Changed case and PSU, but loop issue persists.
Changed case and PSU, but loop issue persists.
Here’s a clearer version of your explanation:
I’m setting up a custom PC with several components. The mainboard is an Aorus X570 Pro, paired with a Ryzen 7 5800X processor. RAM includes 32GB Gskill Trident Z Neo 3600, and the storage setup has a 2TB Sabrent Rocket 4 NVMe drive connected to a 1TB Western Digital Black NVMe drive. Both drives are plugged into the motherboard. The power supply is an Inno 3D GTX 1080 model, along with a Sound Blaster AE-9 and a TP-Link Wi-Fi AC adapter. An internal USB header connects everything, and there’s an EKWB water cooling loop with EK fans on the board. I also have two Corsair red LED fans, a PSU from Corsair AX760i, and a Phanteks Enthoo Pro case. Windows 10 is installed with a Corsair K70 keyboard, Logitech G502 mouse, and a BenQ BL3200 monitor. The sound system uses analogue cables and a Pioneer SC-LX72 AV receiver.
I’m based in the UK, using 230V mains power. Everything functions from a single extension cord, with all cables supplied by the manufacturer. Initially, everything worked perfectly—no problems at all. I later upgraded to a Lian Li O11 D Evo case, swapped the PSU to a Seasonic GX-1000, and changed the GPU to a KFA2 3080Ti. All fans were replaced with Corsair iCUE RGB models, but Windows wasn’t reinstalled since no other parts changed.
When I start games, I notice some noise from the speakers that changes depending on how much the GPU is working. It’s not a steady tone; it’s high-pitched and fluctuates quickly. The sound is barely noticeable when I move the mouse on my desktop. I removed everything from the case to see if it helped—now only the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and internal drives remain.
Audio came back after reinstalling the GTX 1080 (even tried an older GTX780), but then I switched back to the Corsair PSU. The fans stopped working for a moment, but the pump kept running. I connected the case to power via a switch, used plain screws, and cleaned the metal surfaces at the PSU mounting points to ensure proper grounding. I also tried connecting the display port and tested every possible speaker or cable combo, down to single speakers. The noise still exists.
I can’t rebuild this in the Phanteks case because I gave it to a relative, and I don’t have an AMD air cooler that would fully eliminate the issue. Connecting to the amplifier via optical output (both onboard and AE-9) resolved the problem, but the sound quality is still poor compared to using analog connections.
I also tried connecting a Bluetooth speaker with a 3.5mm jack to both the onboard and AE-9 outputs—no noise was heard. I checked every socket in the room with a tester, and all readings were correct.
This situation is really confusing. Why would a well-functioning setup suddenly fail after moving to a new case? I’m sorry for the lengthy explanation. I’d really appreciate any advice that doesn’t cost money—I’m open to suggestions for fixing this without spending much.
This doesn't resemble a ground loop. It seems more related to EMI. Based on what you've already attempted, it's likely the design and materials of the new case are contributing to this issue. You might want to switch to an external DAC and amplifier. Also, check your BIOS settings to ensure "Spread Spectrum" is activated.
Thank you for your message. If it wasn't EMI, it should have been noticeable through the Bluetooth speaker using a 3.5mm cable. I've tested another extension without any improvement.
Is everything resolved? Could you connect your old PSU to see if it’s the problem?