Strange whining noise

[pspwill]

Since a couple of days ago my Xbox has been making a really strange high pitched whining noise when powered on. I have no idea what could be causing this but it seems to be coming from the PSU. Any idea what this is or how to fix it?

[splith]

Probably the transformer in it. Electricity does make a sound :).
Could also be that something is slightly touching ground/earth and shouldn't be, I had a 3KvA UPS that had some LOUD high pitch noise, unscrewed the PCBs a slight amount and the sound died away completely.
You could try loosening the screws on the PSU very slightly? Or get another PSU? (I've got a spare ATX-style xbox PSU if you're interested that I uncovered in the shed earlier ;p)

[BM-Viper]

Also perhaps check the exhaust fan, mine made some weird noises before it gave up the ghost.

[APE]

If it isn't the fan or harddrive (which sits above the PSU) it could be any number of components on the PSU that can fail such as the capacitors. Friend of mine had a Netgear router he picked up for $5 that was whining. Directed to him replace a cap that was near the power jack and it fixed the whine nicely.

PSUs are pretty cheap for the XBox, particularly if you pick one up that is a doornail otherwise.

[pspwill]

PSU is now dead, lots of sparks and the horrible smell of burning electronics. No money for a new one :( I just spent all my money on a new PC.

[splith]

Well I've got a second-hand one or two of them with the ATX-style connectors if you'd want one when you get some money, I've no idea how much PnP would be but £3 + PnP and it's yours.