b650e-e crackling noises with optical OUT

[CRD]

Hello

There's an ongoing issue with this motherboard and the optical out, it makes crackling noises and microsttutering in the sound

Things I've tried

- Update to the latest bios

- use the latest sound drivers

- Try 2 different DACS 

- Try 2 different B650E-E motherboards as I returned the first one for this problem

With this steps, it's a clear problem of this motherboard, it  happens on two of them and with different DACS. Could you please reach or pass this information to the tech team so they can try themselves and solve it in a new bios? This problem makes the motherboard optical sould oupput unusable,

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @CRD 

Could you please clarify if the audio issues occur in specific situations, such as playing certain melodies, or if they occur whenever the optical S/PDIF out port is connected?
May I ask if your current BIOS version is the one released on February 7, 2024, which is version 2413?
Have you tried adjusting settings such as the sample rate, audio interface, supported formats, clearing CMOS, or cross-testing different optical S/PDIF audio cables to alleviate or eliminate the issue?
If the problem persists, could you provide the following information to help us better understand your situation?
- a comprehensive video recording of the crackling noises, including trying different DACs or cables
- the circumstances and frequency of the problem and screenshots of the audio settings in the system
- the current BIOS version and the images of all the manually adjuesting items in BIOS, or whether it is the default
- the brand and model name of the CPU, GPU, RAM (part number as well), SSD/HDD, and PSU currently installed
- are there any extensions or adapters used to connect any devices, such as GPU or SSD?
- the OS version and OS build

Thank you.
 

[CRD]

it happens always on any kind of sound, no matter is music or a game

The bios is updated to 2413 yes, but happened on previous ones too.

I have reseted the CMOS, I've tried it with 2 different optical cables, and the DAC on different computers. Both cables have the same problem and no other computer exhibit this problem on their optical outputs, only the B650E-E.

The bios is the 2413, latest one, but this happens on any previous bios also.

I have tried to:

• Reinstall the OS, and different OS, tried Windows 10 and 11, but also linux
• Update the firmware of the Audio chip from the motherboard, to the latest one given on the B650E-E page, dated 2023/02/23 which supposedly fixed a bug on the optical/SPDIF output being noisy, but doesn’t fix the stuttering/glitches  from the video on any kind of sound or music or game. Update FW version:4.501.0000-0005.0000, as it can be seen is updated.
• 

   

• Installing the sound drivers from the motherboard, also not installing them and letting windows use automatically the default ones after the installation
• Clear CMOS and reset the bios multiple times.
• Tried multiple different bios. 2413, 2214, 1813 and 1654
• Used 2 different optical cables, one bought specifically for this issue.
• Used 2 different DAC’s with the optical sound, both have the same problem.
• Tried those 2 DAC’s on 3 different computers, and a  all of them work flawlessly, it’s only the B650E-E motherboard the one that suffers this issue.
• The DAC’s used were a topping DX3 pro+ and a fiio K5 pro ESS
• The computers where I tried it, were an X99 Taichi motherboard with a 5820K and a 13700K mounted on a MSI Z690-A. The TV was an old Samsung one.
• I have tried adjusting the sample rate from 16 bit 44100Hz up to 24 bit 192000Hz in all the steps one by one, it happens on all the spectrum
• Tried on hifiman edition XS headphones and 2 different sets of speakers, one old creative ones, and a bluesky 2.1 system
• Tried 2 B650E-E, as I returned the first one thinking there was a problem with it, but happened also on the second one, which I have now.

• My computer specs are
• B650E-E
• 7800X3d
• Corsair vengeance 32GB ddr5 6400mhz (tried with and without expo)
• Samsung 990 PRO
• Asus ROG STRIX 4090 OC 

I’ve recorded a video of the glitches, and how it happens on optical output but not on USB. I can’t do it with the other DAC or computers as they were borrowed and don’t have them with me anymore. There are more people with this issue on threads of reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/17mr7rr/b650ee_optical_audio_stuttering/

The video:

https://youtu.be/KuVbrEkZXs8

It should be easily replicable by the tech support in case it's the motherboard as a I suppose it is, just a minute with it using the optical out should be enough to hear the problem where the audio cuts or cracks for microseconds.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @CRD 

Thank you for providing the video and detailed specifications.
I have consolidated the information and further verified it with the relevant departments.
Could you also provide details about the current PSU model and specifications and confirm the version of the Realtek Audio Driver you have attempted to install?
Additionally, I have PM you, could you kindly check your inbox in the upper right corner?

Thank you.

[CRD]

---

I have consolidated the information and further verified it with the relevant departments.
Could you also provide details about the current PSU model and specifications and confirm the version of the Realtek Audio Driver

---

the current PSU is a Corsair HX850i, same PSU that I used to try with the x99 taichi + 5820K processor and didn't have any problems.

the audio driver is: Realtek Audio Driver V6.3.9600.2333 For Windows 10/11 64-bit.

but it happens with that driver, or with the generic one that windows auto-install

Additionally, I have PM you, could you kindly check your inbox in the upper right corner?

---

'Answered, thanks a lot for the help jiaszzz

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @CRD 

After conducting tests based on the hardware configuration provided, the relevant department was unable to replicate the crackling noise issue with optical output.
We suggest you consider cross-testing with another PSU or motherboard and also contemplate the use of a voltage-stabilizing device.
If the issue persists only when using this motherboard, we recommend reaching out to the original point of purchase for further diagnosis and potential repair arrangements.

Thank you.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @CRD 

Thank you for your prompt response.
Our relevant team would like to clarify whether the crackling sound occurs immediately upon starting a game or playing music or if it happens after a certain duration (e.g., one hour) or under specific circumstances (such as high frequencies or loud volume).
Are there any specific actions or manipulations that seem to trigger the crackling noises?
For example, does it occur when plugging or unplugging the optical fiber cable or after adjusting the volume?
(If possible, could you share another video that demonstrates the specific actions or manipulations triggering the issue?)

Thank you.

[Icke]

Hello,

i have the same problem. The crackling sound occurs everywhere, at Youtube, Netflix on different browser also on the Test-Sound in Audio Tool.

There is nothing to do to, to trigger it, its there all the time.

I have the mainboard new with all newest drivers and firmware, also bios update.

When i use the DACS with usb connected then the sound is ok.

Your relevant department should be able to to replicate the crackling noise issue with optical output. When you need more information feel free to contact me.

Thank you.

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello, @Icke 

As I mentioned, we have validated the configuration according to OP's setup using the YAMAHA-HTR and 1000i and were unable to replicate the distortion issue.
Could you please clarify if the distortion problem occurred after building the PC or after making any specific hardware or software changes, such as changing cables or updating the BIOS?
Have you followed the previously recommended recommendations to cross-test the PSU and motherboard or tried adding voltage-stabilizing devices?

Thank you.

[Icke]

Hi,

thanks for the quick response. I completely rebuilt the PC, motherboard, processor, RAM, graphics card and power supply. I haven't changed anything in the BIOS. The distorted sound via the optical digital output was audible before and after the BIOS update. It also couldn't be turned off by selecting a different sampling rate. My power supply is validated by the manufacturer for the processor and graphics card (be quiet! Dark Power 13, 750 watts) and should normally not cause any problems. The sound via the normal analog output works except for brief disturbances (approx. once an hour 2 seconds of high-frequency noise). The sound via the DAC via USB works perfectly. Since two users already have this problem, maybe ASUS could compare the similarities between the installed components in order to narrow down the cause of the problem. I'll pass on some data here to help.

It wouldn't be nice if I had to buy a sound card for a high-end motherboard because the sound doesn't work properly.

Kind regards

Icke