Computer does not function correctly because of a DPC latency issue. Windows 7, Acer?

[AaronDude]

I was looking for a spot to post this on these boards but it really kind of fits into the merchant discussion and tech area. This seems to be the most appropriate place for it I suppose.

Back in early November or so I bought an Acer computer from J&R online. It seems Acer doesn't know how to fix my computer and J&R doesn't want to stick up for me(should of went to Walmart). I'm surprised J&R didn't even retort with a response or solution after me posting my negative review of them. Anyway here are the specs for my computer. The model was discontinued after just a couple weeks(shorter life than most computers): Acer Aspire AM3802-U9062 specs and Desktop specifications - CNET Reviews . I've sent my computer into Acer for the third time. The first and second times I've sent it in they just reloaded the OS and Audio driver because they thought they were corrupted(I already did that myself BTW many times). Well, anyway the problem is a DPC latency issue where I have spikes through the roof after an hour or so of using my computer. If you don't know this causes garbled sound and sometimes slowdown of a computer period. Right now Acer has the computer again, longer than the first two times I might add. I sent them a letter in the box not to send the computer back until it's fixed. Acer has some BS policy of not replacing broken computers.

Anyway I kind of have a hunch it's not fixable and I will receive my broken computer back again. So much for a warranty I guess. Some people think it's hardware related, some think its something in windows 7 or another program 'causing it. Here is a nice thread of other people with the same problem although most have seemed to have fixed it. I on the other hand have tried almost everything listed in this thread: Realtek, Windows 7 64RTM Crackle/static/popping - Page 32 - Windows 7 Forums . I've posted many times looking for a solution and still don't have one.

I just want to know how widespread this problem is? Anyone here ever heard of this problem? I'm hoping Acer can actually fix it this time but it seems as though the 'technicians' in the repair center are not even smarter than me when it comes to hardware and software. Their phone support is pretty bad as well, I just get the same run around from them. I can't even understand them with their accents.

I kind of feel better about venting about this anyway. So, what's next? I can't sell it if I get it back and it has the same problem which is likely. Someone would just come after me if it wasn't working correctly.

I'd like to hear what other people think about the acer repair center. Do they do this bad a job for everyone or is just the exception? Has anyone ever been able to get a replacement computer from Acer even if it's refurbished? This can get pretty ridiculous. I can just keep sending it in until the warranty is up then I'm SOL.

[smn]

I've never bought anything from Acer. They are not very responsive when warranty issues are involved and the computers they sell leave a bit to be desired.

I use Dell. They work fine.

[sfw1960]

Can't you disable the onboard sound & put a REAL sound card in the PC???

[gryphyn]

I feel for you, your complaint is one of the reasons I have spent the last few months building a different kind of retail site. Over the next few months I will be setting in place a solutions page for common problems with different products. I have been reading and building systems for quite a while now and I have recruited a tech/software certified assistant in order to solve issues I may have with products I list.
My first suggestion would be to identify what motherboard is in your system here Motherboards Identification Tools :: Motherboards.org Motherboards.org
Then go to the Manufacturer web site and download the latest drivers for your board, save them to file, if they are zipped, unzip them, and reload the drivers one at a time. This is very time consuming and frustrating at times but I have had to do this on many occasions with some of these cheaper units.
I have even gone to chip manufacturer in order to get the correct drivers. In this case get the set direct from realtek. I have had one occurance where it was the VGA drivers causing a compatibilty issue with audio drivers so this may be what is going on. Win 7 is still as far as I am concerned still having growing pains.
There are other options that would require getting into the BIOS, however if your not experienced or familiar with some adjustments it could create more problems.
If you feel up to it you might be able to get some help either at motherboards.org or pcper.com. Both of these sites have people that go the extra mile in helping people in your position, who knows you might even find me hanging out.

TTYL Gryphyn

[gryphyn]

Originally Posted by sfw1960

Can't you disable the onboard sound & put a REAL sound card in the PC???

This may only cover up the issue for a short time. If it is another system/chip failure/issue it would probably return with a different sound card.
G