Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Diagnose crackling sound

Tags:
  • Movies
  • Software
  • Components
  • Logitech
Last response: in Components
Share
February 25, 2014 5:53:49 AM

I'm having this crackling sound which also causes mini frame stutters when it happens.

*This happens when watching movie on different softwares, playing different games, talking in mumble so I don't think it's software specific (not directly at least).

*I have Logitech G35 and integrated Realtek, crackling happens on both of them so I don't think it's driver or speakers.

*Both drivers are updated. I've tried disabling audio enhancements, using g35 on stereo.

*When the crackling happens on mumble for example, the frame stutter also happens on game software.

Can you tell what's broken?

More about : diagnose crackling sound

February 25, 2014 7:18:54 AM

Are you using your Realtek with analog or digital out (SPDIF)?
m
0
l

Best solution

February 25, 2014 7:19:04 AM

It's a hardware issue for sure, It's just what is causing it. things to check:

make sure the motherboard is not touching the motherboard mounting plate.
all wires are securely fastened to the board (plugged in properly). this include all internal and external wires.
make sure all add on cards are plugged in all the way
all screws are tight holding the motherboard to the mounting plate.
try disconnecting the Audio front panel wire from the board and see if it helps.
Stress test the CPU, GPU, Ram separately to make sure there is no bad part causing the issue.
Share
Related resources
February 25, 2014 11:08:06 AM

I disconnected the power, one of the motherboard screws were just a little loose, tightened it. Unplugged the front audio cable from motherboard.

The problem is gone (hopefully permanently), I don't know which one it was but I've never needed the front audio plugs anyway.

Glad I've got a good answer, thanks :) 
m
0
l
February 28, 2014 2:47:59 PM

The problem is back, got any advice about stress testing cpu?

Also do you think it could be related to PSU?
m
0
l
February 28, 2014 5:07:08 PM

When you stress test the CPU just watch the temps so that if there is an issue it wont go till the system shuts down. Programs to use to stress test the CPU : Prime95 and Intel Burn Test. I use both, not at the same time mind you, to make sure that my system is stable. Run Prime95 for 5 hours and ITB on maximum memory and for 40 runs. ITB will heat the CPU more than prime so watch the temps.

to answer your Power supply unit question, Yes it is possible that the PSU could send voltage spikes and give crackling noise. Possible but unlikely. To test this you would just try a different PSU in the system.

Is your system OCed at all? If so try removing the OC and see if it helps.
m
0
l
March 1, 2014 2:10:22 AM

I stress tested GPU and CPU separately (where CPU was steady 91-98 and GPU 62-66) and it didn't cause sound problems. For some reason the problem is gone again, I'll keep an eye out for when and why it turns up. Every OC option should be on default (GPU OC being -off- but cpu on BIOS is on -auto-)

Could you advice a RAM testing software? Also for testing HDD if you think it might be related.

by the way some details:
MB : P8Z68-V PRO
CPU : i7 - 2600k
GPU : MSI gtx 560 (not ti) twin frozr oc II
RAM : 4+4+4 kingston hyper 1600 (MB doesn't accept 1600 by default for some reason so I leave it at 1333 instead of OC)

Maybe-relevant details: I leave my pc open almost 24/7. Also for about a year I've been having blue screen crashes. (yeah, I can't really go get it fixed, couldn't diagnose myself and giving up, got used to it)
m
0
l
March 1, 2014 3:02:15 AM

Memtest86+ for testing the Ram. install it to a CD or flash drive and run it from the boot options of the motherboard. Let it run for minimum 5 passes. I prefer 11 passes to be sure.

as for the ram speed, the motherboard does accept 1600 MHz ram. It could be an issue with the ram keeping you from setting it to 1600 MHz. Whether it is voltage, timings or bad stick/s. It is possible the motherboard is bad to, But the testing your doing now will help determine this.

for the hard drives, HDDscan3.3. This will give you all the smart info for your drive/s. you can also check the HDD for some errors by opening an elevated command prompt and typing without quotes "chkdsk /f" . This will check and fix HDD errors it finds. This will not fix a bad HDD but will fix errors.

the numbers you gave concern me. the GPU was fine but the CPU is what concerns me. Were those numbers temperatures? If so the CPU should not reach 90c.

