Gaming → Re: [Tech] Onboard sound, front headphone jack extremely noisy

First thing is to check the headphones by plugging them into something else to see what the result is. Steer clear of the PC if you can and use a hi-fi/phone etc.

If this is fine then the issue is with your PC. It is highly unlikely the soundcard is at fault, as usually if they die then it will effect all sound (I am assuming you only have the one card). Try playing with the audio settings. Right click on the sound icon and choose Playback devices, I'm running a similar system as yours currently and the front jack has its own device (it isn't really but it lets you modify the settings independantly). you should be able to right click and choose properties and mess with all sorts of levels. It may work, it may not. I know my microphone port needs tweaking no end so I don't sound to crackly.

If that doesn't work it could be a wiring issue.

The phones are fine with mp3 players, I'm thinking electrical interference inside the box, the noise changes in pitch depending if the cpu/gpu and/or hard drive is actively working.

Using the rear connectors with an extension cable results in no noise in the earphones.
It was great.
But a pain to disconnect/reconnect the speakers.

Ok, so its your front case connectors that are the problem.

Couldn't you just leave the extension cable connected into the motherboard in back and then connect whatever you want into the extension cable?

Well, yes.

You don't care for that solution? I thought it would be better than spending money as you were considering doing.

I agree with you, not being snarky.
The audio software is terrible.