Audio crackling (narrowed down to SSD?)

[tonync_01]

Just installed a new SSD (120GB OCZ) on my new build, which initially had a HDD and now I'm getting audio crackling during music playback (through hdmi or headphones). I unplugged the SSD and booted up using my HDD and the audio playback is crystal clear. I checked the drivers and they are exactly the same on both devices. So I'm thinking the problem is coming from the SSD.

I saw some similar threads to this where some suggested it might be a grounding problem. I have the SSD mounted using a cheap plastic bracket, might this be the issue? I took the bracket off and it seems to reduce the crackling, but not eliminate it. I guess my question is, is this a bad SSD that I need to get replaced by manufacturer or should I order a metal bracket for it or maybe some other problem is occuring? Sorry for the long description, maybe this should be posted in the SSD section.

System info:

AMD FX-8120
Gigabyte 970 motherboard
Sapphire Radeon HD6570
16GB Corsair DDR3
500W Cooler Master PSU
120GB OCZ Agility SSD
2TB Seagate HDD

 

[kajabla]

Might as well experiment with alternate grounding methods. Wrap a wire around it and attach it to the case. If that doesn't work, see if getting it in contact with one of the ports does.

 

[tonync_01]

Might as well experiment with alternate grounding methods. Wrap a wire around it and attach it to the case. If that doesn't work, see if getting it in contact with one of the ports does.

I hooked up a ground wire and tried grounding all over the case and putting it in contact with the usb ports, but it didn't seem to help. Anything else I can try?

I'm thinking of returning it since it is a new drive. Do you think it is a problem with the SSD itself or my system? My HDD isn't having any problems.

 

[kajabla]

Do drive test programs give you anything? If not, RMA, I'd say. Do switch the SSD and HDD's SATA ports and cables first, though, just to eliminate more variables.

 

[tonync_01]

No the drive seems to working fine otherwise. Yeah, I switched up the ports and cables and no change. Thanks for the help.

 

[tonync_01]

Update: I sent the SSD back, got a new one a now everything works fine. So it was a defective drive. Just for reference in case others have a similar problem it was an OCZ Agility 3 120GB.

 

[tonync_01]

Best answer selected by tonync_01.

 

[kajabla]

Sweet!

 

[tonync_01]

It looks like I spoke too soon about the new SSD solving the problem. The audio problem started occuring again on all audio tracks. Obviously this was really annoying so I did a lot more research and found someone posting about issues with SSD and bios settings.

Anyway, it appears the ultimate problem was the AMD K8 Cool&Quiet control on my Gigabyte mobo. I disabled this and no longer have any problems. I guess it has something to do with the power changes from that setting and the SSD.

I just wanted to make sure I posted this for others with a similar system.

 

[kajabla]

http://xkcd.com/979/