| | #1 (permalink) | |
| I know nothing about sound cards, Im the kind of guy that thinks onboard audio is fine just the way it is and well I know now I need a sound card. The onboard on my brand new mobo sucks. There is noise, it cuts out once in a blue moon, ect. I just want an opinion on what I should look for in a sound card. Im on a very low budget and I probably wont get one in a month or so but lets say I had $100, what would any of my audio pimps suggest? You guys steered me twords the 6600GT and Im loving it, I know you guys can do it again. I didnt exactly know where to put this so I hope you dont mind me putting it in here. Well its 3:30 in the morning so good night! | ||
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| | #2 (permalink) | |
| All I've got to say is get the Audigy 2 ZS or the Audigy 2 ZS Gamer's Edition (only difference is the extra games). I've got it and it's easily adaptable to 3.1, 5.1, and 7.1 surround sound. Granted, there's not a lot out there offered in 7.1, but Creative Labs includes a 7.1 sampler disc with it and you won't be disappointed! LINK to regular version LINK to Gamer version (plus $50 mail-in rebate making the card only $64.00 after rebate) Rob | ||
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| | #5 (permalink) | |
| If you are not really a serious audio nut, you could easily save yourself some money by getting a SoundBlaster Live 5.1 (any variety, I have the +mp3 one) card or the 7.1 variety as well. If you really hate Creatives drivers like I do, then you can still get a quality card such as the: Turtle Beach Catalina 7.1 (Retail) $49.99 Turtle Beach Catalina 7.1 (OEM) $45.99 Or if you don't mind Creative's driver issues (not everyone has problems with them), you could try: Creative SB Live 24bit 7.1 (OEM) $29.00 | ||
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| | #6 (permalink) | |
| I third the Audigy 2 ZS. Great sound card. Easy to install, and doesn't have many problems. I had a problem with the control center software, but that's because I was having problems with the WIN (windows installer service) So all in all it's a kick @$$ card, and if you buy it you won't regret it. Also Creative is also good on making new drivers.( like the new XP 64 drivers) | ||
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| | #8 (permalink) | |
| Yeah, their cards are good no disputing that (especially if the kX Audio Project drivers will work for you). I just put those others out there in case post_break isn't a true audio nut as they will save him some money and still have 7.1 channel capability. That said, if I had the money I wouldn't buy any of those listed (but I would also be spending upwards of $500 for the card I REALLY want). | ||
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| | #10 (permalink) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hell, get what I got.......the Audgy LS for $30............and that's at Walmart.........heh | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| | #11 (permalink) | |
| Have you tried updating your drivers for your motherboard? My current board with onboard sound worked great for a while, then in certain games the sound would break up. A driver update fixed the problem for me. Might be worth a shot, and it is free. Good luck. E | ||
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| | #14 (permalink) | |
| i was like you.... onboard sound was fine for me... i have a fast computer.... and yet i was having slowdowns in my games... the source was the onboard soundcard... i upgraded to a soundblaster audigy.... and things got a ton better... when buying a card stick with creative labs... they have the best driver support... and they have the game manufactures support ( games are made with thier cards in mind) the only time i would tell you not to upgrade is if you have a nforce chipset.... nividia has one of the best soundcards on the market.... also if you go generic... go on newegg.com and read the reviews b4 you buy | ||
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| | #15 (permalink) | |
| Just got my Audigy Gamer Edition from Feded today, and I can definitely say that it is way better than the onboard sound of my Gigabyte board. Definitely upgrade off of the onboard sound, even if it is just a Sound Blaster from Walmart like mentioned before. You won't regret it. | ||
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| | #16 (permalink) | |
| Apex Master Tech Apprentice | You really aren't going to find a decent sound card for under $50 Unless you want one that has your CPU do its work for it. (Envy24, etc.) For sound cards, only one Creative Labs is good enough. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102178 $71.00 maybe be sound pricey for a sound card, just remember... you get what you pay for, and nothing more. So pay for it cash, or pay for it in grievances. | |
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