Volume is mute but lots of noise in headphones?

[jroid]

After building my computer just a few days ago I discovered the front audio input for my headphones is picking up what seems like frequencies from other computer parts in/outside the case. For example, it has a very quiet static noise all the time but if I plug my external harddrive into the USB port right next to that audio jack(on the front panel) I get crazy frequency noise and it's LOUD even if my audio in control panel is muted or not. I also get this if I hover my mouse over different links in my web browser 😵, it seems to distort the sound, it's very strange and truly annoying. I had re-routed my audio cable to go behind the motherboard plate and stay away from as many components as possible, this did quiet it down some. I do not believe this is a software issue but more a hardware issue. Is there something wrong with the internal audio cable that came with my case like the insulation or whatever? How can I fix this? Also, when my music is playing and I might lower the volume the static is loud and clear as if nothing was playing at all. I swapped to AC '97 to see if that would work and doing that made even more noise so I swapped it back to the HD audio.

I appreciate any input,
Thanks!

 

[pckitty4427]

I had a similar problem a few months ago. In my case, the sound card had gone faulty, and that might be what has happened to you as well. If so, just replace it.

 

[jroid]

I have an on board sound card but believe I have found what the issue is. On some cases people have had a problem where the USBs and other peripherals are grounded together causing lots of noise even when the volume is mute. I read that all I need to do is take my audio cable out, wrap it in foil and then wrap that in electrical tape. Sounds odd, I know, but apparently it works, so I say it's worth a shot! If not, I'll find something else, I'll be sure to keep this thread updated for anyone else facing this issue and let you guys know how I did it.

 

[cypeq]

Source of this kind of problems are often unnecessary unmuted input signals in volume control panel (line-in, mic, cd-player etc.).

 

[aanthonyfranks]

The noise is probably just the chip on the motherboard sound. The mother is simply not the best place to find a sound device, because all the stuff to cause a lot of static and noise. Some motherboards have integrated sound pretty good, but are usually more or less static sound.