequencies and enabled C-States saving features in BIOS. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.
Common Causes
- Resonance of embedded chokes (coils) at certain PWM frequencies
- Enabled C-States saving features in BIOS
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Disable C1E/C6 states in BIOS
Begin with Disable C1E/C6 states in BIOS; it's the step that resolves COIL-WHINE-PSU for the largest share of reported cases.
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2
Activate ErP Ready in BIOS
If it's still not resolved, work through the rest of the steps — they're aimed at rarer psu instability cases.
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3
This is not a functionality-limiting defect, it can only be complained about sometimes
"This is not a functionality-limiting defect, it can only be complained about sometimes" is the next step worth ruling out for COIL-WHINE-PSU.
Commands & Diagnostics
powercfg /query
Frequently Asked Questions
COIL-WHINE-PSU is most often triggered by resonance of embedded chokes (coils) at certain PWM frequencies. Other reports point to enabled C-States saving features in BIOS as contributing factors.
The fastest fix is "Disable C1E/C6 states in BIOS". Only move on to the later steps if COIL-WHINE-PSU keeps coming back.
COIL-WHINE-PSU is a low-severity issue. It can affect system stability, but the fix steps above typically resolve it without lasting damage.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves COIL-WHINE-PSU without a clean install. Treat a reinstall as the last resort, not the first move.
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