Author: railvenSubject: Z390 Taichi x2 with audio issues...
Posted: 22 Dec 2018 at 12:37am
Hey guys, hey! Text wall, trying to give as much info, scroll to bottom for TLDR.
System Specs:
Case: Corsair Carbide 400C
MOBO: ASRock Taichi Z390 (BIOS 1.2 -> BIOS 1.8)
CPU: Intel i9 9900K (Stock)
GPU: Zotac RTX 2080 Ti AMP (stock)
PSU: Corsair HX 850i
RAM: 4x8GB DDR4 Corsair Dominator 2800mhz (XMP 1 profile)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i + 2xCorsair AF140s (temporary)
M.2: 2x Samsung EVO series M.2 drives (512GB NVMe for OS/1TB SATA for Games)
Accessories:
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum keyboard
Corsair Glaive mouse
Corsair Void Pro Headset
Corsair RGB Mousepad
Corsair ST100 Headphone stand
Logitech Z 2300 speakers
Issue: High pitch static/buzzing when using rear audio connector on my Logitech Z 2300's if volume knob exceeds 20-25%, constant high pitch noises even when idle from PC, discovered something things while trying to trouble shoot regarding LEDs and whining noises.
I really like the look of the Taichi and it got good reviews, especially the audio quality, so I was looking forward to setting up my rig and ditching my Creative Soundblaster Z (it was getting old and was having constant driver issues).
My case is small, and eventually everything will be put on custom water loop (prior system was i7 8700K @ 5.1ghz w/ GTX 1080 Ti @ +150/500) so I'm not too concerned with heat (as of now).
I put everything together and just wanted to test everything out. Beside the noises, everything else seems to work fine with stock settings. No random boots, or GPU issues (from what I've read of the RTX series), nothing out of the ordinary.
Things I've noticed:
The noises from using the rear audio jack increase when the CPU loads more, ie tons of noise for example if power profile set to high performance versus power saver, or opening up programs and dragging them around the desktop.
There is a constant humming come from the PC, at first assumed it was bad fan, but with everything removed and using IGP and just keyboard, issue persisted, even in BIOS. I found that disabling the LEDs stopped this faint humming sound completely.
Using any other sound option I have (GPU via DP, USB Audio on ST100 headphone stand, or even plugging in my Creative Soundblaster Z) eliminates the noise. I don't use the front jacks on my case (removed the cable) so I can't test those (have read online eliminates issue as well). I'm currently using my ST100 USB audio option in the interim.
Things I've tried:
Assuming it's a power related issue, I've stripped everything down to barebones, 1x stick of RAM, IGP for video, only keyboard connected to USB ports, and pump+2xFans powered - noises persist.
BIOS options (flashed to newest, board came with 1.2 saw initial issues, flashed to 1.8, same issues) tweaking such as anything related to power (speed spectrum, voltages, line calib, etc) this is where I learned that disabling the LEDs stopped the constant humming (one problem solved, but I like the LEDs :( ) - noises from rear audio jacks persisted.
I tried a different PSU, wiring everything else to it - noises persist.
I tried using different power outlets (one for PC one for speakers) - noises persist.
I tried using different speakers, all speakers I tried - noises persist.
I hooked up my speakers to my wife's computer to see if my speakers were damaged - no issue, speakers had no hum outside of normal noise from being at 100% volume.
I assumed it was faulty board, so I swapped it with a new one (burned my warranty :( ) - noises persist on new board same as previous.
Things I will try in the next few days:
I got both boards from my local Microcenter, both had the same 1.2 bios so I assume possibly same batch, and thus possibly bad batch. So I ordered a new one from Amazon hoping third board will be better (or have different noises/issues etc). When I get the new board I'm going to rule out any grounding issues with my case (though previous builds have had zero issue, prior builds in this case were ASRock X99 + i7 6800K and MSI Z370 + i7 8700K, though I used my Soundblaster for those so can't rule out grounding issue out). I will setup the current board on a box, if issues persist, will swap with new board and pray no issues, if no issues install and pray for no further issues.
TL;DR: Excited to build my Z390 Taichi system only to find product breaking noises. Constant humming (resolved if I disable LEDs which I'd rather not), and back audio port (green) is basically useless if I set my speaker volume knob >20-25% as all I will hear is static, screeching, and buzzing. I've tried the usual troubleshoot steps and even swapped it with a new board. I have a third board on route and if issues continue I will just go with another brand/board.
Only things I've yet to do (but will once I get third board) is build setup barebones on box to avoid any grounding issues and clean install of OS (since this was suppose to be a parts test as I will put everything under water and then format system).
If anyone has run into a similar issue with this board, or any other, any solutions tips would be appreciated. Scouring Google I got a few hits of people having the same issue with no resolutions posted, so assuming it isn't widespread and thus possibly bad batch of boards. Third board will rule this out.
Thanks for now.
