HP Firebird 802 soundcard

[busterbunny]

Hi there! I just bought a new HP Firebird 802 at what I think is a decent price.

The only thing I feel it lacks for my personnal taste is a decent sound card.

It seems the only available connector inside is a Mini PCI slot. I am checking on the Sound Blaster web site, and can't seem to find any sound card that supports that slot.

Any suggestion for a sound card? Or should I give up hope?

Regards.

 

[r_manic]

Well, to be honest, do you really need a dedicated sound card? No doubt that will provide better audio quality, but again, do you really need it, especially if your existing on-board audio is probably decent enough for your ears?

Anyways, just look for sound cards that fit into the "PCI 2.2" slot. Good advice on your question is also available here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/252636-28-good-sound-cards-there

 

[AKM880]

+1 to what r-manic said.

 

[busterbunny]

You bring a good point. I have to admit I never had to chance to hear the difference between a built-in audio card and a dedicated card (well, not since I bought a Sound Blaster for my first computer, a 80286, many many years ago).

But when I see some of those X-fi products from Creative Labs, I wonder why people would buy those if there was no big difference.

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi Busterbuuny,

VoodooDan here from HP. If you're looking for a new sound card, your best option will be to go wiht an X-Fi card that will fit into the rear ExpressCard-54 slot.

Here's an example of a product that will work: http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=17988&nav=1

Let me know if you have any other questions about this, or anything else related to your Firebird.

Cheers,
VoodooDan

 

[busterbunny]

Thanks VoodooDan! Is that the kind of card that comes with the 803?

 

[VoodooDan]

Hi Busterbunny,

Actually, the Firebird 803 came with a mini PCIExpress version of the Sound Blaster X-Fi card.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
VoodooDan

 

[r_manic]

Thanks for sharing VoodooDan!