Sound interference when using headset

[Doghouse Riley]

I get a fair amount of "electrical noise" when using headphones either at the main (mobo) jack or the jack connected to the case front.

Whistling, chittering, etc.. noticeable when low levels of sound are being generated by the app or there is no sound-producing app in use.

Board is an Abit IP35 Pro, case is Antec Sonata III. This was my first full build and everything else is working just fine.

Is a separate sound card a solution? The only solution?

Doghouse

[hitchface]

Generally, onboard sound is prone to exhibiting that electrical noise, so I'd go for a soundcard. Even if that doesn't end up being your problem, onboard audio just doesn't compare to that of a card.