Background noise and clicking

Antowns · 11 Oct 2012 at 22:38

Hi all,

Just built my first gaming machine, trying to use my headphones with my front headphone jack and I'm getting a lot of background noise and weird noises when no sound is playing.

Any ideas? and how I can solve the issue?

Marsman · 11 Oct 2012 at 23:29

Common problem when using front audio sockets on PC cases. Likely a ground loop issue. The front sockets are commonly grounded to the case. As they are also grounded at the motherboard, this creates a loop. It can be an easy fix, or more of a DIY job, depending on the case.

Also, the majority of cases use cheap wires, which can pick up EMI (electromagnetic interference) from the various components. Winding the cables round or through a ferrite core/ring can help to reduce the interference. That will make little to no difference though if the ground loop issue is still present.

Do you get any interference issues when connecting your headphones to the rear socket?

wazza300 · 12 Oct 2012 at 00:30

Try unplugging the front panel Usb headers from the motherboard,chances are its those interfering with the headphone jack

Gimpymoo · 12 Oct 2012 at 10:05

Disconnect the USB header.

Failing that, just run a y-splitter to the audio output and connect the speakers to one and an extension cable to the other which can rest on your desk/fold away somewhere and just connect your headphones when needed.

C64 · 14 Oct 2012 at 22:51

have case on desk or whatever sideways on so you can access the back panel way better than bothering with front panel audio or switches

never mind a switch i find the front panel connected to my xonar is a very noticeable drop in signal bung your case next to your monitor and never look back

daveyg · 16 Oct 2012 at 13:38

Have you tried muting any mics. If all goes quiet you know you have the types of problem described above.

Yaayuh! · 16 Oct 2012 at 14:17

Ground loop issue as already mentioned. A problem that existed on pretty much every Antec 900 back in the day, annoying.

synixx · 16 Oct 2012 at 15:13

Just buy a 3.5mm male to female extension cable and connect your headphones to the back ports. Better sound quality that way and less or no static.