Your graphics card may be making noises when running for a variety of reasons. It is important to determine the cause of the noise in order to identify how best to fix the issue and reduce or eliminate the noise.
1. Fan Bearing Noise:
The most common reason for noise coming from your graphics card is due to its fan bearings. Over time, fan bearings can become damaged or worn resulting in an uneven spin and increased noise levels. This type of noise is usually heard as a high-pitched whining sound. Replacing the affected fan or fans is the best way to address this type of issue.
2. Heat Sink:
Another potential source of noise coming from your graphics card is due to its heat sink. Heat sinks are designed to dissipate heat generated by the GPU and other components. If the heat sink is clogged with dust or other debris, it can impede airflow resulting in increased noise levels. Vacuuming or compressed air can help to remedy this type of issue. In addition, some manufacturers include additional active cooling which may need to be replaced if not operating correctly.
3. Case Ventilation:
The case in which you have installed the graphics card may be contributing to the noise by not providing enough ventilation. Poor ventilation can result in hot air being trapped within the case and increasing the noise level. In this instance, it is important to make sure that any included case fans are functioning properly, and that adequate ventilation is available. Installing additional or better fans, or replacing existing ones with higher quality models, can help to reduce the noise levels.
4. Electrical Interference:
It is also possible that the noise coming from your graphics card is caused by electrical interference. This type of interference can manifest itself as a buzzing or clicking noise. If this is the case, then it is important to first check the power supply of your system, as a faulty or insufficiently powered unit can cause interference. In addition, disconnecting other components from their power supplies may help to reduce the noise.
In conclusion, there are a variety of different reasons why your graphics card may be making noise when running. Identifying the source of the noise is the best way to determine the appropriate solution. Common causes include fan bearing noise, heat sink issues, insufficient case ventilation and electrical interference.