S205 and audio static; RAM

[Squeeky]

When I use earbuds with the S205, I can hear faint (very faint, but nonetheless present) audio static (as well as a slight, uneven high-pitched tone).  Use of the touchpad, a mouse, or HDD access changes the character of the static.

The static in NOT affected by the audio volume setting (i.e., it doesn't get louder or softer ... it is always the same), and when anything at all is being driven through the audio system, any static is unnoticeable (and the sound is undistorted).

However, when there is "silence", it is really annoying.

I've plugged in my Klipsch desktop sound system, and I don't notice the static at all (I'm sure it hasn't disappeared, of course).  But with earbuds ...

Is this a congenital problem with this product, or unique to my system (and therefore a warranty issue)?  Can anyone verify?

* * * * *

I have the E-350, and 3GB of RAM.  It's reasonably snappy, all things considered, but appears to be RAM-constrained (particularly when scrolling through the Facebook newsfeed).  Was planning to upgrade from 3GB to 6GB RAM (a mere $19.99).  Has anyone else done this, and does it make an appreciable difference in performance (I hope the answer is yes)?

[yigit]

have you tried to disable aps? ( active protection system )

[Squeeky]

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yigit wrote:
have you tried to disable aps? ( active protection system )

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At your suggestion, I used Task Manager to end the process "tpshocks.exe".  This had absolutely no effect on the static (which sounds a bit like random Morse code).

I did find 2 other postings which reference static on an S205:

http://my.opera.com/rejzor/blog/2011/10/09/lenovo-s205-is-apparently-not-so-great

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=20506501

[yigit]

try headphones and check if the issue persists.

[Squeeky]

I'm not sure I understand your question.  Headphones vs. earbuds?

Yes. the static persists with headphones.  It emanates from the computer (not from either the earbuds or the headphones).  It is more noticeable with the earbuds, however, because they are "in the ear", and significantly more sensitive.

[yigit]

try to remove current audio drivers, restart your computer and let windows install the drivers automatically after restart ( windows drivers ) check again if the issue still persists.

[Squeeky]

Before I posted this thread, I tested by removing the Conexant audio drivers (thereby forcing Windows to install the default Microsoft drivers).  No difference.  And since there was no difference, I reinstalled the Conexant drivers (ver. 8.54.19.0 - please advise if you have a newer driver).

[yigit]

try this:

http://consumersupport.lenovo.com/uk/en/DriversDownloads/drivers_show_4355.html

[Squeeky]

That driver is older than the one presently installed (8.36.0.0 vs. 8.54.19.0).  It is the Conexant driver that was installed in my system when I received it from Lenovo (a week ago).

At this point, I've tried 3 drivers.  The Conexant drivers that shipped with the system (8.36.0.0), the default Microsoft drivers, and the newer Conexants (8.54.19.0).

While I'm willing to explore driver/system configuration issues, I have never thought this to be a software issue (though I can advise that if I uninstall ALL audio drivers, the static stops ... as does the audio).

Let me repeat my original question ... which is, "is this a congenital problem?" (i.e., do *ALL* E-350 S205s exhibit this behavior?)   You would only notice it if you (i) use earbuds, (ii) regularly have the buds in your ears, but no sound being generated by the system, (iii) have sensitive hearing, and (iv) are in an environment without any ambient noise.  If it is NOT a congenital problem, and is unique to my system, then I will process an RMA.

[yigit]

i know that is older but it may fix your issue.
please, un-install the current ones, restart your computer and install the one i suggested.

i have no idea if all of the e-350 systems are effected.
ps: i don't work for lenovo.