• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Which Sound Card?

A

Azndude51

Platinum Member
First of all, I am by no means an audiophile, I listen to MP3s every once in a while and I play first person shooters. I will be using Logitech X-530 speakers and a Sennheiser PC150 Headset. I need a sound card that is inexpensive, will take the load off the CPU in games, and sounds good. Don't suggest a more expensive card unless I will actually hear a difference between that and cheaper cards. If they're going to sound the same on my speakers, I'm going to buy the cheapest one.

Basically, I want the best sound quality for the money on my X-530 speakers.
SB Live!: $29
Audigy2 Value OEM: $44
Audigy2 ZS OEM: $70
M-AUDIO Revolution 5.1: $75
 
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I think the Audigy 2 is the only card that's going to offload processing from the CPU.
Click to expand...


Actually, the M-Audio 5.1 drivers have been optimized to have less of a performance impact than other Envy24 cards, about 6% CPU utilization in EAX and Directsound compared to 12% for the Revo 7.1 or Chaintech. Still, though, you are correct in that it does not DSP accelerate sound. The SB Live 24 bit card actually does offload *some* onto the onboard chip, but not like the Audigy2ZS. I think the Live 24 gets the CPU utilization down to 4 to 5% or so. Still not quite like the 1 to 2% for the Audigy2.

In this person's case, I would go ahead with the Audigy2 Value OEM. The music is not terrible on it, and the gaming is much better than a non-DSP accelerated card. The Audigy2ZS might be more than you will want to pay...but go for it if you want to spend the extra money. The bonus is that it also comes with firewire on it. Just pray you don't have a setup that will conflict with Creative's drivers.....chances are you will be OK, but don't say you were not warned!
 
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I think the Audigy 2 is the only card that's going to offload processing from the CPU.
Click to expand...

I agree with that. My Audigy 2 ZS sounds much better than my SB Live, but only with high end speakers and headphones. Other than the very, very quiet static you'll hear from a lower SNR, a SB Live! 5.1 will sound about identical to an Audigy 2 ZS, but with a higher CPU utilization.
 
hmm.


What's the alternative to Creative if you didn't want to use them?
(business practices & embracing DRM from the music industry)

Found a list of possible cards:
- Voyetra Turtle Beach Riviera 5.1 or Voyetra Turtle Beach Catalina 7.1
- Gainward "Hollywood@Home" 7.1
- Philips PSC724 "Ultimate Edge" 5.1
- AudioTrak Maya 5.1 or AudioTrak Maya 7.1
- M-Audio Revolution 5.1

More expensive but also poss:
- HDA Digital X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Dolby Soundcard

Examples and specs of them can be found here where they are selling in the UK


A good analogue audio out is all I need as its linked to external speakers. Low CPU usuage would be prefered - so long as it's only a little bit off the audigy 2 I'd be happy. I think of those the Phillips has a DSP, but I remember reading 6 months ago that Phillips drivers were quite poor - maybe thats changed? Bbtw how's the sound on AMD64 mobos - quality and CPU usuage?
 
Originally posted by: Diasper
hmm.


What's the alternative to Creative if you didn't want to use them?
(business practices & embracing DRM from the music industry)

Found a list of possible cards:
- Voyetra Turtle Beach Riviera 5.1 or Voyetra Turtle Beach Catalina 7.1
- Gainward "Hollywood@Home" 7.1
- Philips PSC724 "Ultimate Edge" 5.1
- AudioTrak Maya 5.1 or AudioTrak Maya 7.1
- M-Audio Revolution 5.1

More expensive but also poss:
- HDA Digital X-Mystique 7.1 Gold PCI Dolby Soundcard

Examples and specs of them can be found here where they are selling in the UK


A good analogue audio out is all I need as its linked to external speakers. Low CPU usuage would be prefered - so long as it's only a little bit off the audigy 2 I'd be happy. I think of those the Phillips has a DSP, but I remember reading 6 months ago that Phillips drivers were quite poor - maybe thats changed? Bbtw how's the sound on AMD64 mobos - quality and CPU usuage?
Click to expand...


Actually, with the ALC850 the nforce4 boards do not have bad sound quality. Not as good as a add-in sound cards. CPU hit with on-board seems to vary by manufacturer quite a bit. Anywhere from 5% to 13% seems normal.
 
I am curious too as to what the difference are. If te DAC in ZS is better, how better? I have assumed they were the same apart from the 6.1 and 7.1 stuff etc
 
Originally posted by: kobymu
the pool should include on-board sound solution (i would choose it)
Click to expand...

Well, the point is that I'm trying to get away from onboard, which is what I'm using now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top