Surface Pro 4, annoying noise from the back!

Replacing the device won't change anything.

This is a CPU/Chipset issue and likely related to the dynamic power state/clock speed variations.

Anythnig running in the background will generated this "singing crickets" noise even if you stare at your screen. A lot of people won't hear it because their environment is too noisy but a quiet room easily reveals it. The SP4 with the m3, being totally silent, may appear more affected by this curiosity.

Unless Microsoft changes the way the SP4 is built, it won't change. Either you get over it or get a refund and buy something else.

Hello Heinz57Sriracha,

The idea behind rebuilding the index was that if the native processes are causing disruptions on the system and how it will react with CPU.

You could try recovery but I think the best would be to either contact Surface Support for an exchange or returning the device back to the shop.

Best Regards

Hello Heinz57Sriracha,

Have you by any chance tried to rebuild the index on the Surface Pro 4?

• Open Control Panel
• Choose Indexing options
• Choose Advanced -> Rebuild

There have been other Surface models that have been resolved with this step.

Best Regards

I performed the operation as you mentioned, but this did not fix the problem.  I still hear the high-pitched whine.  Could you direct me to the thread that involves this technique?  I'd like to see how they describe their problem.  I am not sure how the indexing could be related to a high-pitched tinnitus sound that is affected by the brightness setting, but I'll take whatever ideas I can get!  :-D

Hello Heinz57Sriracha,

Have you by any chance tried to rebuild the index on the Surface Pro 4?

• Open Control Panel
• Choose Indexing options
• Choose Advanced -> Rebuild

There have been other Surface models that have been resolved with this step.

Best Regards

That's very interesting.  The noise in my video is correlated with what the computer is doing.  Touching the screen dampens the noise and adds a buzz to it (I'm not sure the buzz is audible in the video).  I cannot notice any obvious correlation with the brightness level.  However, it is also most audible at the top right of the computer - that is where the processor is btw.  It would be interesting to see a demonstration of the noise correlated with screen brightness, if someone wanted to make a video of that...

EDIT: I have heard the brightness-correlated noise.  It is indeed different from the CPU-correlated coil whine, which on my machine is much louder.

Have you been able to grab a video of the brightness-correlated noise?  I tried, but it is rather difficult to capture that frequency of sound.  I'll try again when I get a chance.  What's the best way to share a sound file on here?