Best slot to install sound card into?

[Error Macro]

I am about to put together my new system, and this has always bugged me for years:

What is the best slot on the motherboard to install the sound card into? Because of the sometimes nasty problems from WinXP PCI steering, is it a bad idea to install in Slot 5 (which is the farthest away from the AGP slot)? Should it be in slot 4? I'm having a real hard time finding the IRQ assignments in my motherboard's manual.

Perhaps someone knows the answer to this age-old question? Thank you.

 

[dew042]

I have built 100s of XP systems with no IRQ issues. I just put it farthest away from AGP, or one slot away from any other PCI card. Best way to find out is to try it 😉

dew.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Likewise. I've rarely had any problems installing cards, and if you have problems, try another slot. No harm done.
Tas.

 

[theMan]

dont put it to close to the video card for better ventilation. otherwise, i wouldnt worry about it.

 

[EvilRage]

I once had problems with IRQ conflicts with a 9700 Pro and an Sound Blaster Live 5.1/Audigy 2 ZS (I upgraded later) in a Dell Desktop, but I chalked that up to Dell sucking. I noticed a problem when Halo would play choppy and lag, but with the sound turned off, it played smoothly. Ever since I tried to put the sound card in the PCI slot that shared the least IRQ assignments.

 

[The J]

Genrally, it's the first PCI slot (right next to the AGP slot) that shares the same IRQ as the AGP slot if I remember correctly. Install your card in any other slot and you should be okay. I have the K8N Neo2 also and have my Audigy 2 ZS in the 2rd slot, a PCI wireless adapter in the 4th slot, and nothing in the orange slot (that's meant for MSI's wireless/bluetooth adapter, but can be used with any card).