MSI 970 Gaming Sound Problems (freezes)

[paradonym]

Just set up this system:

Mainboard - MSI 970 Gaming

GPU - AMD Radeon HD7850

CPU - AMD FX-8320

PSU - Coolermaster G650M

 

I'm getting pseudo-freezes if Sound plays - Video goes on, but sound stops and Input isn't possible until hard-rebooting the system...

Is this an Audio Driver, a PSU or a Motherboard or a Southbridge issue? And how can I get rid of these pseudo-freezes?

[paradonym]

Tried v2.75 driver pack from realtek.com.tw - same issue a bit simpler:

video goes on, sound goes on, input is disabled - even if I replug keyboard + mouse in other usb ports - If I plug them in other ports the drivers are installed (because it's another port) but input still isn't possible afterwards....

 

Assuming it's a driver-thing:

Just uninstalled Sound Blaster Cinema 2, probably their EQ simply doesn't work with the ALC1150 chip (even if it's on the MSI driver disk)

did sound awesome, but with freezes when using that EQ we can't work...

I'll add some more details in a few moments (if the error occurs in some way)...

 

EDIT:

Uninstalling Sound Blaster Cinema 2 seems not to solve this - this time it freezed with sound...

 

EDIT2: Installed AMD 9 Series Chipset drivers - Now the sound is playing stuck grammophone record, and keyboard/mouse is extremely laggy after some time... Seems to only occur when having other connections (Probably now it's in conflict with the killer ethernet drivers...)

 but that behaviour also seems to be totally randomly different between each forced reboot. Always after at least 30 mins of Audio the input devices are dead and the audio is bad every time with another sound (hissing-noise) or totally gone

[paradonym]

Does anyone have a correct HowTo to update the MSI 970 Gaming UEFI? - the progress bar that should appear when selecting the file in M-Flash simply doesn't appears and noting but a freezed UEFI is done until I reboot.

 

I tried different drivers, even installed Chipset drivers. Therefore is a driver issue nearly ruled out? I don't want to RMA-Return my Mainboard...

 

Already contacted MSI for that behaviour - they said (before I could send them an e-mail) I should use a PSU with 32 Amps on +3,3V and 35 Amps on +5V - but there isn't any PSU on the market that supplies that powers. (my PSU has 22 Amps on both +3,3 and +5 - that should be more than enough for digital audio) But MSI can answer in about a week the auto-reply for the contact-form said, so that is much much time.

[Sintezza]

- Windows 7?

 

Windows 7 has a common issues with la leaking audio process called audiodg.exe.

This causing the audio to crash in windows 7.

Unfortunatly there is not realy a fix for it.

 

Could also be DPC latency caused by the killer nik.

 

just do a dpc latency test:

http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml

 

Put some audio on, and check if you get DPC spikes in the yellows and reds.

If so, then disable your network controller and do the test again.

 

If you determined that you indeed suffer from spikes, then do a new test with this program.

http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon

 

Again with enabled lan controller, and with disabled lan controller

[paradonym]

- Windows 7?

 

Windows 7 has a common issues with la leaking audio process called audiodg.exe.

This causing the audio to crash in windows 7.

Unfortunatly there is not realy a fix for it.

 

Could also be DPC latency caused by the killer nik.

 

just do a dpc latency test:

http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml

 

Put some audio on, and check if you get DPC spikes in the yellows and reds.

If so, then disable your network controller and do the test again.

 

If you determined that you indeed suffer from spikes, then do a new test with this program.

http://www.resplendence.com/latencymon

 

Again with enabled lan controller, and with disabled lan controller

The problem then would be - I'd have no network in Windows - because the Killer Network isn't natively supported by windows...

Having either working LAN or working sound doesn't makes sense on a Gaming-Mainboard...

But I'll try the test and post the results soon...

 

Active LAN-Driver, Windows-Sound Muted, no playback -> http://prntscr.com/5htf6a

Active LAN-Driver, Windows-Sound at ~50% with no playback is nearly the same view

even with playing sound (Spotify) it's the same view

[rentaspoon]

The problem then would be - I'd have no network in Windows - because the Killer Network isn't natively supported by windows...

Having either working LAN or working sound doesn't makes sense on a Gaming-Mainboard...

But I'll try the test and post the results soon...

Active LAN-Driver, Windows-Sound Muted, no playback -> http://prntscr.com/5htf6a

Active LAN-Driver, Windows-Sound at ~50% with no playback is nearly the same view

even with playing sound (Spotify) it's the same view

Install the LAN drivers of memory card/DVD

Then download MSI Live Update, should update the bios, audio drivers and a few other bits and bobs.

Bios update came out this/last week and fixed most issue I had although I didn't have audio issues like you,also has a install by windows option.

[paradonym]

Install the LAN drivers of memory card/DVD Then download MSI Live Update, should update the bios, audio drivers and a few other bits and bobs. Bios update came out this/last week and fixed most issue I had although I didn't have audio issues like you,also has a install by windows option.

