Troubleshooting Audio Interference on the Lenovo Legion 5: A Gamer’s Dilemma

Having upgraded to a new gaming laptop can be an exhilarating experience, filled with anticipation of immersive gameplay and stunning graphics. However, what happens when excitement turns into frustration? That’s the scenario I’m grappling with on my Lenovo Legion 5, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, RTX 3060 graphics card, and a 512 GB SSD.

Just two weeks ago, I eagerly unboxed my laptop, eager to dive into my favorite games and streaming services. But soon after, I encountered a perplexing audio issue that has left me at a complete loss. When I connect my headphones to the 3.5mm jack on the left side and attempt to play music on Spotify or watch videos on YouTube, I’m met with a frustrating crackling and static noise.

To be precise, the annoyance continues for a good 5 to 10 seconds after pausing the audio, and it even starts up when Discord launches automatically. This interference occurs when the sound card is in use, and it’s loud enough—about one-third of my music volume—to be particularly distracting.

In my effort to solve this issue, I’ve attempted numerous fixes. I’ve disabled audio enhancements, unplugged the charger, updated the BIOS, and searched the depths of the internet for solutions. While Bluetooth headphones provided temporary relief from the static, their sound quality isn’t nearly adequate for my needs as an audio technician—I need to use my Beyer DT770s.

Interestingly, when I tested the headphones using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, there was no static noise, indicating that the problem likely lies with the laptop’s 3.5mm port itself.

After initiating a return for the first unit, I received a replacement—but to my dismay, the exact same audio interference problem persisted. However, there is one notable difference: the static noise only occurs when the laptop is plugged in and the WiFi router is active. Turning off the router temporarily eliminates the interference, but that’s not a sustainable solution for anyone reliant on internet connectivity.

It’s disheartening to encounter such an issue, especially considering that my partner’s laptop and my work laptop (also a Lenovo) operate without any audio problems. This situation has led me to question the integrity of my new device. Should I consider returning it yet again and saving up for a different gaming laptop?

Has anyone else faced similar challenges with their Lenovo