[tip] convert a crap laptop to something emminently usable

My current laptop was originally totally unsuitable for audio work.
The immediate problem was artifact noise. The original mechanical hdd sounded like it was being miked directly, and there were all manner of additional glitches, hums, modulations and unwanted sound objects.
Even after an SSD instal it was still completely unusable.
A lot of interference was from the power pack itself, with additional interference coming from onboard.
The inexpensive and easy solution was a car stereo RF filter - available from any electronics hardware store.
Position it inline between your soundcard output and amplification.
Mine came with rca connectors already so no soldering was required.