Mysterious static noise from computer

Scosglen

I'm trying to figure this out. As long as I can remember my PC has made a very low volume sort of "static" hum through its audio output (NOT actual noise). Its normally not perceptible unless I have my volume up moderately high and there is no music or anything else making nosie.

The peculiar thing is that the noise seems to go away when my processor is engaged at high usage percentages such as when scrolling down a really heavy webpage, resizing/dragging around a browser window rapidly, or when my wacom pen is making a stroke in photoshop. This makes me think the noise seems to stem from the CPU being idle somehow.

I'm wondering if anyone knows what on earth is causing this, and if possible how to make it go away. The sound is not limited to any particular audio device like a certain pair of headphones, and my audio jack isn't half-in or anything like that.

Ultima911

Thank god! Someone has this problem too! I made an account just to check this, we should post our computer specs to see what we have in common, then maybe we can find out if its inside the computer.
I've also heard radio coming through my headphones when my computer was OFF. I know its crazy. i want this fixed!

Knight_

Scosglen wrote:

I'm trying to figure this out. As long as I can remember my PC has made a very low volume sort of "static" hum through its audio output (NOT actual noise). Its normally not perceptible unless I have my volume up moderately high and there is no music or anything else making nosie.

The peculiar thing is that the noise seems to go away when my processor is engaged at high usage percentages such as when scrolling down a really heavy webpage, resizing/dragging around a browser window rapidly, or when my wacom pen is making a stroke in photoshop. This makes me think the noise seems to stem from the CPU being idle somehow.

I'm wondering if anyone knows what on earth is causing this, and if possible how to make it go away. The sound is not limited to any particular audio device like a certain pair of headphones, and my audio jack isn't half-in or anything like that.

Are you using onboard sound?

Blake T

It sounds like electromagnetic interference.

You could electromagnetically shield everything, but it won't really be worth the cost.

Maybe look at your wiring inside the case? See if anything is crossing near the CPU?

ceres

Unfortunately this thread is from 2009 and long dead. You can make a new thread if you like.