Increased GPU workload causes static on speakers.
Increased GPU workload causes static on speakers.
Hey there, first of all – yes, I’m aware there have been discussions online about this. I’ve checked through most of them and tried almost every suggestion. I suspect a ground loop might be the culprit. Since I don’t want to cut power from the speakers, I’m stuck figuring out a fix without removing the ground connection.
My setup includes a new PC I installed recently. As soon as it powered on for the first time, I heard static when the GPU workload increased. I’m using an external audio interface (UA Volt 276) with KRK G3 ROKIT 6 speakers, connected via 2-pole TRS jacks. I’ve experimented with 3-pole cables for symmetry, hoping they’d reduce noise, but that didn’t work. The issue isn’t with the interface itself – I’ve tried it with another one (Native Instruments KOMPLETE Audio 6 Mk.1) and still faced the same problem.
I’ve also removed devices from power or USB connections one by one, except when I unplugged the speakers, which resolved the issue. Changing the power outlet didn’t help. Turning off the audio interface helped, but pulling out the TRS cable did. It doesn’t matter if the interface is plugged directly into the PC or via a hub. My system runs an MSI B-660A, Intel i7-12700F, NVIDIA RTX 3060 (MSI Ventus Dual Fan Variant), and 32 GB of RAM in a Corsair 4000D. The PSU is a Seasonic FOCUS GX 750W 80+ Gold, with an estimated 494W draw – not a power shortage.
I haven’t felt any unusual tingling when moving around the PC, which suggests the issue isn’t electrical leakage. I double-checked all cables and connections; they’re secure. My old system with a NVIDIA GTX 1060 and i7-7770 had no static at all, but I’m hesitant to revert to that setup, especially since most components are over a decade old.
I’m really stuck and frustrated. If anyone has any insights, please share. Also, note I forgot earlier that the noise only occurs with the speakers, not with my headphones connected through the same interface.
You can purchase an isolator for this on Amazon. These are the ones I actually rely on. BESIGN Ground Loop Noise Isolator... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XQYN77L?ref...b_ap_share Edit: completely avoiding it seems very difficult.
I prefer 5mm connectors instead of 3.5mm ones and haven’t located any 5mm ground loop isolators online. Updated: Discovered the Behringer HD400, but are these "noise removers" essentially replicating symmetrical cabling? It hasn’t helped so far, so I’m not confident it would work similarly.
You're facing the same issue with a nearly identical PC setup. The problem persists whether you use the audio interface or directly connect headphones. The noise becomes noticeable especially when the GPU (RTX 3070) is active, getting quite loud. It's disappointing since you're pleased with the build and plan to use it for music production, but the noise prevents that. Have you discovered any solutions or adjustments that help?
Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't encountered this before. I've already attempted to minimize possible causes. I connect TRS cables from the audio interface to the speakers, making sure they don't touch any other cables. I also never experienced audio issues when plugging the interface into my MacBook. I'll test the ferrite cores and see if it resolves the problem.
It might also be the power cable if it isn’t adequately filtered within the speaker amplifier. Learn more about EMI and ferrite cores here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrite_bead. Try disconnecting the audio interface from the computer and observe if the noise persists while applying a load to the GPU.