ASUS A8N-E soundcard interference? static/popping

I've recently started having problems with the sound card on my A8N-E,
namely near-constant static and popping (like fireworks), with the
occasional "whirrrrr" and "zoom." On occasion a movement of a
scrollbar (whether using the mouse scroll wheel or the cursor on
screen) will produce a high-pitched squeal. The problem seems to be
getting worse every day.

I've tried investigating the problem on the web and have found only a
few discussion threads that seem to be discussing roughly my problem.
Unfortunately they all seem to end without a definitive answer (usually
buying a new sound card resolves the problem - I'm hesitant to do this
as I fear it might reveal itself as a case of treating the symptoms
rather than the cause).

Here's a similar problem:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Q_21850129.html

I've ruled out interference from external devices (including routers,
monitor, wireless phone - I basically unplugged everything in the
hosue) and the computer itself is fully grounded and everything
internal seems to be connected properly. I've swapped out the power
supply and nothing changes. Uninstalling and re-installing of drivers
doesn't work, nor does the disabling of the sound card itself. Muting
of everything seems to muffle the sound somewhat, but I presume this
simply mutes the amplification of the sounds.

The problem would seem to be that the sound card is picking up
interference from other system processes. Has anyone experienced a
similar problem, and know of any easy (hopefully free) way to fix this?

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: high pitched whine audio
    ... Check for interference. ... Try relocating the speakers and see if it reduces the whine (if yes, ... Try reseating the sound card in your PC if you are using an add-on card ... Singapore Website Design ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: Re: HELP! Strange Maching gun sounds
    ... The sound card is probably ... > some interference from the video card. ... Packard Bell, if to plug it into a AMP, and turn the amp upto max and ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: external sound card
    ... I have an ASUS P5WD2 Premium mobo with an integrated sound card: Realtek ... if I can solve my problem with an external sound card. ... Is there a possibility you are getting radio frequency interference ...
    (comp.os.linux.hardware)
  • Re: Convert Optical (spdif) audio to analog RCA
    ... >I'll add that though my sound card can feed RCA jacks, ... >horrible as there is a lot of interference (when hard drive is ... >spinning, you hear noise, etc.). ...
    (rec.audio.tech)