Sound cards: PCI-e or PCI?

[xocoatl]

New build ....

If I am sticking with Win XP Pro 32bit whihc is a good brand.model of sound cards and what interface should I be looking for?

 

[Quiksilver]

PCI.

Their are no PCI-E sound card on the market yet worth buying (Unless you want a X-Fi card that is stripped of almost all its features and is CPU dependent)... (Asus was supposed to be working on one but It hasn't showed up yet)

Brands well, I'd go with Auzentech first hand(mainly cause the prelude is based off of X-Fi; and it will be using custom made drivers for it TBA in Q1 of 08 and support for a few other things lacking atm.), next Creative, third M-Audio.

 

[xocoatl]

Thanks QuiksilverX1.

 

[Quiksilver]

While I'm on topic you might want to look over here
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2120173&enterthread=y

It's relative to the Asus card I mentioned, I hope the review Gary Key mentioned will be on target though. It also has a review of it posted in their but it's the only review I seen so far.

 

[sortitus]

Not entirely accurate. The ASUS card is out, and has been reviewed. It is actually a very good quality piece of equipment. http://www.elitebastards.com/c...=view&id=496&Itemid=27

 

[Quiksilver]

Sortitus, the PCI-Express version has not been released. The PCI version however was.
Check for yourself

http://promos.asus.com/US/event/Xonar/index.html (May require usage of Internet Explorer - doesn't work for me with firefox =<)

The Link for "Where to Buy" isn't click able when you choose the PCI-Express version (D2X) nor is it listed on any major resellers.

Lastly, Welcome to AT.

 

[Doclife]

I don't think a sound card is necessary since the onboard audio of Intel based motherboard are excellent. Use the money you saved on the add on audio card to buy a better graphic card IMHO.

Currently, I'm using the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R (Revision 2.0) motherboard and the on-board audio is superb (I listen to music on my computer a lot). I would say that it is equal to or may be better than the M-Audio revolution 7.1 sound card that I have on the other AMD computer of mine.

 

[jonmcc33]

Originally posted by: sortitus
Not entirely accurate. The ASUS card is out, and has been reviewed. It is actually a very good quality piece of equipment. http://www.elitebastards.com/c...=view&id=496&Itemid=27

Wow. I am very impressed. I don't like the use of a mini-molex (floppy) connector but I can understand. I might wait for one more review but I wouldn't mind this replacing my old Audigy2 ZS Platinum at all...

 

[JackMDS]

Eventually everything would move from PCI.

That said, beyond Motherboard Architecture, there is No real benefit to sound per-se.

 

[jonmcc33]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Eventually everything would move from PCI.

True...but what's with requiring additional power from the PSU?

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: Doclife
I don't think a sound card is necessary since the onboard audio of Intel based motherboard are excellent. Use the money you saved on the add on audio card to buy a better graphic card IMHO.

Currently, I'm using the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R (Revision 2.0) motherboard and the on-board audio is superb (I listen to music on my computer a lot). I would say that it is equal to or may be better than the M-Audio revolution 7.1 sound card that I have on the other AMD computer of mine.

I agree. Contrary to that new member who pops up every few threads claiming that onboard sound hinders frame rates, I love the onboard sound in the new intel chipsets these days. Way back it was often a stop-gap solution to use onboard instead of getting yourself a soundblaster, and you couldn't use decent surround until you did, but now you've got great-quality surround without getting stiffed for extra £££ ($$$ for our friends across the pond) having to buy an add-in card .

 

[JackMDS]

Beyond urge to spend money, cool and ignorance.

If one has a Mobo with the newer HD Audio chipset there is No reason to get an additional Audio unless you are doing something very special (Shooting Noises in games are Nor something special).

If you do need a special card and you have PCI slot get a PCI card.

If you only have PCIe you have No other choice.

There is No reason to buy right Now PCIe cause there is No Real leap in functioning beside using a PCIe slot.

By the time that Mobo would have No PCI slots the few current Audio PCIe would be passé and Gadget lovers would buy something else at the time (in other words there is No securing the future by buying it Now).