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Indybird
08-18-2006, 11:49 PM
I'm sure this has probably been asked a million times, but I couldn't find any of those threads so here I go...

I can't decide which sound card to buy, or if I need to buy one at all.
Right now I'm running an ASUS mobo with the Realtek ALC850 integrated sound and its ok, but everyone says integrated sound sucks. What should I do?

Buy this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188
Buy this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829111002
Or keep my integrated?
MitaPi
08-19-2006, 01:07 AM
Out of those two... I would go with the one that has the best reviews. lol thats what I do.. if its over 400 and has 5 star.. then its most likely good.
Slug Toy
08-19-2006, 01:52 AM
the x-fi is good. very good. i would go for that. to do it justice though, you really should have a 5.1 system, or at least a good 2.1 system. if your speakers are crap, it drags everything down. you WILL notice a difference between inegrated sound and an x-fi for sure though.
Indybird
08-19-2006, 01:58 AM
I'm not worried about my speakers (I have a Logitech Z-5500), in fact I'm buying a good sound card to use my speakers to their full potential. Do you think that the Creative is that much better than the Diamond? The Creative is more expensive and doesn't have Optical S/PDIF.
Slug Toy
08-19-2006, 02:07 AM
honestly, ive never heard a diamond in action. creative is definitely worth the money though.

the dolby part of the diamond card is interesting. it may make for simpler connections between a computer and a reciever seeming as lots of videos and stuff like that use the dolby standard. if your speakers are rated for dolby and have the ability to recieve optical connections... i really dont know what to say about it. i cant speak for something i havent used or heard.

come to think of it, it might be cool to see how the diamond stacks up.
Indybird
08-19-2006, 02:20 AM
Wow. I've just found a card that (In my opinion) is better than those two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829127001
It has pretty much all the things I need and many of the features of the X-Fi. :)
I'm probably going to order this one...
Slug Toy
08-19-2006, 03:57 AM
yes that could be an interesting card too. but once again, never heard anything from it before.

ive only had experience with creative hardware.

by all means, if you think you can use it... get it. about 40 bucks cheaper than the x-fi. and honestly, to the average person the difference between the x-fi and other brands' high end stuff will probably be negligible.
CanaBalistic
08-20-2006, 01:34 PM
X-Fi boasts a pathetic 15% improvment over intergrated audio. That sounds like a joke to me considering the price. I would go with an audigy card and save yourself $150
Slug Toy
08-20-2006, 03:27 PM
well a 15% improvement is hard to actually quantify in terms of audio quality. im no audiophile, but ill tell you, integrated sound is just plain crap compared to any card. you miss out on a whole bunch of frequencies and capabilities. the speakers play a part in this too, but you can tell the difference between integrated and a card on any speakers.
public_eyesore
08-20-2006, 03:37 PM
go for the x-fi it relieves all audio streeses from the proc so in some cases it will actually boost fps in games
CanaBalistic
08-20-2006, 05:24 PM
well a 15% improvement is hard to actually quantify in terms of audio quality. im no audiophile, but ill tell you, integrated sound is just plain crap compared to any card. you miss out on a whole bunch of frequencies and capabilities. the speakers play a part in this too, but you can tell the difference between integrated and a card on any speakers.

Yeah, thats all im saying. An Audigy (or equivilant) card gives you praticly the same performance as the X-Fi series. The only exception might be the Fatality or Elite Pro cards because of the X-Ram.

The only real use to justify such an expence would be if you were into recording/producing audio/video.

Now i cant speak for anyone else but my intergrated audio sounds amazing. That might be because i pump the signal through my theater amp and also because of my wicked speakers.

When i get my new computer that will become a HTPC. I'm going to get a decent card (i doupt it will be X-Fi). The only reason im going to get it is because of the I/O panel. Connectivity is a real issue for me.
.Maleficus.
08-20-2006, 06:11 PM
I've never used one, but apparently Turtle Beach makes good sound cards too.
Indybird
08-22-2006, 12:16 AM
Is this (http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/products1-2.aspx?modelid=2005041) better than the Auzentech?

I know its integrated but it has really nice specs...
CanaBalistic
08-22-2006, 01:15 AM
I think that would be more than adequate.
Indybird
08-22-2006, 01:43 AM
Im selling my 7950GX2 and ASUS P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe mobo and getting a Radeon X1900XTX & Radeon X1900XT CF Edition and a ASUS P5W DH Deluxe Mobo. That Mobo is packed with features and accessories such as that real nice integrated audio.

I know I just got that mobo and graphics card, but for $150 plus the selling price of those I can get that way higher performing crossfire package.