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GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem

Problem:
I am having issues with the on-board audio, where there is intermittent static, that seems to be only present while playing any audio while in Windows - event sounds or WMP, but disappears when using other applications either gaming, or streaming video, like YouTube. As an observation it seems to increase when using peripherals, mouse, keyboard, inputs while in Windows, but that could be subjective. Moreover the static is present both in speakers or when using a headset.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Computer Specifications
Audio Device - ALC889
Speakers - Logitech Z3200

Processor: Intel Core i7-950 @ 4.0 GHz
Video Card: Palit GeForce GTX 460 2GB (SLI 4GB)
Memory: A-Data 12GB (2GBX3) DDR3/1600 MHz
Motherboard: GigaByte GA-X58A-UD3R
PSU: Corsair HX1000W
Hard Drives: 1X1TB SATA III 6.0Gb/s (WD1002FAEX) and 2X1TB SATA II  3.0Gb/s (WD1001FALS)
Case: Azza Hurrican 2000 Full Tower
CPU Cooling: Asetek 570LX Liquid Cooling System w/ 240mm Radiator Push-Pull Configuration
Optical Drive: Lite-On 24x DVD Burner
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit

Attempted Solutions:
(1) Updated BIOS via QFlash- FC1
(2) Fresh Install of Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
(2) Updated Realtek ALC889 Driver - High Definition Audio Codec R2.53
(3) Installed Third Party Codec (Cole2k or K-Lite)
(4) Uninstalled All Audio Drivers/Codecs and Reinstalled (Tried w/ and w/out Third Party Codecs)
(5) Ran DPC Latency Diagnostic Program and Shows No Significant Drops (http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml)
« Last Edit: October 12, 2010, 08:14:01 pm by MingtheMerciless »

Dark Mantis

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Re: GA-X58-UD3R - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2010, 08:07:13 pm »
Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum MingtheMerciless. Have no fear Flash is here! ;D

You have checked all the most common causes apart from one and that is the earth/ground connection betweeen the computer and the mains earth. If you have a multimeter you should get a reading of maybe a couple of ohms  maximum between the chassis and the earth pin in the socket. Often it is something as simple as a break in the lead or bad connection.
« Last Edit: October 12, 2010, 08:08:14 pm by Dark Mantis »
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2010, 08:22:37 pm »
Wow, you're remarkably fast indeed! And thanks for the welcome as well!  ;)

I'll check for proper grounding, something I just completely over looked. But my gut instincts tell me all the connections should be sound, again the static disappears when running applications out of Windows, and is not present when no audio is being played, so its not picking up a reoccurring interference from some electrical-mechanical source. I believe it has to be driver related, but newest drivers offer no joy, I could try combinations of older drivers/BIOs, but doubtful there. Been meaning to get a multimeter for some time, so this seems like a good excuse as any.

Dark Mantis

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Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2010, 08:24:52 pm »
Well if it turns out that it is not the earth then post back and we will look at some other ideas. ;)
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2010, 02:55:05 pm »
Well didn't get a chance to get a multimeter yesterday, but attempted the following below, and unfortunately the intermittent static is still present.

Summary of Attempted Solutions:
(1) Updated BIOS - FC1
(2) Fresh Install of Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
(2) Updated Realtek ALC889 Driver - High Definition Audio Codec R2.53
(3) Installed Third Party Codec (Cole2k or K-Lite)
(4) Uninstalled All Audio Drivers/Codecs and Reinstalled (Tried w/ and w/out Third Party Codecs)
(5) Ran DPC Latency Diagnostic Program and Shows No Significant Drops (DPC Latency Checker)
(6) Disable C1E, Select Balanced Profile (Windows Power Options), Disabled EIST
(7) Disconnected, Redirect or Examine Shielding of Front Panel Audio Cable
(8) Disable Dynamic Energy Software (EasyTune, RivaTurner, etc.)
(9) Update INF Chipset and LAN Driver

I still do need to check for proper ground and visually I did not see any metal-to-metal contact on I/O Rear Panel Shield. And I could also try a sound card opposed to on-board audio, to isolate the issue between software or hardware, but the fact that the static is only present in Windows, but doesn't appear during game play or streaming video online, makes me believe it is some driver or codec conflict.

Any other ideas?
« Last Edit: October 13, 2010, 02:57:42 pm by MingtheMerciless »

Dark Mantis

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Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2010, 02:59:54 pm »
As you say if it is only present in Windows then it does sound like a software rather then hardware problem I will ask my friend who is Moderator of the AMD section to have a look at your thread as he is a wizard with audio.

He's busy at the moment but I will get him to come over when he can.

After looking at your original post again I think that your best course of action might be to install a discrete sound card but wait until absic has had a chance to have a look.
« Last Edit: October 13, 2010, 05:05:55 pm by Dark Mantis »
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

absic

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Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2010, 05:13:52 pm »
Hi there,

reading through your post I think you have pretty much covered all the bases. The fact that the noise seems to occur only when using Windows apps would point to a problem with the way Windows 7 is handling the sound rather than hardware. I am a firm believer in NOT using the on-board sound because of these kinds of issues and a 3rd party sound card, even one that is under £30 are often better than the on-board Realtec soundchips.

