Cracking with Realtek HD - New soundcard

Zackarydoo · 14 May 2011

There is another thread all about the problem in the title so I won't get into too many details here, only to say that I get a crackling type noise after waking my computer from sleeping or hibernating. I know some others have the same issue. I don't get it when restarting fully though. I use the Realtek HD sound chip built in to my motherboard.

I've had enough of it, plus I'm also sick of the constant noises coming out of my speakers due to interference from my Skype box, mobile phone, mains hum, etc.. Whatever I try and wherever I move things too, I still get constant noise of some sort.

All I want is high quality sound, and I'm not even bothered about surround at the moment. I'd like 2.1 though as I definitely need a subwoofer. So finally my question - If I buy a new soundcard and speakers that I can connect digitally (current speakers only have an analogue connection), will I get rid of all these nasty noises?

Thanks for any help.

fireberd · 14 May 2011

Going to a "digital" output most likely will not change anything. Sleep/Standby can and has caused many problems. I don't use either, the only thing I do is "power off" the monitor after a designated period, nothing else.

There are also the "noise", "crackling", "popping" or whatever you want to call it with separate sound cards, too. All the sources or potential sources of the problems have to be eliminated.

Zackarydoo · 14 May 2011

Thanks for replying Fireberd. The reason I think a digital output may help is that any noise picked up in the cabling between the PC output and speaker amp input, won't then be heard. Of course it's hard to be sure exactly what part of the system that noise is being picked up at.

I did have another sound card before, which was a highly thought of one but I had issues with it, particularly the terrible software. So I sold it but now wish I'd kept it as I was better off than I am now. I did still have some noise picked up "somewhere", but at least I didn't have this crackling.

fireberd · 14 May 2011

Unless you have a poorly grounded system and are running the speaker cables over AC power, near transformers, etc there shouldn't be any noise, crackling, hum, etc introduced into the audio. The output from the PC is a relatively low Impedence which is not susecptable to picking up noise. I am a guitar amp tech, along with a PC tech and haven't seen what you think is being caused by the speaker cable.

You can verify if it's the speaker system or the PC by plugging a headset into the GREEN speaker jack on the rear of the PC to see if you hear the same thing or not. Same way you should be getting the same thing on the front panel headphone jack (if you have one).

Zackarydoo · 14 May 2011

Ok thanks, I'll try your suggestion. I do have a mass of wires crossing each other as I have little room to place them and some are too short to go a more sensible route. Some day I'll have to sort it all out and re-position all my equipment I suppose. As an ex electronics engineer I do have some understanding of all this, but I admit I'm lazy when it comes to doing things properly at home. :)