New headset - Crackling noise when gpu under loud

Afran

Afran

Afran

Associate
Joined
6 Oct 2008
Posts
757
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? :)
 
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
 
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 :(
 
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
 
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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