Fan and Harddrive noise.

[southpaw13]

What is the best way to illiminate fan and harddrive noise?  I have been hearing a lot of interference lately.  I am using on-board audio.

Thanks,
Southpaw

[TheShanMan]

How about an external usb sound card? I don't have any experience with them because I've never had noticeable problems with internal ones, but it seems like that would be a sure way to eliminate noise from other devices.

[protokatie]

What is the best way to illiminate fan and harddrive noise?  I have been hearing a lot of interference lately.  I am using on-board audio.

So, wait.. you are hearing the fan noise THROUGH the audio? Wow, never even heard of that level of interference... Maybe just get a sound card, there might be something wrong with how your MOBO is wired up...

Another two thoughts:

They sell these little magnet things that go around power cords to deaden electrical noise. Might want to try those

Also, if worse comes to worse, use two power supplies, on for the fans and HD and one for the MOBO.

[BASS!]

From my experience, on board sound is usually garbage. If your having audio noise it often is generated from components even as locally as on the motherboard themselves, due to improper audio shielding. If your looking to eliminate that, most cheapo PCI soundcards can cut it just fine. Like this : Sound Blaster Audigy SE SB0570LPVP http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102010

[ark_ader]

I had the same issues before with PCI sound cards like Soundblaster.  Usually it was because I cranked the the volume up too high or the speaker cables were unshielded.  You would hear a squeal or squelch like on a CB radio when the hard drive would fire up.

The only way to stop it was to put the motherboard inside a case, and move the speakers.

You could make the cabinet solid state and use flash drives with Wifi to a server.  That would cut down on the interference.  I also recommend USB speakers.  The quality is amazing.

[southpaw13]

Thanks, yes the motherboard is outside of the case, close to the speakers.  I tried an external USB sound device but the mic-in plug did not work (it's a home built karaoke machine).  So I guess it might be time to try a sound board....

Thanks for your help,
Southpaw

[EwJ]

You mentioned a microphone.  Is it anywhere near the speakers?
Try disabling (mute) the microphone input (and any other you are not using) on your pc audio control and see if you still get any noise.
If noise is gone, maybe a long mic cord or repositioning mic will help.
Are you using shielded speakers? (if not, be careful how close you have them to pc, monitor, other components).

[BASS!]

got an idea as well if your not using your mic, then mute it like said before, but mic boost can also cause this. Also mute aux and other inputs in your audio control panel.

[southpaw13]

Thanks, the speakers are shielded.  I could even hear noise when I moved my mouse!  I kept playing with the external sound card and got the mic input to work.  No more weird sounds!  I guess the motherboard isn't the best or maybe I could have used a separate sound card.  All in all, the external device seems to be the best choice for me or anyone else with similar problems.

Thanks everyone,
Southpaw

[BASS!]

Good to hear you got it working I repeat my previous statement, motherboard audio is garbage usually.