Audio Help

[DKT]

We're getting our kids new computers for Christmas, and have purchased the Epox 9NPA+ Ultra mobos. Questions:

1) Is the on board audio a viable way to go (as opposed to getting a separate sound card)?
2) In reading the AT review of the ultras, I'm not sure I understood their audio test, but it looked like under 3D, 30% of the CPU was being used to support this audio? If true then wouldn't this have a big effect while playing games, and wouldn't this warrant a separate sound card?
3) Is 7.1 significantly better than 5.1 (I know this is a subjective question, but would like some opinions).

The older boy is heading off to college next year and would like to get the audio set up for a dorm room.

We're not interested in spending alot of money on this, but would like to keep the audio portion of their systems to $100 - $150. Is this possible?

My guess is that it's about 50/50 on games/music.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[orangat]

Onboard audio is generally no good. The reason is subpar components and internal fri/emi noise. There are some good implementations but hardly anyone does reviews on onboard audio.

The cpu doesn't take a 30% hit more like 5%. In any case, a separate card takes the load off since gamers just in case frame rates dips too low. And the card has to be eax2/3/4 capable since non-creative ones aren't.

Generally computer MM speakers are terrible in comparison to HT speakers for audio fidelity. The more speakers eg 5.1/7.1 the smaller, cheaper each individual speaker has to be for the same amount of money. So if you are more interested in music, go for a 2.1. Games are better with a 5.1 setup since you get better 3d positioning for fps, fidelity be damned. 7.1 is probably overkill for 3d.

 

[PurdueRy]

1. Yes the onboard option is definitely a viable way to go. The onboard audio is getting better and better these days.

2. You will see a slight increase in FPS but I doubt it would be anything near 30%

3. IMO computer speakers have no use for 7.1. They are near field, so they are generally close to the person using them. Also, quite a few people don't even setup a 5.1 system properly.

If you wanted to you could get a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 for somewhere between $40 and $80 and then spend the rest to get them each a set of speakers such as the X-530

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: orangat
Onboard audio is generally no good. The reason is subpar components and internal fri/emi noise. There are some good implementations but hardly anyone does reviews on onboard audio.

The cpu doesn't take a 30% hit more like 5%. In any case, a separate card takes the load off since gamers just in case frame rates dips too low. And the card has to be eax2/3/4 capable since non-creative ones aren't.

Generally computer MM speakers are terrible in comparison to HT speakers for audio fidelity. The more speakers eg 5.1/7.1 the smaller, cheaper each individual speaker has to be for the same amount of money. So if you are more interested in music, go for a 2.1. Games are better with a 5.1 setup since you get better 3d positioning for fps, fidelity be damned. 7.1 is probably overkill for 3d.

Depends, if they are going to be gaming then they would want to use analog outputs and this generally warrants a better sound card. However, for music and movie use the digital out is more than ok on most boards when going on a budget. Shouldn't this kid be studying anyway?

 

[orangat]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
......
Depends, if they are going to be gaming then they would want to use analog outputs and this generally warrants a better sound card. However, for music and movie use the digital out is more than ok on most boards when going on a budget. Shouldn't this kid be studying anyway?

The thread starter said 50/50 games/music so you're statement about studying is irrelevant.

What is getting better and better? A review of an recent asrock showed the rmaa values for noise to be equivalent if an old sb live.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: orangat

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
......
Depends, if they are going to be gaming then they would want to use analog outputs and this generally warrants a better sound card. However, for music and movie use the digital out is more than ok on most boards when going on a budget. Shouldn't this kid be studying anyway?

The thread starter said 50/50 games/music so you're statement about studying is irrelevant.

What is getting better and better? A review of an recent asrock showed the rmaa values for noise to be equivalent if an old sb live.

Jeez, a little harsh. Anyway, no it's not irrelevant. I came to school 3 years ago with a 3000+ barton and Radeon 9800 pro. $400 card at the time. How much was I able to use it? Very little. So I think it is worth considering that at college, not everyone will find the time to really get a lot out of a system.

With computer speakers, many people may claim to hear a huge difference. I bet you most people could hardly tell the difference if you gave them the two systems and switched between them. This is about whether it is worth it to pay $80 for a sound card on a $100-$150 budget. I really think the OP could find better places to spend the extra $80.

 

[DKT]

Originally posted by: orangat
Onboard audio is generally no good. The reason is subpar components and internal fri/emi noise. There are some good implementations but hardly anyone does reviews on onboard audio.

