Audio crackling, popping and inconsistent performance on battery

I got a bit of a deal on a Zephyrus g14, 4070, though it might be going back at this rate...

The laptop is great when plugged in. But if I unplug it and then boot up a game (tried a couple but I only care about doom) then the audio starts crackling. I can make it a little bit better/worse by tinkering with different power settings, but it doesn't go away. Even after adjusting CPU min to 100%, messing with wireless adapter power settings, and tinkering in geforce now.

Happens regardless of using laptop speakers, or anything else.

It will sometimes continue outside the game.

If I unplug while in a game, there are no audio issues. Until I restart the game...so I don't think it's hardware related.

I tinkered with power setting enough that it disappeared in a specific setting I had. But a few days later, it's back.

Id appreciate any insights, it's a nice laptop for most of what I need, but this man needs unlimited Doom, too.