Sound card choice.

mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Just built a comp for the wife. Nice 2.1 speaker system and onboard sound.
I want to get a sound card for the box, but don't want to spend a whole bunch of money. Can anyone recommend a PCI sound card that doesn't use a lot of CPU/RAM in the sub $50 range?

Thanks y'all!

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Ham_fisT · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:34 pm Post subject:

can't go wrong with an Audigy

this one is $40.00 >>> http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-166&depa=1 <<<

I have an Audigy Gamer, that I paid about this much for, and I Love it
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Spiegel · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:05 pm Post subject:

I agree, an Audigy would be a fine choice....but while we're (kind of) on the topic, steer clear of the Audigy 2 ZS Platinum...the one with the internal hub. I know it's a bit out of the price-range that you're looking at, but I'm warning against it anyway

I've had nothing but problems with my hub...the card itself works flawlessly, however

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mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

It seems to be using a fair ammount of cpu and dosen't sound very good.

[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

I would first look for better drivers for it.

Also , did you install the chipset drivers for your motherboard?
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mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Latest drivers from oem website installed. Sound is kinda "muddy" and has a constant low level hum. Tried the speakers on my box and they sound good.

Xal · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 8:35 am Post subject:

is the mic input muted? Sometimes that can cause a hum or buzz.
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mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Good call, Karl, but that's not the prob either.

[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

I would go on ebay and get a cheap creative based 2 channel sound card.

Cheapest way to go.
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mojo1340 · UberTweaker Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1022

Thanks, didn't think of ebay. I'll look.

JayDubya · Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2004 4:38 pm Post subject:

black6jack9 · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 11:30 pm Post subject: Soundcard

1. If you are a Gamer then go with Audigy 2 or Audigy 2 zs because it has hardware 3D Audio acceleration that other card including onboard soundcard doesn't have.

2. If you watch movie a lot then go with Maudio Revolution because the sound is more detail and balance than Audigy 2 series but doesn't have hardware 3D Audio acceleration you will get less Frame Per Second in FPS games.

Any idea?
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

That pretty much hit the nail on the head, there.

I use M-Audio gear for my studio, but it's all outboard stuff, and rather expensive.

The Audigy has its own processor, basically, for surround decoding and transfer, while the Revolution is partially host-based. Standard audio is through the card, but anything surround related is sent through the CPU first. For gaming, that's bad......you'll lose a few FPS over the Revolution.

On the other hand, the Revolution is spec'd higher for S/N, and at a higher bitrate. Depending on your speakers, you might never notice the difference.

Overall, though, I'd probably pick the Audigy for a general-purpose machine.
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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

Mark my words, onboard soundcards will be the better option in the future if not now.

No need for an upgrade with the onboard solutions available today.
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