Use NForce2 sound or sound card?

[sephroth777]

I currently have a Philips Acoustic Edge PSC-706 sound card on my system below and will be purchasing an NForce 2 board either the Abit NF7-S or the Asus A7N8X Deluxe or the Epox board. Still not sure which one to get.....sigh.

My question is if I should use the Nforce 2 onboard sound versus the Philips Sound Card based on sound quality/performance and most important CPU usage?

 

[DDad]

Seph
Personally, I'm happy with the onboard sound on my $38 MSI board. I'd recommend you ty it first, if it doesn't suit you can always install your own card then

 

[sephroth777]

I will try that...thx

Now about the built-in NIC I have a 3Com card currently...would it be better to use the Nvidia Lan on the board in the same terms of CPU usage and performance?

 

[Vette73]

Use the Nvida Nic and sound. They were tested here anandtech and came up very high quality and low CPU use.

 

[compudog]

I have the A7N8X Deluxe. I really like the on-board audio (had SB Live.) Sounds very good with CD's, DVD's, .wav and .mid and works well in the games I have tried thus far (NOLF2, RtCW and MOHAA.) The nVidia NIC trucks along faster than my 3COM 3C905CX (according to Sandra) and CPU utilization is low. Good luck with your build!