Intel Extreme Tuning Utility Causing Audio Pops/Static

[1carus]

Hi,

I've installed XTU on my desktop running a 12900k and gigabyte z690 Aorus Pro DDR4 and every time I open the application and run the speed optimizer it causes frequent pops to come through my USB DAC. These pops do not occur if I do not run XTU after boot but persist even once ive turned off speed optimization or exited the application, only stopping once I restart the PC.

This must be an obscure problem but is there a solution out there?

I have tried reinstalling windows, mobo and dac drivers, and even tried other USB ports.

This only occurs on USB audio output and not via optical or HDMI. 

Attached is a recording of a sine wave tone which allows the pops/static to be heard clearly.

Cheers

[Steven_Intel]

Hello 1carus,

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.

I am sorry you are having issues with Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility. I will be glad to help you.

Please provide the following information:

• Brand and model of USB DAC.
• Did the issue start after any driver/OS update, or it has been like that since day one?
• Download the Intel® SSU https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25293/Intel-System-Support-Utility-for-Windows- 

Open the application and select "Everything", click on "Scan" to see the system and device information. By default, Intel® SSU will take you to the "Summary View". Click on the menu where it says "Summary" to change to "Detailed View". To save your scan, click on "Next", then "Save". Please attach the file to your reply.

Best regards,

Steven G.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[1carus]

Hi Steven,

• ifi Zen One Signature running latest firmware and drivers
• The issue only occurred once XTU was installed several months after purchasing the i9 12900k and has persisted through multiple windows versions. So yes, XTU has caused this issue from day 1.
• Scan results are attached

Thank you for taking a look at this Steve!

Kind regards,

George

[Steven_Intel]

Thank you for your response.

I will be working on this issue. As soon as I have an update, I will let you know.

Best regards,

Steven G.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[Steven_Intel]

Hello 1carus,

In order to continue working on this, please provide the following information:

• Where are you perceiving this pop sound from? Are they speakers, headset, etc., connected to the USB converter?
• Have you checked if this is not a hardware being loose inside the case or the converter?
• What happens if you use the speed optimizer when the converter is not connected? Does the issue persist?

Best regards,

Steven G.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[1carus]

Hi Steven,

• The DAC outputs an unamplified signal via RCA cable to an amplifier which outputs to headphones via 6.35mm TRS jack.
• the DAC is brand new and functions normally without running XTU but I have rattled it a bit and nothing is loose
• No the issue does not persist when the DAC is disconnected and headphones are connected via mobo line out

Cheers,

[Steven_Intel]

Thank you for the information provided.

I am going to keep working on this. As soon as I have an update, I will let you know.

Best regards,

Steven G.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[Steven_Intel]

Hello 1carus,

Many thanks for your patience on this matter.

After researching about this, we could not find any previous reported issues regarding this, and it seems it only happens with the USB DAC.

Since the Intel® XTU is working fine, and no other USB sound device presents the issue, our best recommendation is to contact the DAC OEM for further assistance, as it seems to be an issue with the DAC.

Contact OEM: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/contact-intel.html?tab=system-manufacturers

Best regards,

Steven G.

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[AhmetT]

However, the problem persists only when I lower the maximum CPU percentage below 100% from the power settings. If the value is 100, it consumes more power at idle. So I have to set the e-core frequency to 50% to lower it up from 4200mhz.

[AhmetT]

I have this problem with i9 13900K. I get the same error with both headphones and sound system.