A interesting yet troublesome static problem I'd like help with.

[lookaquarter]

So, ever since I built my computer, I've always had a bit of static coming through the headset. As, long as some other sound was going on, it didn't bother me. However, anytime I didn't have any noise, all I heard was this terrible static. I didn't want to tear apart my computer when I didn't even know what part was causing it, so I dealt with it. Today I learned something new about the static, when I open certain programs and do certain things in them, it changes the static slightly. Like, in minecraft, when I select different options from the one on the main screen, like clicking multiplayer and going into the server browser, the static I hear gets much higher pitched, and in source games when I open the console it also changes. I'm hoping this new info may help pinpoint the cause of the problem, so I can replace that component on my computer, thanks

[Drann]

Are you using a soundcard, and are you plugging it into the back or front panel?

[lookaquarter]

Only using what came with my motherboard, also I should mention, when I go to record with my mic the static is there as well, and also when I use a program to record my computer's sounds, it's in the recording as well, and can be heard. So whatever it is, is affecting all sound and recording on my computer.


Edit: I've tried using usb and regular audio imports, both at the front of my computer

[Drann]

What headphones/headset are you using, if I may ask? Have you tried them with another device, such as a stereo or tv? The recording aspect seems strange but I would still like verification that it's not the headphones themselves.

[lookaquarter]

Yes, I am sure it's not the headset, they work fine for anything else. It's not the audio jacks either. I know it's internal, based on that anything that I hear has static, anything my mic produces has static (hear over skype by my friends, they don't like talking to me because of it XD) and also my computer's sounds themselves produce static, as when I record them raw, without involving any sort of external device such as my headset or mic, static is still present. Please help :C

[Drann]

I should have asked this sooner, to be honest. Are you using a laptop or a desktop? Regardless, what sort of temps are you seeing? This is a problem that can be caused by heat, I'm sat with a bottle of Cognac tonight so apologies in advance.

[lookaquarter]

I'm using a desktop, sorry about the 2 hour delay, hope you're still online

My pc temperature should be fine, there is always a consistant static that doesn't depend on whether the computer just turned on and is running cool or has been running for hours, but I'll download a program and check anyway.

My Cpu and all 6 cores of it are all at 33 degrees Celsius

Only thing with a high temp is my GPU diode at 53 degrees Celsius

[borg_7_of_9]

What power supply? it may be ripple/noise from a cheap power supply..

[Bad_Motha]

Couple things can do this, if it's not some sort of issue where some part of the onboard sound (or physical 3rd party sound card) or other part(s) of the motherboard are somehow damaged. I'd look at these...

> Cheap quality power supply.
> Motherboard isn't getting good enough ground to the chassis and/or stand-offs.
> Dirty connections. Either the connectors on your headset/speakers, or the connector for the onboard sound.



I had a similar issue as the OP back when I had an MSI Motherboard w/ Athlon 64 (single-core) CPU. I had tried onboard sound, as well as turning that off and using a stand-alone Creative Live! card. Turned out the issue was the screws weren't tightened down well for the motherboard, thus my whole system had a bad ground. Resulting in static in the sound (both playback and recording). Luckily this was an easy fix.

[lookaquarter]

I have a power supply that's built into the case, so that may be it. I'll check my motherboard to make sure there aren't any loose screws.

[ffejrxx]

a few coolermaster cases had a problem with the usb ports being grounded improperly, they gave free repair kits to registered owners

it could also be the power supply
if its being stressed too much it would create noise that the sound card is amplifying

[Bad_Motha]

Just be sure not to over-tighten the motherboard screws. It's better to have the stand-offs themselves much tighter (I use Blue Lock-Tite Gel on these so they don't back-out). But overall you do want the motherboard screws tightened and secure. Should never be loose to the touch at anytime. If you notice, motherboard have exposed metal points where the screws would connect with chassis stand-offs. This is ground the motherboard to the metal of the case, as it's always good to have a solid ground.

If you have any front connections (usb ports, hub, audio, etc.) I would disconnect these and see if the static goes away. To further help pin-point the issue. A power supply can be a little harder to troubleshoot if you aren't a tech. So best to try the little things first, then see if anything improves.

[skippy72294]

I had a problem like this but on my laptop.... Was caused mostly by the HDD that was in it.

[Bad_Motha]

Originally Posted by skippy72294

I had a problem like this but on my laptop.... Was caused mostly by the HDD that was in it.

In a desktop usually everything is far enough away from each other to do this, but doesn't mean it can't happen. Perhaps the chassis has an un-shielded cable coming from the front (usb, audio, etc.) that is picking up noise from either the PSU or HDD. That could certainly cause this type of issue.