The cpu doesn't take a 30% hit more like 5%. In any case, a separate card takes the load off since gamers just in case frame rates dips too low. And the card has to be eax2/3/4 capable since non-creative ones aren't.

Generally computer MM speakers are terrible in comparison to HT speakers for audio fidelity. The more speakers eg 5.1/7.1 the smaller, cheaper each individual speaker has to be for the same amount of money. So if you are more interested in music, go for a 2.1. Games are better with a 5.1 setup since you get better 3d positioning for fps, fidelity be damned. 7.1 is probably overkill for 3d.

Thanks. What's MM and HT?

 

[DKT]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: orangat
Onboard audio is generally no good. The reason is subpar components and internal fri/emi noise. There are some good implementations but hardly anyone does reviews on onboard audio.

The cpu doesn't take a 30% hit more like 5%. In any case, a separate card takes the load off since gamers just in case frame rates dips too low. And the card has to be eax2/3/4 capable since non-creative ones aren't.

Generally computer MM speakers are terrible in comparison to HT speakers for audio fidelity. The more speakers eg 5.1/7.1 the smaller, cheaper each individual speaker has to be for the same amount of money. So if you are more interested in music, go for a 2.1. Games are better with a 5.1 setup since you get better 3d positioning for fps, fidelity be damned. 7.1 is probably overkill for 3d.

Depends, if they are going to be gaming then they would want to use analog outputs and this generally warrants a better sound card. However, for music and movie use the digital out is more than ok on most boards when going on a budget. Shouldn't this kid be studying anyway?

Yes he should be studying, but I'm trying to be realistic (trying not to be the typical parent, but as next year approaches, I'll probably change).

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Onboard + Logitech z-5300s would get you good bang for your buck.

If they care more about music quality, check out this thread for suggestions towards the end of the thread
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1736988&enterthread=y

There are sporatic Audigy2 deals going around. Maybe get the speakers first and see how they sound with onboard. If you think you want to get a soundcard for the sets, hold off until you can get an A2 value for $40 or less... or an A2 zs for $50 or so.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: DKT

Originally posted by: orangat
Onboard audio is generally no good. The reason is subpar components and internal fri/emi noise. There are some good implementations but hardly anyone does reviews on onboard audio.

The cpu doesn't take a 30% hit more like 5%. In any case, a separate card takes the load off since gamers just in case frame rates dips too low. And the card has to be eax2/3/4 capable since non-creative ones aren't.

Generally computer MM speakers are terrible in comparison to HT speakers for audio fidelity. The more speakers eg 5.1/7.1 the smaller, cheaper each individual speaker has to be for the same amount of money. So if you are more interested in music, go for a 2.1. Games are better with a 5.1 setup since you get better 3d positioning for fps, fidelity be damned. 7.1 is probably overkill for 3d.

Thanks. What's MM and HT?

MM just meaning standard computer speakers

HT = Hometheater speakers

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Onboard + Logitech z-5300s would get you good bang for your buck.

If they care more about music quality, check out this thread for suggestions towards the end of the thread
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1736988&enterthread=y

There are sporatic Audigy2 deals going around. Maybe get the speakers first and see how they sound with onboard. If you think you want to get a soundcard for the sets, hold off until you can get an A2 value for $40 or less... or an A2 zs for $50 or so.

Another good option for the OP

 

[DKT]

I discovered the younger son has one of the sets you recommended (X-530). I just ordered from Newegg the Z-5300. They had $30 off and cheapest shipping. I also decided to take your advice and see how the onboard audio performs before getting an audio card.

Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: DKT
I discovered the younger son has one of the sets you recommended (X-530). I just ordered from Newegg the Z-5300. They had $30 off and cheapest shipping. I also decided to take your advice and see how the onboard audio performs before getting an audio card.

Thanks everyone for your help.

:thumbsup: Most people are satisfied with onboard I would say. Its really a hit and miss thing. Some boards have awful onboard sound, some are pretty impressive. Good luck!

 

[DKT]

I just wanted to get back and let you know how the systems worked out. Both kids were very pleased with the systems, and the on board audio is quite good (they are only playing games), so Christmas was a sucess.

Thanks again.

BTW, I was able to find 3200+ DPMW processors, that so far hit 2.6 Ghz, @ 1.5 volts. Still running stability tests. I think the chip is capable of more with higher voltage, but want them to last a while.

 

[ronopp]

I have a A8N-SLI Premium and tried the ON board sound.....I gave my old system to the kids and after about 2 days of messing with it I took my A2 back and put it into my new rig now I am waiting for the x-fi to come down in price and will get it yea I am a gammer too!!