Do soundcards die... and if so, what are the symptoms?

306 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by benbenkr, Feb 17, 2013

98uk

Discussion Starter · Feb 17, 2013

I've not really heard of soundcards dying, but i'm having some issues that I can't seem to resolve.

I have an Asus Xonar Essence ST (PCI version) and there are frequent issues with skipping audio and 'jumpiness'. I first noted this on my DAC/Amp which is connected via optical and put it down to a broken cable or something.

I re-installed Windows and whilst listening to some music (on both FooBar (FLAC) and Spotify) using my headphones connected directly to the sound card, there is still clear issues. I tried reinstalling drivers, re-seating the device (can't change port as the only other PCI is obstructed by the GPU), changing options... but nada.

Any ideas what the cause can be? There is no extreme memory or CPU usage and this is a fresh install.

Help!

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98uk

Discussion Starter · #2 · Feb 17, 2013

Edit: I found a latency tester and check the results... no good:

This is when using the onboard RealTek device... so I guess it's not related directly to my soundcard :s

The poor latency appears to happen when I type or do something like move the mouse. If I don't touch anything, it's perfect. Any ideas?

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Darren9

· #3 · Feb 17, 2013

Have you checked the DPC latency while it's skipping? Also is it just in DirectSound? What about ASIO and WASAPI? And have you tried the low latency version of the Uni-Driver?

Edit, I didn't see the last post, there's instructions on the bottom of the DPC Latency site to try and pin down what other driver is causing that - it's a pain though, looks like start with disabling mouse then keyboard. Maybe try the low latency Uni-Driver.

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98uk

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 17, 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren9

Have you checked the DPC latency while it's skipping? Also is it just in DirectSound? What about ASIO and WASAPI? And have you tried the low latency version of the Uni-Driver?

Edit, I didn't see the last post, there's instructions on the bottom of the DPC Latency site to try and pin down what other driver is causing that - it's a pain though, looks like start with disabling mouse then keyboard. Maybe try the low latency Uni-Driver.

I always seem to do this, create a thread and then fix it straight away

So, I went into the BIOS and turned off stuff I don't use. I disabled the JMicron & Marvell HDD controllers (I use Intel ports), disabled the onboard bluetooth controller, disabled the FireWire controler and disabled the ASMedia USB 3.0 port controler.

This fixed the issue and the skipping and latency has gone

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benbenkr

· #5 · Feb 17, 2013

I believe the main problem with many DPC latency issues (the abnormally high ones like you have) are usually related to the horrible bluetooth controllers that motherboards have these days.
The interference is just way too high and I really don't know why motherboard makers continue to offer them when a proper USB bluetooth receiver will cost $10 and will have no issues - although thankfully, not all them.

Glad you've sorted out your issue though.

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