sound stops working on 516 GE chromebook

Amethyst13
Amethyst13 Member Posts: 6

Tinkerer

edited August 30 in Chromebooks

At some point sound just stops working despite everything being unmuted. It's not like it dies in the middle of playing audio. At some point I go to play something new and there just isn't sound (and I triple check that everything is unmuted). Powering down and back up works. I purchased a 516GE chromebook and I exchanged it for another one and the same exact thing is happening, Acer suggested I sent it in but then I won't have a computer, I am not sure if I should just return this again, I already did a hard reset on the first one and that did not work.

Best Answer

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    > >I can't seem to get a break.> >

    You apparently are not alone with this audio issue in the latest batch of Chrome gamers built with audio hardware originally designed around Windows. Linux also has this very same issue but has a simple command line fix to quickly restart only the sound card instead of tediously having to re-boot the whole machine. A future ChromeOS update will probably address this apparent bug but unlikely to happen anytime soon. Accordingly, if I needed a PC like you, I'd probably exchange it for a comparably-equipped Windows machine even if it costs a bit more.

    Jack E/NJ

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer

    > >I exchanged it for another one and the same exact thing is happening, > >I am not sure if I should just return this again, > >

    Yes. Absolutely return it again ASAP to the vendor as not meeting your expectations. Request a refund or exchange on a different brand and/or model. Don't delay. Do this before the vendor's return merchandise authorization (RMA) period expires. Usually only a few weeks. Warranty service will take too long and may not resolve the issue except by a re-boot.

    Jack E/NJ

  • Amethyst13
    Amethyst13 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    edited June 11

    Thanks for your answer, I spoke to best buy and they will exchange it or refund it I have until Jun 30th, such a pain this is 3rd Chromebook I have to bring back, the first one was Asus and now 2 Acer's, I can't seem to get a break. 😪

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer
    Answer ✓

    > >I can't seem to get a break.> >

    You apparently are not alone with this audio issue in the latest batch of Chrome gamers built with audio hardware originally designed around Windows. Linux also has this very same issue but has a simple command line fix to quickly restart only the sound card instead of tediously having to re-boot the whole machine. A future ChromeOS update will probably address this apparent bug but unlikely to happen anytime soon. Accordingly, if I needed a PC like you, I'd probably exchange it for a comparably-equipped Windows machine even if it costs a bit more.

    Jack E/NJ

  • Amethyst13
    Amethyst13 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Thanks Jack, I have an aging Windows desktop Windows computer that takes a likin and keeps on ticking and will replace it more than likely next year as its struggling. but I need a laptop also and I prefer Chromebook for that, My last Chromebook was out of updates and I have an original duet that I put Linux on and its slow as molasses, I can't deal with it. I love this 516 GE Computer, it is so awesome. BB recommend me to take the higher membership, I have the medium membership. I really appreciate this information. I do not see any Chromebooks like the 516 and I saw the new 516 has a lower processor and a higher price tag, I prefer the original. I'm really not into gaming just prefer super fast like 516 GE.

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer

    Sounds like you might be willing live with the sound issue while waiting or hoping for an OS update to make it less annoying. 🙂

    Jack E/NJ

  • Amethyst13
    Amethyst13 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    edited June 11

    I see close to 400 reviews most with 5 * comments with only 2 mentioning the sound issue. Should I try another? The only other one I see that I like is the Acer Spin 714 EVO. It costs more, has a touch screen but no RGB which I love. The purple really stands out and the screen on the 516 is fantastic. Not sure yet what to do yet.🤔

  • Aelyth9000
    Aelyth9000 Member Posts: 2 New User

    You don't happen to have any links that would point me in that direction? I've enabled access to terminal and some time on my hands… Maybe I can take a crack at it as mine is doing the same thing and is one of those gaming editions (I'm a sucker, I know, but still…)!!!!!!!

  • Aelyth9000
    Aelyth9000 Member Posts: 2 New User

    Any links to point me in the right direction as I have one of the affected. I have enabled access to the terminal and have experience with linux…

  • Amethyst13
    Amethyst13 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    It doesn't happen that often, I thought they had fixed it but then it happened again this week, I have 2 JBL blue tooth speakers one on the right and one on the left I can turn on in case I don't want to restart it, weird how the sound will play with those speakers.

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,870 Trailblazer

    Aelyth9000

    You can try the terminal command 'killall pulseaudio'. This sometimes will automatically remove & replace a broken audio link between applications and the ALSA driver.

    Jack E/NJ

  • Amethyst13
    Amethyst13 Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Aelyth9000, please let us know if this works.