best non-Nvidia card for browsing/1080p video

rubez · Sep 5, 2016

I have a GTX 970, but it is complete overkill. I do not play games.

I am getting audio crackles/pops especially when using virtual synths in a DAW.

LatencyMon identified Nvida drivers as one of the culprits, so I want to replace it with something that definitely uses different drivers.

Any suggestions? Only has to handle browsing and 1080p video flawlessly. So no more expensive than it has to be, hopefully something that has a good track record.

Thanks.

basroil · Sep 5, 2016

Nvidia makes the best drivers for discrete cards so your issue is elsewhere. Simply reinstall the drivers with clean install and do NOT install anything but driver and HD Audio (3d options, geforce experience, physx). That should minimize issues

If you only want browsing and video, just use your integrated graphics, it's more than enough!

Hlsgsz · Sep 5, 2016

Just remove the GPU and use the integrated graphics. If your PC is less than 5 years old, tehh integrated graphics will be just fine. Well, if you have any, that is. I wopuld think it obvoious that mentioning atleast your CPU is merited

rubez · Sep 5, 2016

I am using some plug ins that are very CPU intensive (virtual synths), so I don't want the on-board graphics to tax the CPU further...

the nvlddmkm drivers are notorious for introducing audio latency, they are the worst offenders by far for this problem (the other is network card NDIS .sys drivers), so I want to get rid of Nvidia graphics all together, especially since I am not gaming.

Been YEARS since I was a PC gamer, I guess ATI are my only real alternative to Nvidia? What's the best budget ATI card?

Hlsgsz · Sep 5, 2016

rubez :

Integrated graphics are separate from the CPU and dont tax it at all. They only use about 128MB of your RAM. That's it.
Again, what is your CPU?

rubez · Sep 5, 2016

i7 4790k.

I did try the integrated graphics, and the screen wouldn't turn on for some reason while booting - only sometimes would it eventually turn on if i mashed some keys on the keyboard after it had booted.

I just dislike onboard video and want to avoid it.

Hlsgsz · Sep 5, 2016

rubez :

No reason to dislike it. It's by far the best solution for your case as it generates teh least amount of static in your PC. Go in the BIOS and have it prioritize the integrated graphics, completly remove the GPU, then use DDU to clean your current display drivers: http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html
After that, install teh latest ones from Intel, or let W10 update them for you.

basroil · Sep 5, 2016

rubez :

You're doing something wrong then, it should show up properly.

If you refuse to use integrated then you should just reinstall the drivers like I said.

Other than integrated and nvidia, the ONLY other company right now is AMD, and if you had issues with nvidia drivers you'll have even more with AMD's

rubez · Sep 5, 2016

got it working, but audio problems are a million times worse using integrated graphics.

before it was occasional/blue moon, now it's essentially constant.

gonna try a Radeon R7 240 2 GB DDR3 Graphics Card.

Hlsgsz · Sep 5, 2016

Why don;t you get a good external souncard instead?
https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Xonar-U7-Sound-Card/dp/B00E7QA9E0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473110902&sr=8-2&keywords=xonar
https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Sound-Card-Xonar-U5/dp/B00MI8IDRE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1473110902&sr=8-5&keywords=xonar

rubez · Sep 5, 2016

i have an audio interface already. focusrite scarlett 2i2.

the on-board sound performed better.

the problem is something to do with drivers, DPC or something. load of bullcrap.

Hlsgsz · Sep 5, 2016

rubez :

It's probably the quality of teh power it is getting through USB if it is powered like that. try different USB ports. USB3 tend to fare better.

rubez · Sep 5, 2016

would a firewire audio interface do better?

firewire isn't powered, is it?

it needs a separate power source? (mains)

Hlsgsz · Sep 5, 2016

rubez :

Anything that only connects for data, not power to your PC. An externat DAC connected through Optical comes to mind, if your MB has that.

EDIT: it depends on teh device itself, not teh interface where it gets it's power.

basroil · Sep 5, 2016

rubez :

Are you by any chance using a server/workstation motherboard or an X99 one? If so that might be the real cause.

rubez :

Windows 10 doesn't support firewire, and even if you could find a firewire audio card for other OSes (I can't name any worth their price in this day and age), it would have the same issue and likely be WORSE than both USB and onboard due to how firewire works!

rubez · Sep 6, 2016

basroil :

OK thanks, I'll forget firewire then, I can see it is on the road out (supposedly something like thunderbolt will replace it)

I am using a Gigabyte gaming 5 motherboard. I disable Killer ethernet, network card, Avira anti virus, Windows firewall anything I can think of, but no real cure yet.

Am putting in Windows 10 next week. That might help... or more probably hinder. But a fresh install should be a good thing.

Hlsgsz · Sep 6, 2016

rubez :

basroil :

OK thanks, I'll forget firewire then, I can see it is on the road out (supposedly something like thunderbolt will replace it)

I am using a Gigabyte gaming 5 motherboard. I disable Killer ethernet, network card, Avira anti virus, Windows firewall anything I can think of, but no real cure yet.

Am putting in Windows 10 next week. That might help... or more probably hinder. But a fresh install should be a good thing.

Go for an external DAC + AMP that has it's own power supply, man. That's definitely your best choice.
I can't help with choosing one though. That is for anotehr section of this forum or, probably better, other forums.

best non-Nvidia card for browsing/1080p video

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