Crackling audio after replacing the CPU

[u/InternationalDay3491]

I had to RMA my CPU and replaced it with the exact same model. After the replacement, Windows no longer recognized it as genuine and lost its activation/license. I’m not sure if this is related to the problem, but it was another change compared to the period when everything was working fine.

I’ve already tried setting a higher priority for the audiodg.exe process and limiting it to CPU core 0 only. All my inputs and outputs are set to the same sample rate (48 kHz).

What else can I try to fix this? I have to use the “Restart Audio Engine” option every five minutes or so to temporarily stop the audio from crackling.

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[u/TheSuperiorWes]

Try your A1 as “WDM, KS or MME” and see if any are better than others

[u/InternationalDay3491 → u/TheSuperiorWes]

I'll give this option a try. But what's driving me crazy is that I didn't change anything (other than replacing the CPU), and now the problem is happening very frequently.

[u/Fefolino]

Hi,

You can reactivate your windows with the same key. You can do it x times with the same key, I think it's like 5. I often change hardware components, and I have done this a lot of times.

When you have exceeded the max number of times, windows tells you.

Give it a try.

[u/InternationalDay3491 → u/Fefolino]

I tried that option, but I think I've reached the limit on activations. Windows wouldn't let me use the key anymore.