Experiencing Crackling Sounds During Windows 11 Startup After Applying -30 CO Undervolt on AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D
Annoying audio glitches can detract from an otherwise smooth computing experience, especially when they occur unexpectedly during system startup. Recently, I encountered a peculiar issue after tweaking my AMD Ryzen 9 9800X3D processor’s Curve Optimizer (CO) settings. Specifically, applying a -30 voltage offset led to persistent crackling sounds during Windows 11’s startup sequence, despite the system remaining stable under stress testing.
Initial Stability Tests and Adjustments
Prior to this troubleshooting, I maintained a -25 CO setting on my 9800X3D. To ensure stability, I ran comprehensive testing with tools such as OCCT and AIDA64, which confirmed that the system could operate reliably at this configuration. Satisfied with stability, I decided to push the envelope further by lowering the voltage offset to -30, aiming for potentially better thermals and power efficiency.
Stable Performance, Except for Audio Anomalies
After successfully applying the -30 CO setting and verifying system stability, I noticed an unexpected issue: the Windows 11 startup sound began to crackle consistently during each boot. Interestingly, I found that disabling Curve Optimizer in my BIOS did not resolve the problem; the crackling persisted regardless.
Despite this audio glitch, my system continues to operate flawlessly in terms of performance, temperature, and stability metrics. No other crashes, lags, or errors have surfaced, which makes this phenomenon puzzling and concerning.
Possible Causes and Troubleshooting Tips
While the root cause of this issue isn’t immediately clear, here are some potential factors and suggestions for troubleshooting:
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Voltage Changes and Audio Hardware Interactions
Altering the CPU’s voltage settings can sometimes affect other system components, including onboard audio hardware. Although the system appears stable, subtle electrical interactions might be causing the crackling. -
Driver and Firmware Updates
Ensure your audio drivers and motherboard firmware are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause audio artifacts, especially after system modifications. -
Audio Settings and Enhancements
Check Windows’ sound settings and disable any audio enhancements. Sometimes, audio processing features can interfere and introduce glitches. -
System File Integrity
Run system file checks (e.g., sfc /scannow) to rule out corruption that might influence audio playback. -
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