expected sound downgrade but....

Soldato
Joined
12 Dec 2004
Posts
3,283
Location
the south
Hi all.

I've recently got my new Ryzen ITX build up and running coming from an FX8320 ATX board with a Sound blaster Z sound card.

I knew there was going to be a downgrade in sound quality and with the new board being ITX there is no PCI slot for the sound blaster z to go in. New board is a ASrock ab350 Fatality ITX

To be honest I'm ok with how the new system sounds but there is a constant high pitched hum that emits from the speakers when I turn them on.

Speakers are Logitech Z5500, not on the same level as studio speakers but they where held in pretty high regard when I bought them.

I can't really notice it when there is music playing and I use headphone for gaming but if I'm working at the pc in the quiet I have to turn the speakers off as the high pitched hum drives me mad.

Does any one know if there is any thing I can do to stop it happening? Guessing its just the lower quality on board sound chip?

Also guessing there is no way to utilise my old sound blaster Z? Been looking into external sound cards also but not sure they are any good.

Open to all suggestions.
 
It hums all the time the speakers are on. Obviously It's not as pronounced when music is playing etc but if the music stops or there is a gap between songs its very noticeable.

Could be coil whine from the GPU but I cant hear any thing coming from it?

Also remembered the Z5500 has an optical connection as does my motherboard. I currently have it wired in with the 3 coloured 3.5mm jacks.
Would an optical connection be better?

cheers.
 
Cheers for your help. Think I'll try an optical lead first.

The hum is there all the time whether the pc is idle or under load so not sure if it's the GPU.

Guessing it's just interference from the compact design of the motherboard.
 
UPDATE

Managed to get hold of a quality optical cable (a customer who's an audiophile let me have it for free) and it's solved the humming issue for me.

thanks for all the help and suggestions chaps :)
 
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