Does this sound like a power supply problem?

[Getback]

No.  But I did upgrade my realtek sound codecs.  That, along with the 0601 bios for my ASUS motherboard had gotten the artifact problem down to a manageable level.  Also, I'm using RivaTuner too.

Did you set your sound in directx to 3/4? My humblest advice is to get a sound card.

I think Baldegle is right it is not the codec. Chances are it is something very very simple. Check the easy first.

[Hamltnblue]

What is the room temperature where your computer is?
Summer time always brings out the artifacts.  A hot video card will do that all the time.
To check, remove the side of the case and place a table fan nearby facing in.  If the problem clears it's heat.  Many machines simply don't have enough air flow in the case and when added to a warm room and pushing graphics, things heat up and start failing.

[Sincraft]

step 1 buy another mobo.
step 2 never buy that manufacturer again.
step 3 tell them in their forums they lost a customer for life.
step 4 enjoy you new carefree mobo.

[Fulmar]

step 1 buy another mobo.
step 2 never buy that manufacturer again.
step 3 tell them in their forums they lost a customer for life.
step 4 enjoy you new carefree mobo.

I think we'd be jumping the gun here.  It's a new computer and I'd seek warranty first before sticking money into it.  Plus he's a novice and not 100% familiar with building yet.  Plus I wouldn't be there to point the finger just on the motherboard.  It's hard to determine the cause sometimes.

[Hamltnblue]

I doubt the issue is the MOBO.

[BaldEagl]

I doubt the issue is the MOBO.

Have you read the thread I posted yet?

[humble]

1st this is not a MB problem per se...it might be related to the specific chipset but not to the brand of MB.

My bigger question is simple, this is a "store bought" machine...what type of warranty did you get. I'd simply RMA it and have them address the issues. Who ever built this is totally clueless. Not only is the PS a ticking bomb but there are known compatability issues with the hardware. If the company will not RMA the unit then I'd dispute the charge with my credit card company...