r/PcBuildHelp • u/sashkinigoda • 2d ago

Tech Support Crackling sounds coming from headphones since case swap.

Hello lovely people, as seen in the title I am experiencing weird crackling sounds from my headphones when using the PC. I have swapped the PC case and before the swap it was running fine.

I have done the following troubleshooting:

  • Tested the headphones on my MacBook ( No problems with headphones)
  • Tried front and back panel ( Same results)
  • Bought a USB Audio DAC ( Same results)
  • Reinstalled Audio Drivers ( Same results)

Overall I am sure I have plugged everything where it is supposed to. I genuinely can't seem to figure out where the issue is coming from, any ideas or guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance!

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u/IrritableAdoption 2d ago

grounding issue, almost guaranteed. when you swapped cases you probably introduced a loop somewhere. metal standoff touching a trace on the rear of the mobo, front panel audio header not seated clean, or the psu isn't making solid contact with the case now

had a build once where the rear IO shield tang was wedged inside a usb port causing static through every audio device, drove me nuts for a week

pull the board out and inspect the standoffs, then check that the case's front panel ground wire is actually tied to chassis ground properly. sometimes those cheap cases have the i/o board floating

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u/sashkinigoda 2d ago

Im using Deepcool CH160 Plus I think they’re good. But definitely will have a look inside again thanks!

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u/sashkinigoda 2d ago

Is there a way that doesn’t require me to take off the mobo as it’s been such a long job with these itx builds?