New headset - Crackling noise when gpu under loud

Afran

Afran

Afran

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Not sure why this is happening :p a friend suggested that the increased draw of the gpu causes the 3.5mm port to "go a bit weird", which is obviously rather vague... but seems to be some truth to it?

I previously used the Creative Fatal1ty headset which did not (and still doesn't) have this issue

I'm now using the HyperX Cloud.

The issue is, whenever the GPU is under load I get a rather loud electrical buzzing sound coming from the head set, even when all sound is muted. I've tried multiple games and it happens with literally any game that uses a decent amount of the gpu's power (Tomb Raider, Dungeon Defenders II, Dark Souls III, Overwatch) but not with games with a low gpu load (Hearthstone, Dark Age of Camelot)

Furthermore, I've noticed this problem is somewhat lessened by using the rear ports on my computer, but it's still very audible. I've always used the front ports for my headset, but it's definitely worse there. It's not something you'd ignore either way though :/

What is the technical reason this is happening and how do I fix it? :)
 
Usually EMI (electromagnetic interference) or ground loop is the problem.

GPUs do chuck out a certain amount of EMI, which is considerably worse with SLI. SLI and an internal sound card are a bad combination for audio.

If you're not getting this problem with the Creative headset, but you are with the HyperX Cloud, then there is something more going on than just EMI from the GPU or maybe a ground loop. If it's EMI or a ground loop issue, it really should affect anything connected to the audio device.

It is the HyperX Cloud I, with the 3.5mm jacks and not the Cloud II, which has a USB sound adaptor?
 
Indeed. It's obviously a rather old headset though, is it possible the cloud is just more susceptible to the emi/grounding? The difference is rather huge though :p
 
I'm considering replacing it with a HyperX Cloud II. As a few friends have suggested that the USB input wouldn't be effected by the supposed grounding issue. Would you agree with this? Would you also expect that to be the case given the Cloud II's USB connector is an adapter? Being a single 3.5mm mic&audio jack to the device, then USB connection to the PC. Otherwise I'm satisfied with the headset, and if changing to the II would eliminate the crackling issue then I'm all for it.

I'd still be curious as to why; the Creative doesn't have the crackle and why the HyperX goes from say 10/10 crackle in front jack to 5/10 crackle rear jack :P
 
No idea really why this is only affecting the Cloud's, but as for why it's more prominent with front audio port; it could be because the cable that runs from the motherboard to the front of the case is prone to picking up EMI. It can vary depending on where the cable is routed, or it could be a grounding problem. If that is the problem, that really should affect the Creative headset as well, unless there is a fault with the Cloud's.

Is there another PC or laptop you can try the Cloud's with, to see whether the same occurs?

As for USB, EMI and grounding issues can affect that as well. Impossible to say though whether is likely to be the case without connecting a USB audio device and finding out.
 
I tried the Cloud at my brothers place tonight and it works perfectly fine on his pc without the issue at all

I'm back to using my Creative currently whilst I ponder ordering the Cloud II (in the hopes the USB connection would fix it) since I don't have the issue on this headset despite the Cloud sound quality being much better, the crackling kills it :(
 
Just re read the OP, and paid more attention to where you mentioned that it doesn't happen with less graphically intensive games. Would you say the noise is less noticeable, or there's none at all when playing less graphically intensive games?

What about the microphone; do you get any issue with that in terms of noise, or is it just the headphone part?
 
When playing less graphically intensive games there is no issue at all. It noticeably gets louder the more my gpu has to work. For example, it's very audible at the login screen of Overwatch when picking a character, yet even louder during a fight.

The microphone works flawlessly however
 
Well that is just weird. It can't be a ground loop issue, because the noise would be there regardless, whether you are on desktop or playing game, graphically intensive or not. I can understand why it worked in your brother's PC OK. Your GPU is possibly chucking out more EMI. As for why your Creative headset isn't picking that up, well that doesn't make too much sense really.

Even if he had a 780 as well, but a different brand, there is no guarantee they would behave the same. Another member posted ages ago now about interference he had with his audio; I think he had a Xonar Essence IIRC. He said it was working fine, until he changed his GPU. The odd thing was, that the new card was the same GPU, but a different brand. His old one developed a problem and he got a different brand in place of it. The new one for some reason was causing interference problems with his sound card.

Cheapest option you could try, would be a ground loop isolator. £5 one. £11 one. Behringer Hum Destroyer.

The Behringer is undoubtedly the best, but if the cheaper ones work, then there's no need to spend any more. Hard to know without trying one; but I do remember once when a cheap one didn't really work for someone, but the Behringer did.

Another option cheaper than buying the Cloud II, would be a sound card. People have had EMI problems with onboard audio and moving to a sound card has solved that. Hasn't worked for everyone though. Some still get it with a sound card, and some with USB as well.

There are so many variables, troubleshooting PC audio is trail and error really. If you can return whatever you get, should it not make any difference, will at least make finding the right solution, less of an expense. Would be a right pain to buy new a sound card, new headset and stuff, but still be in the same boat with a big hole in your wallet.
 
It can't be a ground loop issue but you'd recommend trying a ground loop isolator still? I'm able to return my Cloud for a full refund so what I'll first do is try out the Cloud II - which should be tomorrow.

Certainly sounds awkward though that nothing in particular may fix it... I'm hoping the Cloud II's USB connection/external sound card resolves the issue
 
Happy to report that the issue is not present using the Cloud II and wow, what a difference in sound quality coming from the Creative.

Thanks for your help Marsman, an isolator would've been my next step
 
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