Audio plays with a crackling or sizzling sound when using an Asrock B550M Steel Legend motherboard?
Audio plays with a crackling or sizzling sound when using an Asrock B550M Steel Legend motherboard?
PC:
Motherboard: Asrock B550M Steel Legend
CPU: Ryzen 5 5600
GPU: 1660 Super
RAM: 2x8 Corsair 3000mhz, 2x8 HyperX 3000mhz
Power Supply: Aerocool VX Plus 500W (AE-VXP500)
Operating System: Windows 10
Storage: 2x Seagate 500GB, 1TB, 1x Nvme 500gb, 1x SSD 120GB
Headphones: HyperX Cloud 2
Hi friends, I've been experiencing audio issues for some time. There have been several power interruptions in my area recently, possibly affecting my PSU or motherboard. According to the Asrock website, my motherboard has full spike protection. Whenever I talk to friends or play music, I hear static, buzzing, or electrical noises through my headphones. This happens especially when adjusting the volume, particularly during high bass. I recently replaced my headphones and tested them, confirming the problem isn't with the device itself. I've tried everything possible. At this stage, it seems either the motherboard or PSU is responsible. It's been 4.5 years since I installed the PSU. Sorry for the poor English. Thanks.
Things I attempted:
1. Switched OS from W11 to W10
2. Reinstalled audio drivers from scratch on both versions
3. Switched PCIe 3 to 2
4. Disabled HD Audio Controller in BIOS
5. Updated BIOS
6. Updated Windows
7. Tested headphones on another PC; mobile had no issues
8. Changed PSU power cable
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
1| Where did you obtain the installers for the OS?
2| How did you reinstall them? Using an elevated command?
5| What BIOS version are you currently using? Did you reset the CMOS after confirming the BIOS update was successful?
8| Are you referring to the IEC cable from the wall to the PSU's rear? Have you considered moving it to another outlet?
Headphones: HyperX Cloud 2
That's a USB-based headset, so you may need to reinstall your chipset or USB drivers in an elevated command.
RAM: 2x8 Corsair 3000mhz, 2x8 HyperX 3000mhz
It’s recommended to use only one RAM kit, not two different models.
The update process had issues with CMOS not being cleared properly. This issue appeared before the BIOS update. I bought another headset to try it, and it should arrive in 2-3 days. The headphones are HyperX Cloud 2. I've already tried them.
RAM: 2x8 Corsair 3000mhz, 2x8 HyperX 3000mhz
I understand the Corsair model was a bit outdated, so I didn't find it and opted for the HyperX version instead.
After any BIOS update, clear the CMOS. Shut down the PC fully and turn off the power switch on the back of the PSU. Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard and keep the power button pressed for 30 seconds. Put the battery back in and restart into BIOS. Update all BIOS settings to their recommended configurations. Check if this resolved the audio problem.
It seems there might be an issue with the audio chip or its supporting parts on the motherboard, but that doesn't fully explain the problem with the USB headset. It's possible another part of the motherboard was affected by power surges and outages. I understand you're looking for a solution to avoid this in the future. Using an UPS would help by preventing sudden power loss from the grid and protecting components from brownouts.
Could a faulty capacitor in your power supply be responsible for this issue? I came across some information suggesting it might be a possibility.
I really don't understand, but it's a simple check—use a known good PSU and replace it with a test one.