Mic/onboard sound issue

[spacein_vader]

I've just bought myself a new headset thinking the mic on the old one died. Turns out it's likely my Mobos onboard sound as the new one has the same issue. People can hear the pop when the mic is plugged in/out of the 3.5 jack but nothing else (except background noise if I turn the mic gain up to +30db.)

This is on the front panel and rear panel jacks just the same. Are there any tricks I should try before deciding the mic part of the onboard audio is borked?

If not, any suggestions for an add in PCIE sound card. It doesn't need to be flashy, just support headphone/mic through 3.5mm and audio out (stereo, don't use surround,) through the same.

Only gotcha is it needs to play nicely with Linux as well as Windows. Currently Ubuntu but that may change depending on where Valve decide to target Steam post the 32 bit issues with Canonical.

[DanceswithUnix]

I would suggest a USB to audio converter rather than a PCIe card if you aren't fussed for quality.

I got one of these for my daughter's Windows PC with a broken front headphone socket, but it works with Fedora Linux (just tested it).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N905VOY/

I generally find USB audio stuff just works.

[spacein_vader]

Hadn't considered USB. Might need some fettling as the speakers will still be fed from the onboard so when I switch to headset I'll also need to change audio source.