Problem with grounding when using new sound card and speakers?
Problem with grounding when using new sound card and speakers?
Hello,
I recently purchased a new sound card (Sound Blaster X SE) and installed it a few weeks back. I also added two 2.1 speakers (PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors with PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT). After setting everything up, my computer wouldn’t power on. Both the motherboard and power supply seemed damaged—this was my system build three months ago using high-quality components. I replaced the motherboard (ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI) and power supply (Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 1050W). The sound card functioned properly then.
However, today when I tried to start the machine, it triggered a fuse blow—so it blew that fuse right away, even before I pressed the power button. Later, after installing a new power supply (Corsair RM1000X), the computer started intermittently. When I connected the Bluetooth subwoofer, it produced a very loud electrical noise from the speakers (the PC was off), leading me to suspect the sound card was faulty. I removed it and then tried connecting the speakers through the built-in output, which also emitted that same intense noise. I’m worried this could damage the new power supply if I force it in.
Currently, I’m using Bluetooth for speaker connection, but I’d like to use the new sound card. I’m also concerned about the power supply’s longevity, especially with the grounding issue. It’s unusual to hear such a loud noise with studio monitors and a subwoofer; I’m unsure if there’s a short circuit or another problem.
Anyone have experience with this setup? I’ve built many computers but haven’t encountered this exact issue. Could you help me understand what’s going on?
Current configuration:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF
- CPU cooler: MSI MAG CoreLiquid E240
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX Z790-E GAMING WIFI
- RAM: Team T-Force Delta RGB 64GB (2 x 32GB)
- SSD/HDD: SAMSUNG SSD 990 PRO 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280
- GPU: MSI Ventus GeForce RTX 3050 8GB GDDR6
- PSU: Corsair RM1000X
- Chassis: Thermaltake S300 Tempered Glass Edition
Are you certain you're connecting the speakers to the sound card output instead of incorrectly feeding the amplifier back into the sound cards inputs? That could cause strong shocks into the sound card or PC and disrupt everything. Checking the amplifier channels might clarify what's happening, but I'm still unsure.
Thank you for your reply. Your setup involves using a single miniplug for connecting the RCA cable from your computer to the R/L inputs on the subwoofer, with speakers linked via RCA. Could the cables themselves be the issue? Also, is the sound you're receiving typical, or are you expecting it to be different? You're concerned about damaging another power supply.
All speakers/subs are off when connected to the sound card. This doesn’t fully meet my expectations, but it’s better than before. You mentioned the motherboard and power supply need replacement—this is something that needs clarification. If I connect the speakers while they’re powered up, you’d notice a grounding hum when inserting into the jack. Try this with the speakers connected to the PC/sound card; it usually isn’t a major issue. Could I have tried plugging directly into the line on the sound card? That might cause problems.
At first, I connected the soundcard to the mic jack—linking the subwoofer input to the microphone input on my computer. I believe this setup caused the device to fail the first time. When I press the mini pin while the subwoofer is powered, no sound comes through. I haven’t made any mistakes in connecting anything since installing the new power supply.
We were making progress. The cause and effect were clear. Now let's see if you're okay.
The next issue is whether the sound card was damaged or still functioning.
Based on what happened, I would place it in a less preferred PC—if it fails, it will stop working permanently.
The sound card performed adequately after switching between power supplies #2 and #3, though it seems it might have been affected. I don't have another PC to test it on. The persistent loud noise remains even after removal, and plugging into the MB sound output caused a scream, suggesting another issue. Could a voltameter help identify a grounding problem inside the case or a ground loop that could be fixed with an isolator?
There might be some verification needed with a volt meter.
I would consider removing the entire PC from its case to check if the grounding spikes still function.
It could be as basic as a motherboard stand being off the back plate, with metal punchouts making contact on the inputs/outputs in the rear.
You have replaced the power supply and the motherboard. The case itself seems questionable, possibly due to a standoff touching.
Before putting in the newest power supply, I removed the motherboard and checked the standoffs—one was malfunctioning, so I took it out. Would replacing it help? I’m not sure about ground loops or isolators.