Multiple Reddit Threads said a big NO! to Live Update...

 

yesterday live update found a bios update - but said to disable secure boot which isn't active according to msinfo32 and powershell - thats probably the cause that I can't find Secure boot in UEFI - but every "for windows 8" board should have Secure Boot said the web...

 

Do you have a howto to update bios without Live Update? Can't find anything in the 970 gaming user guide and manual... - and the UEFI option to update from stick simply freezes UEFI without doing anything... Which looks like secure boot...

 

EDIT 4 PM GMT+1:

 

Deactivated "AMD Audio" next to realtek audio in device manager - spotify successfully steams music since 3:15 PM GMT+1 - not to be happy too soon - but could the resolve of this issue be so simple?

[paradonym]

Probably a solution: - if not I'll unmark it:

 

1. Install AMD Series 9 Chipset Drivers DIRECTLY from AMD

1.1. Uninstall Sound Blaster Cinema 2

2. Reboot+login at least 5 times, let the autostart start every program (even if it doesn't makes sense) - to get rid of a laggy southbridge

3. Deactivate "AMD Audio" in Device manager.

4. Reboot.

 

For now the sound-issue has not occurred for about 60 minutes of Spotify-HQ-Streaming... That COULD be the solution - thanks for everyone who directed me into the "audio-driver"-story...

 

EDIT - Nope - that wasn't the issue - after switching to youtube after about 2 Hours of spotify the same problem - Input disabled, sound goes on, video goes on - absolutely no idea how to proceed here...

[paradonym]

Still having the issue - even with disabled AMD audio - Additionally I can't update BIOS through UEFI menu - the UEFI stands still for ~30 Minutes without doing anything until I reboot - then it's the old BIOS version

 

 

Install the LAN drivers of memory card/DVD Then download MSI Live Update, should update the bios, audio drivers and a few other bits and bobs. Bios update came out this/last week and fixed most issue I had although I didn't have audio issues like you,also has a install by windows option.

 

 

Live update should only be used in a working system... And MSI support said that I have to use a DOS-USB-Stick with a Tool called afude238

The only Howto which uses this program is http://www.msi.com/page/biosupdate, which doesn't even provides DOS files and the program to flash it...

Live update said that I have to disable an UEFI Option called "BIOS protection" which I can't find in UEFI. I don't have any "chipset features" in my UEFI...

[Sintezza]

if you have a spare hdd laying arrounb you could also install windows 8.1 on that.

And then check if you still have freezing sound issues.

 

Windows 7, Vista, Server 2008. All have a common issue with crashing audio.

Caused by a service called audiodg.exe.

 

You could try to disable audio effects, on your playback devices.

[paradonym]

I'm totally unsure whether I can use Live update 6 - If I brick my Mainboard there's no warranty which I could use to change the Motherboard to another series...

uninstalled the sound devices in the device-manager and rebooted to install defaults - If the problem now doesn't occurs, it's a driver incompatibility with windows 8.1.

I'll also check the cables inside the PC - theres no problem except the input/southbridge thing. And the "BIOS Protection" madness... 

 

if you have a spare hdd laying arrounb you could also install windows 8.1 on that.

And then check if you still have freezing sound issues.

I'm currently running 8.1 - If that sound/input-freeze-issue doesn't occurs on stock drivers playing stereo sound thats definitely a Realtek-driver-problem and therefore probably being better with windows 7...

 

I already formatted my SSD for resolving the issue - if it's formatted 1-2 times more doesn't matters in case of sensitive data - thats on other HDDs in the system...

[paradonym]

Well I just updated my 979 bios via Live Update and it went fine. I have audio issues with my board. Mine plays my computer sounds through to anyone I'm speaking too. Tried everything and nothing has fixed it. Some say that the sound card on this motherboard has had a lot of trouble. Hope you get yours fixed

Thanks for the warming words there are some other forum posts regarding that problem on MSI boards - but they all end up purchasing a sound card to circumvent the onboard-chip...

[FruitBasketSilex]

Does this problem occur on the gaming 7?

[paradonym]

Still having problems with default audio - this time tested with Prime95 running at "max power" mode which lets me get back to my PSU...

 

Attached a screenshot of HWMonitor - I'm having +13,5 Volts on the +12V line... Is that too much for +12V? - then it'll be the PSU which simply is defective because it doesn't makes clear +12v

 

Following ATX-rules the +5V and +12V is too high, which could cause my problems...

 

CPU used about 60 Watts in Stress Test, no idea how much amperage is behind that...

[paradonym]

Changed PSU to my old one (Enermax Pro 82+ 525W) this PSU has 3 +12V lanes but they're still delivering +13,9 Volts on the +12V rail shows HWMonitor...

 

Audio on stock drivers runs for about 15 Minutes next to Prime95 in "max Power" mode - adding Furmark soon to check the max. Usage...

[rentaspoon]

Live update should only be used in a working system... And MSI support said that I have to use a DOS-USB-Stick with a Tool called afude238

The only Howto which uses this program is http://www.msi.com/page/biosupdate, which doesn't even provides DOS files and the program to flash it...

