Extreme Coil Whine when External Devices are Connected

[EddyK]

Hello I have the HP Spectre x360 - 13 - ae020ca (Late 2017 Model) which I received around 2 weeks ago. This is currently running the latest version of Windows 10 which is Version 1709.

I've used the computer for a short bit and I found that the experience was quite fluent and cooling was much better than the Spectre series. 

However, upon connecting a few external devices, there is a deafening coil whine which I believe is motherboard related. The coil whine occurs in a few instances, for example:

- When all ports are used (2 USB C ports, 1 USB 3.1 port, and headphone jack)

- When an external hard drive is connected

- When a USB C hub with multiple ports is attached alongside speakers

- When a USB C to HDMI is connected alongside speakers

In the case of speakers, the coil whine would actually become amplified through the speakers. In some situations, the coil whine would occur from the external devices, sometimes the computer or both. I hoped that HP's quality control would increase but it seems like it hasn't really. 

I have already tested all these situations on other computers with USB C ports including an HP Spectre (non x360) and an Acer Swift 1. They did not experience any issues whatsoever including any coil whine from both the external devices and the computer itself. Therefore the external devices are not at fault and this computer is lacking quality.

All updates/drivers have been installed through HP Support Assistant although I don't think software can really help in this situation. I am considering running a system board/USB port test from HP's UEFI Diagnostics page.

Please keep in mind this is basically a brand new device from HP's premium lineup. The noise is so severe it is barring me from using an external monitor, speakers, and other devices. I do know that PCs in general can have quite severe coil whine (For example the Dell XPS) but the connection usage is not even close to strenuous to the computer and does not occur on other computers that I have tested. Please provide any advice or suggestions that could solve this issue. I am also wondering if Contact Support will be able to assist. 

Regards,

kem579

[MKazi]

@EddyK

I have escalated your concern to HP’s Support Team in your region to have it reviewed for available options, if any. You should be contacted within 4 business days (Excluding holidays & Weekends).

Response times may vary by region. Please send a Private Message, if you aren’t contacted within 4-5 business days.

[pw19]

Hi kem579,

        I was mostly convinced of purchasing the 8th gen Spectre x360 13'' laptop until I came across all the internet posts on severe coil whining issue with these series. 

i) I wanted to know if the issue is with x360 models alone or present in the non-x360 spectre as well.

ii) Is there a fix to this problem post your contacting to HP support?

Also, you mentioned about XPS 13 facing the same problem. Now this was the alternate laptop I was willing to consider, so is a fix available to that or how common is the problem there? 

Both the laptops come at a steep price and I wouldn't want to risk my buy.

Hope I can get an answer. Cheers! 🙂

Regards,

PW

[EddyK · Accepted solution]

Hello pw19,

Edited post to make it sound less cancerous.

1. No, it does not happen on the non-x360 although I would prefer the x360 anytime due to its lower price tag despite offering better features.
2. HP will only offer replacements. I'm not affiliated with  HP so I have no idea if they fixed this by manufacturing slightly updated versions but I honestly highly doubt it.  

Hope this helps in some way,

Eddy

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