use onboard audio or not? CPU %?

[jordanl17]

I've always used my old standby SBLive Value for audio to keep CPU utilization down. But I just ordered a Phenom II, and a Gigabyte MB w/ onboard audio (ALC889A)...

question: should I still use the old SBLive? would YOU still use the old SBLive? are there benefits to the newer ALC889A audio chipset?

 

[nOOky]

I'd run the built in sound if it was me, unless you use some of Creatives software with the card for other things.

 

[yh125d]

Just run the onboard. Depending on how old your SBlive is, it might be better. It won't use any% of your CPU worth noting

 

[Zap]

These days I just use onboard sound... except for the motherboard in my main rig. It was a Newegg "Open Box" and the onboard sound is screwy. Mic input is distorted as all hell and periodically it thinks I've unplugged and replugged my speakers, so the audio control panel will pop up asking me what I just plugged in.

I solved the problem by installing an old Chaintech AV710 sound card with the VIA Envy24T chipset. Had it for years, but it works.

 

[Elusiv1]

I'm using the onboard on mine, it sounds great.

 

[Painman]

Also, be advised, if you're going to run Vista, the Live! Value has no driver support from Creative for that OS.

 

[Phunk0ne]

Just what Painman says, you're better off with the onboard soundcard instead of running your old SB Live! in Vista, that is, if you are going to run Vista.
you will hardly notice any cpu usage with your onboard soundcard with the combination of a Phenom II anyways =)

I've enjoyed the onboard sound from my Gigabyte for quite a while, untill I noticed it that onboard does not do DTS, passthrough only, making you dependable on a DTS reciever. that was the end of my onboard sound usuage and went with a X-FI Fatality for my gaming and sound instead.