Can anyone with a P67 Sabertooth weigh in?

[TemjinGold]

So I'm thinking about going with this board for my new 2500k build. I'm a bit bothered by it requiring me to buy a separate 50mm fan though. So a few questions:

1) Those of you who have this board, do I NEED to buy a fan or is it fine without?
2) If yes to #1, is there a particular one you would recommend?

and an unrelated question...

3) Has Realtek come far with their audio chips or would there still be a huge difference between their 892 chip on these new P67 boards and my Auzentech? Would love to retire the PCI card if there is no difference.

Thanks!

 

[Athadeus]

1) No
2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835119054
3) It can output analog or digital up to 8 channels, will not sound hugely different than a dedicated card. If the minute differences are that perceptible to you, then don't. You can just test it yourself since you have the card already.

 

[TemjinGold]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[BababooeyHTJ]

I popped off the stupid shroud the day that I got the board. It's still a decent looking board with out it.

 

[tnt3k]

1) No
2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835119054

i got the same exact fan and no its not required