Why do most NForce 2 Mobos have some other 6 channel chip rather than use the Nvidia Audio?

[Walruslord]

Isn't the Nvidia chip amazing in terms of sound quality and CPU utilization? And isn't it already included in the southbridge? So why do all the nforce 2 boards have a CMedia or Realtek chip? There has to be a real reason. Please enlighten me.


Walrus

 

[John]

Here's a good thread for you

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Walruslord
Isn't the Nvidia chip amazing in terms of sound quality and CPU utilization?

No, not really.

And isn't it already included in the southbridge?

Yes.

So why do all the nforce 2 boards have a CMedia or Realtek chip?

The chips to which you are referring are simply the output codecs. They take the output from the nVidia DSP and provide the interface for inputs/outputs. They do affect the sound though, which is why most nForce boards that use the awful RealTek 650 sound no better than your average budget sound card. The only nForce2 boards that use anything close to a quality codec are MSI ones. Asus boards based on the original nForce used a good one too. This might help:

http://kerrigan.student.utwente.nl/nForce/codec.htm

 

[Insane3D]

They take the output from the nVidia DSP and provide the interface for inputs/outputs. They do affect the sound though, which is why most nForce boards that use the awful RealTek 650 sound no better than your average budget sound card.

Maybe in your opinion...most people think it sounds better than most other high end consumer sound cards, with the exception of the very newest ones like the Audigy 2 and the M-Audio cards..

What is so bad about the Realtek 650? Are you just one of those pople that assume because it's Realtek it's junk?




Oh wait...your the same guy that thinks the Epox boards have a poorly placed ATX connector...

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Insane3D


Maybe in your opinion...most people think it sounds better than most other high end consumer sound cards, with the exception of the very newest ones like the Audigy 2 and the M-Audio cards..

Most people haven't heard anything better, or if they have they've heard it through 3 inch plastic speakers.

What is so bad about the Realtek 650? Are you just one of those pople that assume because it's Realtek it's junk?

No, Realtek didn't even design it. It rolls off the highs and lows at about 16/16, resulting in the rather bland sound. An 85 db S/N ratio for a 20 bit DAC is awful. And let's face it, what the hell do mobo companies know about sound circuitry? Signal purity? Output amps? Don't even get me started. The nForce is the finest onboard audio solution out, but that isn't saying much.

Oh wait...your the same guy that thinks the Epox boards have a poorly placed ATX connector...

They do. This cannot be disputed, even by someone who accounts for 1/4 of Epox's sales. Just to clarify:


Good

Bad

 

[Insane3D]

No, Realtek didn't even design it. It rolls off the highs and lows at about 16/16, resulting in the rather bland sound. An 85 db S/N ratio for a 20 bit DAC is awful. And let's face it, what the hell do mobo companies know about sound circuitry? Signal purity? Output amps? Don't even get me started. The nForce is the finest onboard audio solution out, but that isn't saying much.

Well, for most people, it's fine. If absolute clarity is something you need, you will likely not be using onboard sound or even any of the "consumer" audio cards. You do know you can bypass the CODEC completely by utilizing SPDIF out right?

They do. This cannot be disputed

I dispute it. The reason for it being there is to ensure clean steady power to the board. You link pictures to an Abit board for the "correct" placement but it's funny how Abit boards rarely overclock as well as the Epox boards anymore... So, what exactly deems that location a "bad area"? If you can only come up with the "it interferes with the CPU HSF", that is really weak. Anyone with half a brain (even you )can keep the ATX lead away from the HSF. Also, if it's such a bad location, why does AMD suggest it be located there?

even by someone who accounts for 1/4 of Epox's sales.

Wow, I have a total of 5 Epox boards at home...and that's 1/4 of their sales? Sooo...if I use your reasoning, Epox sells 20 boards per year?

Feel free to disregard my post because you are obviously the final say in these matters..

