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Why do I hear hissing through my USB speakers when I play sounds at high volume on my laptop computer?

Feb. 25, 2003 John Savill | Windows IT Pro

A. This is a known problem that occurs when your Intel Mobile Pentium III processor uses Intel SpeedStep technology. SpeedStep requires that the processor restart and have its attributes modified several times a second. For good playback, the USB sound system relies on a data stream that reaches coders-decoders (codecs) at a steady rate. The problem occurs because the two processes conflict, disrupting the data stream. This disruption causes audio distortion, such as a popping or crackling noise.

To resolve the hissing problem, disable the SpeedStep functionality as follows:

  1. Start the Control Panel Power Options applet (go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and select Power Options).
  2. Select the Power Schemes tab.
  3. Under "Power schemes" select Always On.

Discuss this Article 2

Anonymous User (not verified)
on Sep 8, 2005
I have a home PC, and for some reason when I play music or movies, I hear hissig coming through my speakers. I find this a little frustrating because I am not able to hear the true clear effects of my music or movies without this hissing coming out of my PC speakers. I would appreciate any solutions anyone may have. Thanks, John.

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