Question:

How to fix the clicking sound from headphones when using dual slot RAM?

I have a computer with the following specifications:

• CPU: Ryzen 5 5500 (I also had the problem with Ryzen 3 1200 AF)
• Motherboard: BIOSTAR A320MH
• GPU: GTX 1050 Ti
• RAM: 2×8 Patriot Viper Steel 3000MHz
• PSU: 650W Bronze 80+

Whenever

I install dual slot RAM, I hear a clicking sound from my headphones, similar to static electricity. The sound is not present when I use single slot RAM. I have tried different combinations of RAMs and slots, but the problem persists. The sound is more frequent when I open a Discord stream or refresh the desktop. It is not related to the electrical wiring of the house, as I have moved and the problem still occurs. The tech support at the store where I bought the computer was clueless about this issue. What could be the cause and solution of this problem?

Answer:

If you are experiencing a clicking sound from your headphones when using dual slot RAM, you are not alone. This is a common issue that affects many users with Ryzen CPUs and BIOSTAR motherboards. The sound is caused by a ground loop, which is an unwanted electrical current that flows between different devices that are connected to the same power source. The ground loop creates interference and noise in the audio signal, resulting in the clicking sound.

There are several possible ways to fix this problem, depending on the source and severity of the ground loop. Here are some of the most effective solutions:

• Use a USB sound card or DAC. A USB sound card or DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is a device that bypasses the onboard audio of your motherboard and provides a cleaner and higher quality sound output. By plugging your headphones into a USB sound card or DAC, you can eliminate the ground loop and the clicking sound. You can find many affordable and reliable USB sound cards or DACs online or in local stores.
• Use a ground loop isolator. A ground loop isolator is a device that filters out the noise and interference caused by the ground loop. It is usually a small box with two 3.5mm jacks, one for input and one for output. You can connect your headphones to the output jack and your computer to the input jack, and the ground loop isolator will remove the clicking sound. You can also find ground loop isolators online or in local stores.
• Use a different power outlet or extension cord. Sometimes, the ground loop is caused by a faulty or overloaded power outlet or extension cord. If you have multiple devices plugged into the same outlet or cord, try to use a different one or reduce the number of devices. This can reduce the chance of a ground loop and the clicking sound.
• Update your BIOS and drivers. Sometimes, the ground loop is caused by a software issue, such as an outdated or incompatible BIOS or driver. If you have a Ryzen CPU and a BIOSTAR motherboard, make sure you have the latest BIOS and drivers for your components. You can check the official websites of AMD and BIOSTAR for the latest updates and instructions on how to install them. Updating your BIOS and drivers can improve the performance and stability of your system and fix the clicking sound.

These are some of the most common and effective ways to fix the clicking sound from headphones when using dual slot RAM. However, if none of these solutions work for you, or if the clicking sound is too loud or frequent, you may have a hardware issue that requires professional assistance. In that case, you should contact the tech support of the store where you bought your computer or the manufacturer of your components and ask for help. They may be able to diagnose and repair the problem for you.

We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!

: [What is a ground loop?](https://www.howtogeek.com/299986/what-is-a-ground-loop-and-why-does-it-make-my-stereo-hum/) : [Best USB sound cards for PC, Laptop, and PS4](https://www.soundguys.com/best-usb-sound-cards-17027/) : [How to use a ground loop isolator to remove noise](https://www.lifewire.com/ground-loop-isolator-3134700) : [How to fix ground loop noise in your home theater](https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fix-ground-loop-noise-home-theater/) :

[How to update BIOS and drivers on Windows 10](https://www.windowscentral.com/how-update-bios-and-drivers-windows-10)