Question : Problem: My sound card has suddenly started making crackling sounds

My sound card has suddenly started making crackling sounds, especially when the processor is taxed. I've never had latency problems before. I unistalled and reinstalled the latest drivers and frimware. No significant improvement. Thanks.

Answer : Problem: My sound card has suddenly started making crackling sounds

Doesn't necessarily indicate malware.  It could be that the HD is fragged out and the antivirus is doing a random scan or something like that.  Or if it happens during a game... well, there's nothing you can do about that then :-)