The Sound of Silence: Diagnosing and Fixing PC Audio Interference

Question:

Here are the system specifications and troubleshooting steps I’ve already attempted:

  • Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M Pro AX rev. 1.2
  • CPU: Ryzen 7800X3D
  • RAM: XPG Lancer 2x16GB 6400MHz
  • GPU: RTX 3080 Ti (also tested with GTX 1080)
  • SSD: WD Blue 500GB
  • HDD: WD Black 4TB
  • Troubleshooting steps taken:

  • Updated BIOS to all available versions
  • Tried various audio drivers
  • Performed a BIOS reset
  • Adjusted for a slow slew rate
  • Turned off RGB lighting
  • Used the front panel 3.5mm jack
  • Assembled the build outside of the case”
  • This

version is structured to directly address an expert, outlining both the problem and the steps already taken to resolve it.

Answer:

A user has reported a disturbing noise emanating from their headphones and motherboard when starting Windows, which escalates with GPU load. This issue persists despite the GPU functioning normally on another system.

System Specifications:


  • Motherboard:

    Gigabyte B650M Pro AX rev. 1.2


  • CPU:

    Ryzen 7800X3D


  • RAM:

    XPG Lancer 2x16GB 6400MHz


  • GPU:

    RTX 3080 Ti (also tested with GTX 1080)


  • SSD:

    WD Blue 500GB


  • HDD:

    WD Black 4TB

  • Troubleshooting Steps Already Attempted:

    • BIOS updated to all available versions
    • Various audio drivers tested
    • BIOS reset performed
    • Slow slew rate adjustment
    • RGB lighting turned off
    • Front panel 3.5mm jack used
    • System assembled outside of the case

    Expert Analysis:

    The symptoms described suggest a possible electromagnetic interference (EMI) or a grounding issue, which can be exacerbated by high GPU loads due to increased power draw and electrical activity. The coil whine from the motherboard is a common phenomenon where electrical components emit a high-pitched sound under certain conditions, but it should not be audible through headphones.

    Recommended Solutions:

    1.

    Power Supply Unit (PSU) Check:

    Ensure the PSU is of high quality and has sufficient wattage to handle the system’s power requirements, especially under load.

    2.

    Grounding:

    Verify that all components are properly grounded. A lack of proper grounding can lead to EMI, which may cause the noises heard.

    3.

    Isolation:

    Try isolating the audio circuit from potential interference by using an external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) or a sound card.

    4.

    Cable Management:

    Re-examine cable routing to prevent any possible EMI from power cables affecting audio lines.

    5.

    Component Testing:

    Test the motherboard with another CPU and RAM to rule out component-specific issues.

    6.

    Consult Manufacturer:

    If the issue persists, reaching out to the motherboard manufacturer for support or considering an RMA might be necessary.

    Conclusion:

    The problem at hand is complex and may require a process of elimination to identify the root cause. The steps outlined above offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and potentially resolving the noise issue. It’s crucial to tackle such problems methodically, ensuring each component’s integrity and compatibility within the system.

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