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popping noises in game audio

Ask By Faisal A.1,054 views

there are pops and crackles in game audio but not in music. fps drops too. gtx 1660 super

Brand
Realtek
Model
ALC897
Connection
3.5mm Jack
System
Windows 11
Browser
Chrome 131
Sample Rate
48 kHz
Output Channels
2 channels
Crackling And Buzzing SoundsWindows PC
Tool used in this discussionSound TestQuick left, right and stereo check for any speakers or headphones
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Short Answer

Pops in games usually mean the CPU is busy and the audio buffer runs empty. Set the sample rate to 48 kHz, close background apps and update chipset and audio drivers.

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Lars Neumann
Lars NeumannAudio Team
Electroacoustics Engineer · 6+ years experience · Answered Jun 17, 2026

Games load the CPU heavily. If the audio driver misses its deadline, you hear a pop or crackle. Drivers and DPC latency matter here.

After you make the change, play the Sound Test again to confirm the result. If the problem is still there, add your device, browser and what you tried in the replies so the team can narrow it down.

Step By Step Fix
  1. Set the format to 24 bit 48000 Hz in Sound, Properties, Advanced
  2. Turn off Exclusive mode
  3. Update chipset, GPU and audio drivers
  4. Close apps such as recorders and RGB software
Sources
  1. Microsoft Support

Checked by Rishabh Sharma on . How we verify answers

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Community Replies 2

  • Craig QuinnCommunity Member

    RGB software was the cause for me. Worth trying before you spend any money.

  • Poppy DawsonCommunity Member

    Switching to 48 kHz fixed the pops. I checked it again with the Sound Test afterwards to be sure.

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Lars Neumann
Written and tested by

Lars Neumann

Electroacoustics Engineer at Sound Test

Lars Neumann is the Electroacoustics Engineer on the Sound Tester Audio Team. Conducts strict transducer distortion testing, frequency response matching, and ambient room noise profiling. Active in international acoustics engineering forums and Mastodon. Based in Germany. On Sound Tester he answers hum, noise and distortion discussions, and explains how room and wiring affect what you hear.

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  • 5 answers on Sound Test
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