Ok - first off, what I'm working with: I have an nforce2 board and I have two separate "2-speaker-plus-sub" 2.1 systems hooked up to it. One of them is connected to the line out and the other is connected to the line in. I've used the nforce software to set the two system up for surround sound. When I test the speaker setup, sure enough - it sounds like the sound is coming from four different directions. Yay!
I'm primarily into gaming with this system. My question regarding this system is: Do I need anything other than this for creating an immersive sound enviroment in gaming? I want to be able to hear the monsters behind me so I can swiftly pinpoint their location, turn around, and deal with them in whatever way is appropriate.
Now, assuming that this "4.2" system will be suitable for my gaming needs, then I have another question with regards to a friend's machine. She has an ECS board that only offers 2 channel sound. She likes to play games as well and I will be attempting to set her up with a system similar to mine for Xmas. She's got two sets of speakers (as do I), but she needs a new sound card. I have heard that most onboard audio takes up lots of processor resources, so a PCI sound card should help with overall system speed as well.
I went to my local BB and saw a huge range of sound cards. I haven't purchase a sound card since the SB Live! debuted - all of my subsequent sound boards have been on the mobo. They have some Audigy board that costs near $150 and features EAX 2 and 6.1 compatibility. At the lower end of the spectrum, they have a board for $30 that features 4.1 compatibility. Since we aren't going to be purchasing a new speaker system, I'm thinking that anything more than that $30 4.1 sound card would be a waste... am I right about this?
And what is EAX? I always thought it was some way of making your 2 channel sound imitate surround sound, but I guess not if it's being included on a board that is marketed for 6.1 compatibility... What are the practical differences between 4.1, 5.1, and 6.1? Is it really worth all the extra trouble and cost?
In short then, I've got an nforce 2 board and two two-speaker systems. WIll this work well for surround gaming? Will the cheapo 4.1 surround SB game card also work well with the same speaker setup?
And last, but not least... does anyone know where I can get a hold of cables and RCA couplers and such online for relatively cheap. Most places I've checked seem to charge a pretty high price or charge somewhat ridiculous shipping. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much for your help. AT forums continues to be a profound help to me.
I'm primarily into gaming with this system. My question regarding this system is: Do I need anything other than this for creating an immersive sound enviroment in gaming? I want to be able to hear the monsters behind me so I can swiftly pinpoint their location, turn around, and deal with them in whatever way is appropriate.
Now, assuming that this "4.2" system will be suitable for my gaming needs, then I have another question with regards to a friend's machine. She has an ECS board that only offers 2 channel sound. She likes to play games as well and I will be attempting to set her up with a system similar to mine for Xmas. She's got two sets of speakers (as do I), but she needs a new sound card. I have heard that most onboard audio takes up lots of processor resources, so a PCI sound card should help with overall system speed as well.
I went to my local BB and saw a huge range of sound cards. I haven't purchase a sound card since the SB Live! debuted - all of my subsequent sound boards have been on the mobo. They have some Audigy board that costs near $150 and features EAX 2 and 6.1 compatibility. At the lower end of the spectrum, they have a board for $30 that features 4.1 compatibility. Since we aren't going to be purchasing a new speaker system, I'm thinking that anything more than that $30 4.1 sound card would be a waste... am I right about this?
And what is EAX? I always thought it was some way of making your 2 channel sound imitate surround sound, but I guess not if it's being included on a board that is marketed for 6.1 compatibility... What are the practical differences between 4.1, 5.1, and 6.1? Is it really worth all the extra trouble and cost?
In short then, I've got an nforce 2 board and two two-speaker systems. WIll this work well for surround gaming? Will the cheapo 4.1 surround SB game card also work well with the same speaker setup?
And last, but not least... does anyone know where I can get a hold of cables and RCA couplers and such online for relatively cheap. Most places I've checked seem to charge a pretty high price or charge somewhat ridiculous shipping. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much for your help. AT forums continues to be a profound help to me.
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