Like DM, I think with your scenario that a discrete soundcard would be the best option but, as with all things computing, there is no guarantee that it will solve the issue, especially if it does turn out to be a Micro***p issue.
Remember, when all else fails a cup of tea and a good swear will often help! It won't solve the problem but it will make you feel better.

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2010, 06:01:06 pm »
Quote
As you say if it is only present in Windows then it does sound like a software rather then hardware problem I will ask my friend who is Moderator of the AMD section to have a look at your thread as he is a wizard with audio. He's busy at the moment but I will get him to come over when he can. After looking at your original post again I think that your best course of action might be to install a discrete sound card but wait until absic has had a chance to have a look.

Thanks for the help and the referral!  ;D

Quote
Hi there,

reading through your post I think you have pretty much covered all the bases. The fact that the noise seems to occur only when using Windows apps would point to a problem with the way Windows 7 is handling the sound rather than hardware. I am a firm believer in NOT using the on-board sound because of these kinds of issues and a 3rd party sound card, even one that is under £30 are often better than the on-board Realtec soundchips.

Like DM, I think with your scenario that a discrete soundcard would be the best option but, as with all things computing, there is no guarantee that it will solve the issue, especially if it does turn out to be a Micro***p issue.

Thanks for responding so promptly, and I agree, I may have to just bite-the-bulllet and get a high def discrete sound card. Will report back if or when the problem changes.

Dark Mantis

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Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2010, 07:34:48 pm »
Yes please do. It is always nice to hear the follow up stories and make sure we were right. ;)
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

absic

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  • Never give up; Never surrender!
    • Bandcamp
Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2010, 07:37:27 pm »
Yes please do. It is always nice to hear the follow up stories and make sure we were right. ;)

Or, if we were wrong DM so we don't make the same mistakes again.  ;)
Remember, when all else fails a cup of tea and a good swear will often help! It won't solve the problem but it will make you feel better.

Dark Mantis

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  • 10typesofpeopleoneswhoknow binaryandoneswhodont
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Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #10 on: October 13, 2010, 07:40:39 pm »
Mistake...what is this MISTAKE word?? ;)
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

absic

  • *
  • 5815
  • 529
  • Never give up; Never surrender!
    • Bandcamp
Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #11 on: October 13, 2010, 07:51:44 pm »
Sorry, I meant error not mistake!
Remember, when all else fails a cup of tea and a good swear will often help! It won't solve the problem but it will make you feel better.

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #12 on: October 14, 2010, 12:12:33 am »
Sorry, I meant error not mistake!

One more thing to check for is the possibility of a driver or program causing excessive DPC latency. You can use this free tool to check  DPC latency.
http://www.thesycon.de/eng/latency_check.shtml
If the DPC latency is high when you play sounds that have static you have a conflict somewhere. Most likely a driver or filter driver. Filter drivers are used by utilities like antivirus and backup programs. What antivirus and backup programs are installed on your PC BTW? If the latency is low all the time the problem is elsewhere. Onboard sound is never perfect. Almost all motherboards I have had or worked on will have a slight noise with high disk or CPU activity but you would never hear it when playing audio. Only in a very quite room with your speakers turned up high. Most people I know claim they can't hear it at all. I must have dog ears? Anyway check it out and report back.  
« Last Edit: October 14, 2010, 03:54:26 am by Wonderwrench »
Main Box*i7 930@3.5 Ghz*CM V6 GT*GA X58A-UD3R v2 FB bios*3x4 gig Patriot DDR3 1600 EL*EVGA GTX 460 1 gig*OCZ Vertex 3 MI 120 gig*WD  Blue 500 gig*ASUS DRW-24B3LT*Samsung SH-S223L*Teac Floppy*Corsair AX750*Rosewill R6AR6-BK case*Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit SP1

Dark Mantis

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Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #13 on: October 14, 2010, 10:12:53 am »

(5) Ran DPC Latency Diagnostic Program and Shows No Significant Drops (http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml)

Hi Bill
The OP has already tried that if you check their first post
Gigabyte X58A-UD7
i7 920
Dominators 1600 x6 12GB
6970 2GB
HX850
256GB SSD, Sam 1TB, WDB320GB
Blu-Ray
HAF 932

Gigabyte Z68X-UD5-B3
i7 3770K
Vengeance 1600 16GB
6950 2GB
HCP1200W
Revo Drive x2, 1.5TB WDB RAID0
16x DLRW
StrikeX S7
Full water cooling
3 x 27" Iiy

Re: GA-X58A-UD3R (Rev. 2.0) - Realtek Audio Static and Noise Problem
« Reply #14 on: October 14, 2010, 03:18:30 pm »

(5) Ran DPC Latency Diagnostic Program and Shows No Significant Drops (http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml)

Hi Bill
The OP has already tried that if you check their first post

Ah missed that one!

Bill
Main Box*i7 930@3.5 Ghz*CM V6 GT*GA X58A-UD3R v2 FB bios*3x4 gig Patriot DDR3 1600 EL*EVGA GTX 460 1 gig*OCZ Vertex 3 MI 120 gig*WD  Blue 500 gig*ASUS DRW-24B3LT*Samsung SH-S223L*Teac Floppy*Corsair AX750*Rosewill R6AR6-BK case*Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit SP1