Built in sound vs SbLive! X-Gamer? (WITH POLL) EDIT:updated

[Savarak]

My speakers is the Cambridge Soundworks FPS2000, and currently am using the Digital Output from my SBLive! card... is it an upgrade or an downgrade if I start using the AC97 Realtek ALC650 using the Analog cables?

edit: see other post for update

 

[Mem]

is it an upgrade or an downgrade if I start using the AC97 Realtek ALC650 using the Analog cables?

Downgrade,however your ears should confirm I`m right 😉.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

ALC650 is not a sound chip, it's just the codec.
The sound chip is embedded inside the motherboard's chipset.

It may not be worse than SB Live, all depend on the motherboard's chipset.

 

[imported_oralpain]

Not sure wich would be better for digital. For anolog the ALC650 should be superior to a sound blaster live, regardless of chipset. I've compaired them and I would go with the realtek everytime. The plain ALC650 AC97' codec useing realteks drivers isn't that bad.

Dose the motherbaord have digital outs ofr the onboard? You could compaire them directly that way.

It is not dependant on the chipset except in the rare case that it is ONLY used as DAC (for soundstorm for example).

 

[compudog]

Are you having issues with your SB Live that you want to change? Or do you just have the options and want to explore them?

I have a similiar scenario and I am interested in your reason.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Well i think in this case the SBLive would be the better choice as it has a seperate APU (EMU10K1 IIRC) whereas the AC97 is only a codec and it uses CPU processes. THis onboard feat was revolutionized by Nvidia's soundstorm. The soundstorm has its own seperate APU, therefore it relieves the CPU of some work. Personally i would pick Soundstorm over anything except an Audigy 2 series card. As for the AC97 though i would most likely stay with your SBLive.

-Kevin

 

[Savarak]

I should change the OP... i got another motherboard, the Gigabyte K8NS Pro... its got that 8 channel built in sound using the ALC850 AC'97 codec... not sure if its got this "soundstorm" thing tho... but it IS an NForce3

 

[Gamingphreek]

No its not Soundstorm. However Soundtorm is slated to come back in the upcoming Nforce 4. But for now it is only on the Nforce 2. To tell the truth right now it comes down to two things.
1. Personal Preference

2. Speakers you are using

Obviously if you are using 7.1 channel speakers than your gonna want the onboard but for everything else im not sure, i would probably go with the SBLive though.

-Kevin