Topic: Fireface 400 makes noise when buss powered but external is fine

I have a windows desktop with a fireface 400. It's connected to a multimax ex monitor controller. I was having huge amounts of noise when the computer turned on, hard drive activity, when the monitor has a mostly white screen, or when pro tools was booted. While trouble shooting, I connected the external power and switched the fireface from bus power to ext. No more noise. What's the explanation for this?
Best,
Brandon