If your having BSOD's then there is a possibility that the two are connected. Testing the hardware is a good place to start with that also. If all the hardware proves to be good then it will be a software issue.

you can check the OS for corruption by opening an elevated command prompt and typing without quotes "sfc/scannow" and hit enter.
m
0
l
March 1, 2014 9:28:43 AM

Yeah the numbers were celsius temperature. The program warned only when the temperature reached 98° as "hot". This degree occured before 5 minutes, is it not normal even though the test was extreme?

About BSOD; I formatted a couple of times with one of the OS being different version and that issue remained.

Thanks for all the advice, I'll report back soon!
m
0
l
March 1, 2014 5:11:31 PM

Temps for the I7 2600k should not go over 72c. this is cpu temp not core temp. check your heatsink installation and core voltage to make sure it is not to high.

BSOD's if the OS has been changed then it is a hardware issue causing the crash and not software.
m
0
l
March 2, 2014 3:36:06 PM

sfc /scannow gave clean results.
I couldn't find time to run chkdsk as last time it was taking more than 3 hours, I'll try it tonight when going to sleep, hopefully BSOD won't interrupt it.

I couldn't get the Memtest86 flash image to work, when I boot via flash, the pc ignores it and skips to windows, or just gets stuck with "insert disk" text. I'll try it again soon.

The previous temperature results were from RealTemp, I tested with openhardwaremonitor(which shows lower) and got screenshots.



Left side is when there is minimal load on CPU, right side is when I intelburntest is on maximum for 5 minutes (doesn't seem to get much higher temperature after that)
m
0
l
March 2, 2014 6:39:27 PM

for some reason your CPU temp is extremely high at full load and Just a little warm at idle.

You need to figure out how to run Memtest86+. I personally burnt the proper file to a cd/dvd and keep it in my pile of disks for when ever I need it. I have never run the Flash drive version of it. Because of this, besides making sure you read the directions on how to make it bootable and being sure you have the correct file for it, I really can't help much there. Running this test is very important. They have directions right on the site on how to set it up on a flash drive and CD/DVD.

Here is a link to a thread that will help with figuring out what to do about high temps for CPU. Even though it is about an AMD CPU it will still apply to Intel. http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2045171/amd-6350...

Does the BSOD's happen then there is nothing else on the HDD but the fresh install of the OS? meaning before you install any programs.


m
0
l
March 3, 2014 1:46:30 AM

I played around with some BIOS settings and tried lowering the voltage. I'm not really trained for this therefore humble in ideas, so if you please feel free to tell me if I missed something or did wrong.
Screenshots might be a little much but I figured I could tell better with them in abundance.

http://oi62.tinypic.com/2cxg5fn.jpg
http://oi61.tinypic.com/6ito60.jpg
http://oi59.tinypic.com/15s1ylk.jpg
http://oi60.tinypic.com/ibylom.jpg

last picture is to show the voltage amounts, the red RPM is already pointed out on 1st pic.
I'll get a CD today and try the memtest with that.
Unfortunately I don't remember if there was BSOD soon after I formatted to clean Win7. I always quickly install essential programs and drivers and the BSOD happens about once a day, therefore no clue, sorry.

Lucky to have you helping!
m
0
l
March 3, 2014 9:45:30 AM

Intel speed step tech: lowers the CPU frequency and voltage when the CPU is not being used to help drop temps and power consumption. This should be left enabled unless you plan on OCing.
Turbo mode: this will allow the CPU to go into Boost mode and increase the clock rate up to the maximum set. This to should be left enabled unless you are OCing.

what is the size of the fan that is spinning at 380 RPM? that for many fans is way to slow. only a 200mm fans can move enough air for that speed to be worth having the fan spin. If the case air flow is to low it will cause higher temps in the PC. does this fan make noise, as in rattle/knock? if so it is due for replacement.

Remember after dropping the voltage to the CPU you Must run stability tests to ensure the system will not BSOD or just restart on its own. Use both prime95 and ITB to test for this. Lowering the voltage will save heat and increase the life of the CPU at the same time but if it is set to low the system will crash.

let me know how you make out with the memtest86+ let it run for 11 passes or more to be sure.
m
0
l
March 4, 2014 12:10:17 PM

There are 3 fans, 2 of them are around 160mm (I think). I'm not sure but one of the fans (it's somewhat hidden so I couldn't check properly) might be covered with dense body of dust.

