C-media CMI8738 6-channel sound controller: Any Good??

[JOSEPHLB]

Getting ready to set up my Asus P4S333 with a 2.0A Northwood later this evening.

Just wondering what the quality is of the onboard CMI 8738 audio controller?

I DO NOT want Soundblaster bloat in this system.



Anyone have this audio controller? Pros? Cons?
Thanks!

 

[holdencommodore]

Well, it's much, much better than a AC97 codec. Sound quality is pretty good - and it supports A3D, EAX 1 & 2 and Sensaura Mulit-drive, MacroFX, ZoomFX. The Sensaura 3D engine is really good, and the drivers are good too. It may have slightly higher CPU utilisation, but it is still much better than AC97.

Cheers

 

[InsaneMorphius]

WAY WAY better than the AC97

Some folks are canning their low end sound cards and just using the on-board!

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Sounds tempting. Thanks for the responses.

I'm still deciding.. I absolutely love Aureal Vortex 2, and I'm wondering how it would compare. I'm still debating on whether to see if I can get an Aureal SQ2500 to work on this board or not.. Oh well.. its not that hard to yank it out, if it doesn't work.

 

[Agamar]

I am getting a Soyo Dragon +...I plan on selling my OEM Live and just using it.

 

[jamarno]

I don't know about the 6-channel, but I've never had hardware or software problems with the 2-channel version that's frequently on sale for under $8 at Fry's, and the analog quality of the sound is better than most, including noise/hiss. This is probably the best kind of cheap sound available.

 

[InsaneMorphius]

Been hearing very good things about it.

Will post back soon as I get my iWill XP333R next day or so, as it has the same chipset and will advise!

 

[toshiba3020]

It is great. I gave up my sound blaster live for it over a year ago. Couldnt believe I had a sound card that sounded just as good, was compatible with everything, cost me less than I even sold my used sb live for, and I finally have 6 channel output.

UT+Surrround=eternal sweetness

 

[NEVERwinter]

it rocks! far better than the usual AC97 and supports EAX/A3D/etc...