Static Noise on PC Speakers

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Toothless

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Hi everyone

I just have a quick question.

I have booted up my new PC and everything seemed to work perfectly, until I hooked up a set of stereo speakers. Both speakers seemed to make some static noise, but the noise worsen whenever I use my mouse, browse websites, etc.

I bought a new set of speakers and they also make the same noise. So, I have ruled out speakers as the problem.

Here is what I already tried:

1. Moved the speakers as far away as possible from the PC. Noise continued.
2. Downloaded and installed the latest REaltek audio drivers. Noise continued.
3. Turning noise levels down to 75%. Noise continued.
4. Wiggling the audio jack, also ensured it was pressed in 100%. Noise continued.

I do not see any grounding issues this far.

So, what am I left with? Faulty motherboard?

For information, I purchased a brand new Gigabyte Z97X-Ud3H. I am also using a Corsair AX860 power supply.
 
Are you using the rear jack attached to the motherboard, or the front audio jacks on the case?

Does the Realtek driver have an option to change output level from speaker to headphone?
 
oldhat said:
Are you using the rear jack attached to the motherboard, or the front audio jacks on the case?

Does the Realtek driver have an option to change output level from speaker to headphone?
Click to expand...

I am using the rear attached to the motherboard. This is the only place on the box where I have the green audio jack. On the front I only have a Mic and Earphone jack.
 
Test the speakers using your phone as the source. Then you'll know where the problem is.
 
Bad earthing?

Did you use the little grommets/washers between the motherboard and the screws?
 
SauRoNZA said:
Bad earthing?

Did you use the little grommets/washers between the motherboard and the screws?
Click to expand...

No, the motherboard did not come with them, as the screw holes have metal earthing around them that the screws are touching.
 
Also make sure the jack is all the way into the port. Sometimes the jack doesn't go all the way in and then makes a static noise.
 
You have a ground loop going down there.

Does the Speakers have a Ground on the the plug?

In other words, is it a three prong plug?
 
Pitbull said:
Also make sure the jack is all the way into the port. Sometimes the jack doesn't go all the way in and then makes a static noise.
Click to expand...

Checked, pressed it as deep as I could. It is definitely in.

absynth said:
You have a ground loop going down there.

Does the Speakers have a Ground on the the plug?

In other words, is it a three prong plug?
Click to expand...

No, just normal speakers with a USB and audio jack. No plugs.
 
Toothless said:
Checked, pressed it as deep as I could. It is definitely in.



No, just normal speakers with a USB and audio jack. No plugs.
Click to expand...

Sorry to say, but I think its few and far between that you will get clean sound on those.

Its probably the usb power causing interference.
 
Either some kinda preamp noise, earth issue/not grounded properly or terrible speakers with magnetic/electronic interference.
 
AstroTurf said:
Either some kinda preamp noise, earth issue/not grounded properly or terrible speakers with magnetic/electronic interference.
Click to expand...

Wonder if it could be a grounding problem? Just do not know where to look for the problem, because everything looks fine.

I left the speakers where they are and plugged them into my laptop and then they worked fine. Same with my Mac.
 
Toothless said:
Wonder if it could be a grounding problem? Just do not know where to look for the problem, because everything looks fine.

I left the speakers where they are and plugged them into my laptop and then they worked fine. Same with my Mac.
Click to expand...

Start with the most obvious. Your PC plug, if it's not a sealed plug check if the ground is still connected in the plug. If it's a sealed unit try a different power cable.
 
Toothless said:
Wonder if it could be a grounding problem? Just do not know where to look for the problem, because everything looks fine.

I left the speakers where they are and plugged them into my laptop and then they worked fine. Same with my Mac.
Click to expand...

Ok, could also be sound chip but most likely earth is not working properly on your case/cable/not grounded properly as it's front and back.

You can test by.
Try a different power cable.
Try a sound card.
Removing whole motherboard from the case and trying the sound when not in case (by plugging everything back in).
 
If it's a ground loop you can try resolve it with a ground/earth lift - ie detach ground at one point and see if it helps. So start with mains power in and detach ground, if that doesn't help then detach the shield from one end of your audio cabling within the system.
 
Pitbull said:
Start with the most obvious. Your PC plug, if it's not a sealed plug check if the ground is still connected in the plug. If it's a sealed unit try a different power cable.
Click to expand...

Okay, I just tried 3 sealed power cables. Two are brand new and with all 3 I still get the noise.

AstroTurf said:
Ok, could also be sound chip but most likely earth is not working properly on your case/cable/not grounded properly as it's front and back.

You can test by.
Try a different power cable.
Try a sound card.
Removing whole motherboard from the case and trying the sound when not in case (by plugging everything back in).
Click to expand...

riscbroker said:
If it's a ground loop you can try resolve it with a ground/earth lift - ie detach ground at one point and see if it helps. So start with mains power in and detach ground, if that doesn't help then detach the shield from one end of your audio cabling within the system.
Click to expand...

Yep, let me start by trying this and see. Perhaps getting another sound card may solve the issue too.
 
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