Running memtest for 11 passes might take some days as I can't really do it in the day because I use the pc all day and it runs on BIOS. First test gave no errors.

I've had no BSOD for the last two days by the way. Could be just coincidence as there has been times that it went without BSOD for a few days or even a week. (Though sometimes it does crash 2-3 times a day)

Sorry to write late and infrequent, I'm having a lot of social visits and random busy time.
m
0
l
March 4, 2014 5:06:17 PM

it is best to let memtest run strait through. this is a program you can start at night and just let it run.
m
0
l
March 5, 2014 3:43:59 AM

I understand almost nothing in the memtest interface :(  but I'll try to figure out how to make it run multiple times by itself.
m
0
l
March 5, 2014 3:59:42 AM

Just let it run. It will continue to run test after test till you manually stop it.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 2:02:45 AM

I'm not sure if it's the same version on program we are talking about, this one gets completed about 30-40 minutes and after staying on report screen it continues to next boot (HDD/Win7). I'll get a phone pic uploaded later. Did 2 more runs without errors anyway.

I realized crackling seems much more often on mumble and skype (less on movies, almost none on games), does that mean much?

Edit: I also realized now(a bit late?) that it specifically happens more when I play minecraft, run it's server and talk on mumble/skype at the same time. This game relies a bit on CPU and RAM, does it help?
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 3:06:51 AM

I use the 4.20 version BUT i will download and burn the new version now and and test the program and see how it works. I'll get back to you on this.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 4:27:06 AM

Tested Memtest86+ version 5.01 and it will continue to run tests over and over till the escape button is pressed.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 5:01:47 AM

Sorry to put you through all the trouble, I'll observe the first test's ending and take pics in several hours.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 4:33:57 PM

http://oi58.tinypic.com/2vcj7mx.jpg
http://oi59.tinypic.com/2d1n3ft.jpg
http://oi60.tinypic.com/30sc8cm.jpg
http://oi57.tinypic.com/2ah6wpc.jpg
http://oi59.tinypic.com/23jflfn.jpg

The previous night I left it on and when I woke up screen was on windows start screen. Which reminds me I might have forgotten to give an important detail;

When I get the BSOD and after the pc restarts, it can't start up and one of the HDDs would be missing on startup screen. Even if I restart myself HDD would be missing again. I found out disconnecting the power cord or I/O button behind PC brings the HDD back.

Mind that I still aren't having the BSOD since I messed with those options on BIOS.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 5:13:52 PM

out of curiosity have you checked the smart results for the HDD's? you can use HDDscan3.3 if you need a program to check it.

try using the memtest86+ 5.01 version if you cant get memtest to run more than on pass at a time before it reboots.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 6:49:08 PM

Regarding HDDscan, I did but didn't understand much;
Only error was;
for Corsair SSD (which OS is installed) -> 204 Soft ECC Correction Rate 120 120 0000C6002C-EBC6 000

Working on memtest now, not sure how I got the older version.
m
0
l
March 6, 2014 6:59:27 PM

I've made another fresh install but no dice. I've installed v5 but all 4 boot options show v4.

IMPORTANT: MemTest86 V5 image supports dual booting (UEFI/BIOS). On machines that don't support UEFI, the older V4 BIOS release of MemTest86 will be automatically booted.

Is this it?
m
0
l
March 7, 2014 3:46:55 AM

UEFI is a graphical interface replacing the BIOS. It allows the use of the mouse and graphics to be used in the bios screens.
BIOS is the standard interface for adjusting the "Basic Input Output Settings" limiting you to the use of keyboard and number pad to adjust settings.

What this is telling you is that there V5 will not work with standard BIOS boards but will automatically switch you to the proper interface for Memtest to use.


If the crackling is still there after the re install of the OS then it is for sure it is a hardware issue. IF the CPU, Ram, GPU, HDDs all test good then it would be a motherboard issue. There is a fix for a bad audio chip but does cost. you can pick up an audio card. they have cheap ones and expensive ones, It will all depend on what you want and how much you want to spend.

If the board is under warranty I suggest doing an RMA before purchasing an audio card.
m
0
l
March 7, 2014 3:50:55 AM

sry double post
m
0
l
!