The speakers I was using before are connected directly to the TV I was using. I did try using the headphones directly, both in the rear audio ports, and the front audio ports. I don't have a separate sound card, I was just using the ports that are directly on the motherboard. I have a DFI BloodIron P35.
Also, during the storm, the picture on my TV kept going out. We didn't lose power, but it go off for about 3-4 seconds then come back.
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