The documented answer to this unusual case was replacement: a Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 750W Gold made a grinding and rapid clicking noise in particular game menus and benchmark scenes, then the noise could not be reproduced after the power supply was replaced. The original discussion never proved whether the fan or another internal component caused it, so the incident is best treated as one unresolved unit failure—not evidence that the entire model line was defective.
What the original report described
In a December 2018 AnandTech forum thread, a user identified as CelticGamer described a new Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 750W Gold with a “grinding and fast paced clicking noise.” The sound appeared only at very specific parts of some games or benchmark scenes and stopped when certain graphics settings were changed.
The report is an individual observation. The thread does not contain an independent recording, electrical measurements, or a confirmed component-level diagnosis.
Which troubleshooting steps were tried
The poster reported testing several variables without changing the symptom:
#1 Best Overall
- Delivers 600W Continuous output at plus 40℃. Compliance with Intel ATX 12V 2. 31 and EPS 12V 2. 92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified – 80% efficiency under typical load. Power good signal is 100-500 millisecond
- Supports (2) PCI-E 6 plus 2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100, 000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- Hold up time is 16 millisecond minimum within 60 percent load. Input frequency range 50 - 60 in Hz
- Different graphics settings
- Different GPU overclock states
- Different power outlets
- Surge protectors
- Graphics-driver changes
Forum participants suggested possibilities including a fan or another power-supply fault, but those suggestions were not verified.
What resolved the case
The system builder supplied a replacement power supply. After roughly four to five hours of testing, the poster said the noise could not be reproduced. That establishes replacement as the practical resolution reported in the thread; it does not identify the precise failure mechanism in the first unit.
Rank #2
- ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 Support: Fully compatible with Intel ATX 3.1 specifications, with native PCIe 12V-2x6 (12+4 pin) connectors for modern GPUs.
- 80 PLUS Gold Efficiency: Provides up to 90% efficiency, reducing energy consumption and heat output during operation.
- Smart Zero Fan Technology: Automatically adjusts fan speed based on load, minimizing noise during low-load operations.
- Fully Modular Design: Includes low-profile flat black cables, making cable management easier and improving airflow inside your case.
- High Amperage Single +12V Rail: Provides reliable and stable power delivery, optimized for high-end gaming and workstation builds.
What is known—and what is not
| Question | What the record supports |
|---|---|
| Which product was involved? | Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 750W Gold, 750W variant. |
| When did the sound occur? | In selected game menus and benchmark scenes, reportedly tied to particular graphics settings. |
| Was the fan confirmed as the source? | No. A fan was one forum-proposed possibility, not an established diagnosis. |
| Did changing outlets, protection, drivers, or GPU settings fix it? | The poster reported no change from those tests. |
| Did replacement stop the symptom? | Yes, the poster could not reproduce it during approximately four to five hours of follow-up testing. |
| Is there a proven failure rate? | No reliable prevalence or failure-rate statistic is provided. |
Why the fan theory is plausible but unproven
Thermaltake describes Smart Zero Fan operation for this Toughpower Grand RGB 750W Gold variant as starting when PSU working load exceeds 20%. A game menu or benchmark scene can therefore change fan behavior as system load changes. That makes load-related sound changes relevant context, but it does not show that the fan produced this particular clicking or grinding noise. Coil, bearing, switching, or other internal faults remain possible from the evidence available.
What to do if your power supply makes a similar noise
- Stop treating the symptom as normal until its source is clear. Note whether it occurs only under load, during menus, at a frame-rate limit, or when a benchmark changes scenes.
- Record the pattern without opening the unit. Write down the game or test, graphics settings, approximate load, and whether the sound changes when the application is paused or closed. A short recording can help a seller or manufacturer, although a recording cannot prove the internal cause.
- Check the obvious external sources. With the computer powered down, verify that cables are not touching an external fan or grille and listen for case, graphics-card, and CPU-cooler noises. Do not insert anything into the power supply or obstruct its fan.
- Contact the system builder or seller. Provide the model, purchase details, symptom pattern, and any recording. Ask about an exchange or an authorized inspection rather than attempting an internal repair.
- Use the manufacturer’s support and warranty channels if needed. Coverage depends on the exact product, region, and applicable warranty terms.
- Stop using the system immediately if there is smoke, a burning smell, visible damage, arcing, repeated shutdowns, or abnormal heat. Disconnect AC power safely and arrange professional service.
Do not open the PSU case
Thermaltake’s Toughpower Grand RGB 650W, 750W, and 850W manual states: “High voltages exist in the power supply. Do not open the power supply case unless you are an authorized service technician or electrician. Doing so will void the warranty.” Do not remove the cover, probe components, or try to stop the fan by hand. Stored energy and mains-level voltage can remain dangerous even after the computer is unplugged.
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Rank #3
- Delivers 500 Watt Continuous output at plus 40 degree. Compliance with Intel ATX 12 Volt 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified, 80 percentage efficiency under typical load
- Supports (2) PCI E 6plus2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100,000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- High Quality Components
How to choose a replacement safely
If a seller or builder authorizes replacement, match the replacement to the whole system rather than choosing by wattage alone. Confirm:
- Form factor and physical clearance
- Required motherboard, CPU, GPU, storage, and accessory connectors
- Sufficient continuous capacity for the system’s measured or specified demand
- Warranty terms that apply in your region
- Acceptable fan behavior and acoustic characteristics
- Current availability from a reputable seller
The historical case does not establish a currently recommended replacement model. Compatibility and verified support matter more than assuming that any similarly rated unit will fit.
Rank #4
- 80 PLUS Certified with Efficiency of up to 86%
- Continuous Power Design
- Has well Ready
- Ultra Quiet 120mm Fan for excellent airflow
- 5 Year Warranty
What the “11 people ahead” detail means
The thread mentioned that 11 people were ahead in a system-builder replacement queue. Without the builder’s total sales, time period, or independently verified records, that anecdote cannot be converted into a defect percentage or used to claim a widespread model problem.
Bottom line
This was a real reported noise problem with a specific 2018 system, but its internal cause was never confirmed. The symptom disappeared after the PSU was replaced. For a similar problem today, document when the sound occurs, avoid opening the unit, and pursue seller, builder, or manufacturer service or replacement.
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