Annoying static when using headphones on PC.

[olduser]

So I recently got some nice headphones but when using them with my PC on the front audio port it is too quiet (this is a problem with the PC not the headphones, even speakers are quiet on this port) and when I use them on the back audio port it picks up an annoying constant buzzing sound, which varies a bit when i do stuff on the PC.

Would getting a "dedicated" sound card fix this? Im using the on board sound at the moment.

Ill also need some sort of male to female 3.5mm audio cable to use as an extension lead because the wire doesnt reach the back of the PC very well, I suppose aslong as I get a decent one it wont affect the quality right?

Any recommendations for sound cards (I dont want to spend too much though) or any other fixes are appreciated, thanks.

[Oldgamingfart]

Check to see if the motherboard is properly grounded, and all the screws that hold it to the case are present. The holes sometimes double up as ground/ earth points, so if one is missing it could cause a humming noise.

Also check to see if the socket isn't loose or broken (or has poor solder joints). A dedicated sound card will probably fix it, as it'll have its own audio stage etc.
As for an extension cable, yeah they're all pretty much the same really. You can get one off eBay for next to nothing.

[Profit]

A dedicated sound card usually gives better sound quality than on-board ones. SB Audigy ones will do the job.

Also mute all unused lines such as mic, and the cd inputs.

[olduser]

Yeah Ive muted everything else, everything seems to be screwed in tight etc.

Ill get a creative card since theyre pretty cheap and Ive probably got an extension lead laying around somewhere.

[Hohum]

The noise is due to other components causing noisy power circuitry, aswell as creating EMI/RF interference. A decent dedicated soundcard can reduce the audible effect a lot, but not eliminate it altogether since it still exists in close proximity to the other components (and is powered by the same source). Whether it remains audible is down to the equipment connected to it - cheaper stuff you prolly won't notice anything, but higher-end gear will certainly expose it.

Creative wouldn't be my first choice when purchasing a card, mainly as the hardware isn't that amazing but also because they have awful driver support. They are the cheapest, but there are better choices out there if you're prepared to spend a bit more.

[olduser]

The noise is due to other components causing noisy power circuitry, aswell as creating EMI/RF interference. A decent dedicated soundcard can reduce the audible effect a lot, but not eliminate it altogether since it still exists in close proximity to the other components (and is powered by the same source). Whether it remains audible is down to the equipment connected to it - cheaper stuff you prolly won't notice anything, but higher-end gear will certainly expose it.

Creative wouldn't be my first choice when purchasing a card, mainly as the hardware isn't that amazing but also because they have awful driver support. They are the cheapest, but there are better choices out there if you're prepared to spend a bit more.

So would a better power supply reduce it? Or is it just the mobo?

Ive heard good things about M-Audio cards so I might try to find one of those.

[Hohum]

It may help, but you'll still have other stuff creating noise over the power circuitry on the motherboard. If you really wanted to avoid this you could consider an external DAC or USB soundcard, although the former can get quite pricey.

Out of curiousity, what headphones did you buy?

[olduser]

Sennheiser HD555