I can hear my CPU through my headset

Calneon · 9 Apr 2013 at 20:04

I bought a Razer Carcharias headset which arrived today, I'm trying it out and I can hear my CPU doing stuff through the headset. For example when I move the mouse there's a fairly high pitched buzz that gets louder if I move the mouse faster. Doing stuff like changing tabs or clicking links in the browser will make a short crackling sound, and running an intensive program like a game or CPU stress test will make really loud constant crackling and buzzing noises.

My previous headset only required a 3.5mm connection whereas the Carcharias needs a USB as well, presumably for power (there's no drivers, it still gets sound from the 3.5mm), and the noise is only present when the USB is plugged in. I've also tried multiple USB sockets and they're all the same. My motherboard is quite old but otherwise working fine and I have no reason to believe that's the issue.

I guess it's just interference from the USB cable being passed to the audio cable. What can I do? Can I return the headset? If I buy a different one or have it replaced is it likely to have the same issue?

Thanks for any help.

EDIT: Also, why doesn't it state anywhere on OcUK or Razer's site that they require a USB connection to work? I was going to use these for my MP3 player as well and I can't because they need USB which wasn't stated anywhere...

wazza300 · 9 Apr 2013 at 20:18

its common issue on x58

being usb powered wont help either as you could unplug the front usb headers from the motherboard to stop the noise if it was only 3.5mm jack plug

pop in the bios and disable c1e c state,then in windows power saving options choose balanced power profile,that should reduce the noise a lot but might not stop it completely

Calneon · 9 Apr 2013 at 20:28

I'll try that, though I had no issues at all with my previous Sennheiser headset, which were 3.5mm only. Are all headsets nowadays USB powered? Because as I said it doesn't say anywhere on the product page that it is.

AbsenceJam · 9 Apr 2013 at 20:35

From what I can tell you have the choice of USB or using your own soundcard with this.

Marsman · 9 Apr 2013 at 20:44

The new Carcharias is rubbish. So many people have this problem. Razer have taken what was a decent headset and ruined it for PC use. If you have a USB mains charger, like those that come with a tablet or mobile phone, try that. Some people have managed to eliminate the noise that way.

Calneon · 9 Apr 2013 at 21:25

AbsenceJam said:
From what I can tell you have the choice of USB or using your own soundcard with this.

Sorry but did you even read what I said?

Marsman said:
The new Carcharias is rubbish. So many people have this problem. Razer have taken what was a decent headset and ruined it for PC use. If you have a USB mains charger, like those that come with a tablet or mobile phone, try that. Some people have managed to eliminate the noise that way.

What was a decent headset? So all the reviews I read were actually a different version?

I'll likely return this and buy a Sennheiser 350 instead, anyone know if that also has USB power, and whether I'm likely to have the same problem?

Marsman · 9 Apr 2013 at 21:59

Yes. The previous version was 3.5mm jacks only, no USB connector. They redesigned it to work with Xbox as well it would seem. I don't know why they didn't just release a version for consoles.

Marsman · 10 Apr 2013 at 12:16

I'll likely return this and buy a Sennheiser 350 instead, anyone know if that also has USB power, and whether I'm likely to have the same problem?

No, the PC350/350SE/360 are all analogue only. Sennheiser don't use USB to power their headsets unless it also uses USB for the audio as well. Some of the more expensive models have a detachable USB part, which normally end with a D (PC363D PC333D) so it can be used a normal analogue headset.