 

[jaeger66]

For most people, the nForce is perfectly fine. Even boards that mangle it with the 650 will do fine for the majority of people. But understand what it is and what it's for. Blissful audio quality isn't on the list.

As for the ATX connector, let's not give Epox credit for dutifully following spec when they broke it on many P4 boards. If the lack of a 12V plug in those cases was fine for Epox, putting the ATX connector where less it's less of a pain of in the ass should be acceptable for other companies. What can I say, if you're the type who throws your system together, closes it up, and doesn't open it until next year when you upgrade then you won't care. Anal nitpickers like me do.

 

[jaeger66]

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Wow, I have a total of 5 Epox boards at home...and that's 1/4 of their sales? Sooo...if I use your reasoning, Epox sells 20 boards per year?

Hyperbole
Besides, where is Epox in the AT rig stats? Huh? So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

 

[Insane3D]

What can I say, if you're the type who throws your system together, closes it up, and doesn't open it until next year when you upgrade then you won't care. Anal nitpickers like me do.

Well, I hardly just throw a system together and leave it alone. I barely keep mobo's for more than a few months for god's sake. I also have cases with windows and lighting, so I am constanlty in there cleaning and messing with stuff. I usually take the whole thing apart every month or so to wash out the case with soap and water...so I guess I could be classified as anal too.


I guess we just have differing opinions on this, and that's fine.

Hyperbole
Besides, where is Epox in the AT rig stats? Huh? So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Oooooh...big word! I knew you were being facetious.

 

[TrollMan]

OK now I'm confused again... looking at the info on the two boards, the MSI K7N2-L one says 5.1 audio sound (with MCP2-T option) but doesn't tell you which board you get as there's only one click to buy link? The 8RDA+ just says "Realtek ALC650E 6-channel full-duplex integrated sound", and the pictures on manufacturer's websites for both boards show 3 audio sockets - ie. no optical or SP/DIF!

So what's what with these boards? I am planning on getting one to run with a Radeon 9700 (non-pro) but everything keeps swinging from one to another this past week!

 

[magomago]

I think the nforce2 has really great sound and its better than my Hi-VAl Vortex1 Souncard that i have been using seince 1998


That and I got my brother an 8k5a2+ but I never posted it. You realize most mobos don't even make it to the stats

 

[Insane3D]

The 8RDA+ fully utilizes the Nvidia APU 5.1 sound. The Realtek CODEC is just what controls the analog output and input ports. The A7N8X Deluxe uses the same Realtek CODEC for their sound, they just use a more robust port configuration and include the coax SPDI/F port.

"Soundstorm" is a certification that a board must meet to say it has "Soundstorm" audio. The Epox just misses one requirement because they don't include a digital output in the retail box, however you can buy a add on card from them that adds optical SPDI/F output. If Epox included that bracket with the retail package, they could certify the board as having "Soundstorm" audio. I have no idea on the MSI.

 

[WalMart1564]

the leadtek K7NCR18D-Pro uses the soundstorm sound

 

[render]

http://kerrigan.student.utwente.nl/nForce/codec.htm

Very useful info...ADC & DAC chips are important for sound ouput(quality).

I once used Realtek ALC650, which generated hissing sound and overall sound quality was way too low.

IMHO, anything related to AC97 is crap. that's why I bought a Terratec DMX6 fire LT.

http://www.digit-life.com/sound.html

 

[Bong]

Originally posted by: render

http://kerrigan.student.utwente.nl/nForce/codec.htm

Very useful info...ADC & DAC chips are important for sound ouput(quality).

I once used Realtek ALC650, which generated hissing sound and overall sound quality was way too low.

IMHO, anything related to AC97 is crap. that's why I bought a Terratec DMX6 fire LT.

http://www.digit-life.com/sound.html

OT: I even prefer my old Soundblaster AWE64 (ISA card) than the on-board sound of my relatively new KT400.

 

[gplracer]

I think the sound on my Epox 8RDA+ is better than the sound on my Audigy. Of course it does not compare to my Onkyo reciever and my twin SVS subs.