Does anybody know if you can run 2 sound cards at once on one PC?

[BillGates]

I'm using Win2k Pro and have an Epox 8KHA+ mobo with the built in AC97 sound, plus a Phillips sound card. Right now I have to switch plugs when I want to listen to my headphones, computer speakers, or speakers on my stereo. I do have a splitter but it introduces a low buzzing noise when I use it, so I try to avoid doing so.

If I installed the proper drivers for the AC97 would I be able to use both sound cards at once and use one just for headphones and the other for PC speakers and stereo speakers?

 

[stev0]

i would think it would work.... i've got an extigy on my laptop and i can plug headphones into both and it works.... as long as both are installed correctly and both enabled... give it a try and report back.

 

[Kevin]

Yes, it should work. All you'd have to do is select the output in the Audio Tab in the Sounds and Audio Devices in Control Panel. May be named something else, but thats what its called in XP. You should know hot to get there...

 

[BillGates]

I just tried it, sound quality on my headphones on the Phillips vs the onboard audio was enormous... You do have to go to the sounds/multimedia control panel area every time you want to switch - they don't work simultaneously. Oh well, now we learned something for the day.