Live update said that I have to disable an UEFI Option called "BIOS protection" which I can't find in UEFI. I don't have any "chipset features" in my UEFI...

I don't know where it is but I'll have a look tonight if I have a chance otherwise RMA it, I can't really help much further tbh

Also hwmonitor is not accurate for that

[paradonym]

Same problem even with PSU switch - the PSU can hold the power with Furmark+Prime95, but I had still an input-lag and sound-issue after 1 hour of audio... Oo

 

I'm totally out of ideas how to fix this...

BIOS-Update, but that seems to be done through a dos system

[rentaspoon]

Same problem even with PSU switch - the PSU can hold the power with Furmark+Prime95, but I had still an input-lag and sound-issue after 1 hour of audio... Oo

I'm totally out of ideas how to fix this...

BIOS-Update, but that seems to be done through a dos system

Over clocked CPU?

Like I said I had no issue via live update and personally had no issues, are these downloaded videos?

[paradonym]

Over clocked CPU?

Like I said I had no issue via live update and personally had no issues, are these downloaded videos?

No - Stock Settings - somehow the 8320 runs at 4 GHz - as said as "Turbo" Speed - but I normally don't overclock completely new systems.

Following that tutorial https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=116721.0 the HQ-Installer installs a flash-disk on the stick, but it sais only to run memtest to be sure... but the tool can't install memtest somehow - so I'll first check memtest...

[rentaspoon]

No - Stock Settings - somehow the 8320 runs at 4 GHz - as said as "Turbo" Speed - but I normally don't overclock completely new systems.

Following that tutorial https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=116721.0 the HQ-Installer installs a flash-disk on the stick, but it sais only to run memtest to be sure... but the tool can't install memtest somehow - so I'll first check memtest...

Try turning turbo off, I had issues with it on the old bios but don't now. The install gives you a choice either update in windows or insert a flash disk. They've update all of the software recently.

[paradonym]

Try turning turbo off, I had issues with it on the old bios but don't now. The install gives you a choice either update in windows or insert a flash disk. They've update all of the software recently.

 

Turbo was on by default - just recovered "safe settings" in UEFI 

 

Have you used Live Update 6? I'm a little bit confused because the windows (installer) exe told me to switch off a "Bios protection" which simply isn't available in the UEFI, but MSI-Support told me to disable "Windows 8 Feature" in UEFI - so I guess they hid "secure boot" in it - but they were disabled by default... Confused also about being not able to update directly from UEFI when pointing to the firmware-flash-file. It's on a FAT-formatted stick - so it should be able to boot and recognize files from the stick.

 

Anyway - ran a memtest86+ - all 10 tests passed without errors. According to the MSI HQ firmware thing ( https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=116721.0 ) I should do 5 times all 10 tests to be safe, but the 10 tests are lasting about 90 mins - so... I'll stay at 1 time testing.

 

Now I'll try to prepare my USB-Stick for flashing BIOS through this MSI HQ Tool - everyone in the web said thats the safest way to semi-automatically update a BIOS...

That's also the point MSI-Support directed me too (even if I loose my warranty through it). So I'll print the whole e-mail-conversation for being on the safe side for a goodwill-refund - just to be on the safe side...

 

EDIT:

nope - BIOS update through MSI HQ Firmware tool isn't possible - stopping at the screen message "preparing to backup BIOS..."

I'm out of ideas for resolving that issue...

[paradonym]

Updated the BIOS through a Win98-DOS-System, but the audio-issue still exists. This time after 90 Minutes, the audio went weird and input wasn't possible - with default audio-drivers of windows.

The last idea I have would be an RMA-return of the Mainboard.

[paradonym]

Changing the default sound profile in realtek manager software causes also the problem if sound is playing...

So it seems to be a manufacturing defect in the southbridge or the ALC1150 chip...

[Sintezza]

Still having problems with default audio - this time tested with Prime95 running at "max power" mode which lets me get back to my PSU...

 

Attached a screenshot of HWMonitor - I'm having +13,5 Volts on the +12V line... Is that too much for +12V? - then it'll be the PSU which simply is defective because it doesn't makes clear +12v

 

Following ATX-rules the +5V and +12V is too high, which could cause my problems...

 

CPU used about 60 Watts in Stress Test, no idea how much amperage is behind that...

 

Hmm vrm´s are a bit hot, but not world shocking.

 

How is it going?

you allready did those DPC latency tests?

[paradonym]

 

Hmm vrm´s are a bit hot, but not world shocking.

 

How is it going?

you allready did those DPC latency tests?

 

DPC latency is always in the yellow areas - no matter if LAN connected, driver running, network-audio or offline-audio...

But I guess that isn't solvable by driver-things - because having either LAN or Audio doesn't makes sense...

Now I installed the new PSU on the old Mainboard - there isn't a problem with reading voltages, so I think the error rate at the MSI board is higher. Means another time: Mainboard with factory defects - not the PSU