Headphones and audio problem

[coldmeat]

I just got a new pair of fairly nice headphones, and they work great, except when I use them with my pc. For some reason as soon as I plug them in I get constant static, and when I move my mouse it changes a little. I looked it up and see that some people say it is interference. It is the same whether I use the audio jack on the front of my computer or the back.

I only have integrated audio. I've been debating buying a sound card ever since building my computer. If I bought one, would it get rid of the static?

I've tried updating my drivers as well, since my SoundMAX drivers are from 2007 and there are apparently new ones available. When I try to install I get an error saying "Driver not found! Reboot your system and try again."

I finished all the Windows updates and installed Service Pack 3 but I get the same error message.

So what can I do to get rid of this static?
If I have to buy a sound card, do you have any inexpensive recommendations?

edit: I found out that it isn't only with the headphones, I get the interference with my speakers too, it is just much more noticeable with the headphones.

 

[SJP0tato]

One trick that sometimes works is try pulling up the volume control panel (the built-in windows one), and try muting each/all of the channels listed. I've had luck sometimes with muting PC speaker helping to cut down on headphone static, even though I can't think of any reason why they would be related. Sometimes the other sources/outputs can help if they're muted too (SW Synth, CD Player, Mic In, etc).

 

[coldmeat]

Originally posted by: SJP0tato
One trick that sometimes works is try pulling up the volume control panel (the built-in windows one), and try muting each/all of the channels listed. I've had luck sometimes with muting PC speaker helping to cut down on headphone static, even though I can't think of any reason why they would be related. Sometimes the other sources/outputs can help if they're muted too (SW Synth, CD Player, Mic In, etc).

Ya I tried that with no luck. I haven't seen a "PC speaker" option though.

 

[AmberClad]

Originally posted by: coldmeat
So what can I do to get rid of this static?
If I have to buy a sound card, do you have any inexpensive recommendations?

I haven't had any noticeable issues with static/interference on either an Audigy 2 or an X-Fi, so you could go that route.

If you're not a gamer though, and you don't need Creative EAX support, then you might want to try an external USB DAC instead.

 

[coldmeat]

Originally posted by: AmberClad

Originally posted by: coldmeat
So what can I do to get rid of this static?
If I have to buy a sound card, do you have any inexpensive recommendations?

I haven't had any noticeable issues with static/interference on either an Audigy 2 or an X-Fi, so you could go that route.

If you're not a gamer though, and you don't need Creative EAX support, then you might want to try an external USB DAC instead.

Ya, I game a lot. I don't really want to spend a lot of money on a sound card, but if that's my only option then I guess that's what I will have to do.