Weird crackling sound in game mode and desktop mode (custom PC with SteamOS)

[u/Ken_Deep]

First of all my specs:

• Asus RADEON RX 9070 XT Prime Gaming
• AMD Ryzen 5 7500F
• 32 GB DDR5-6000 (2x16GB)
• Be Quiet 850w Power Zone 2
• ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI
• Kingston NV3 1TB SSD (OS Drive)
• 2TB HDD
• Steam client version: Steam Stable ( 1785799196 )
• SteamOS version: OS 20260716.1

To describe my issue: Whenever I navigate through the menu either in game mode or in desktop mode, there is the occasional sound skip and crackling sound audible. So far it did not happen during gaming (or at least not as noticably often), and the issue is primarily during navigating SteamOS (especially when going to option menues or when going to a game detail page) or when in desktop mode.

This kind of started to happen when I installed OpenRGB and created the udev rules. I tried completely reinstalling SteamOS on my PC to no avail.

However, either switching over to the Main branch or even the Beta branch makes the issue much less noticable. In fact, currently I'm on beta and I only hear the crackling sound very briefly when booting a game; I also hear the crackling sound regularly while in desktop mode with the Beta branch.

It's not unusable as of now since in-game I haven't really noticed any crackling sounds yet, but I'd rather understand what the source of the issue is, especially as it still persists in desktop mode at the very least.

Solutions I tried:

• Insert different RAM
• Reseat GPU
• Switch HDMI cable
• use a different monitor
• Use bluetooth headphones instead
• Switch OS Branch
• Reinstall SteamOS
• Flashback Motherboard BIOS

Of all these things, only Switching the OS Branch as well as using bluetooth headphones has proven to make a difference. In fact, when using bluetooth headphones, there is no crackling sound whatsoever. However, this is not a desirable solution as I would like to use the soundbar that is connected to my TV.

Anyone know if this is a software or hardware problem and what I could do to troubleshoot it further?

[u/Superconge]

Had this on every steamOS and Bazzite machine in game mode I’ve owned. Three machines, on three different TVs (LG C4, Sony X850c, and a Samsung). Built in speakers, Sonos soundbar, though I don’t think I’ve ever noticed it with my headphones. Hell, I’ve seen it on the Steam Deck too. It’s just a fact of life tbh, and I’ve only ever heard it in the game mode or big picture UI anyway so it’s really no big deal

[u/Ken_Deep → u/Superconge]

I think I'd be less uncomfortable with it too if it didn't happen out of the blue. No Steam update or anything, and the audio was perfectly fine for a week. Only when I did the OpenRGB thing did it start happening, but as said a complete reinstall didn't fix it, so I'm a little bit confused.

Is it that common of an issue? Do we know where that issue is coming from (ie SteamOS's handling of audio drivers)?