I had the same cpu noise you are describing. It was also noticeable with network activity. Very annoying. My research led me to suspect a ground loop (google it). There was almost nothing I could do about this. It even occured when using a Griffin iMic. Then, the amp died. When I replaced the amp, voila! No more noise.
Good luck. Paul -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Unsubscribe - <mailto:wamug-unsubscr...@wamug.org.au>