Realtek HD audio...

[LordPaludis]

I have one of the new intel 915 chipset motherboards which has realtek ALC861 HD Audio integrated, and I'm thinking about getting some good quality speakers, I was wondering if I need to buy a new soundcard as well, or if the realtek integrated would do. Would I be able to tell the difference between the realtek HD and an Audigy 2 value, for example?

 

[RichPLS]

The onboard sound in the last couple of years has gotten so good, that unless you are profesionally recording audio, onboard is ideal for PC sound solutions.


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[LordPaludis]

well that's good news,

thanks.

 

[Cyrus]

Also, if you're really gonna need the CPU power, try not to use the onboard one.

 

[LordPaludis]

nah I've got CPU power to burn (3.2Ghz) I'm pretty sure most games wouldn't need that much yet

 

[RichPLS]

The onboard audio will use about 5% to 6% more cpu power than a good quality sound card.

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[pat]

You already paid for onboard sound...it is included in the price of your mobo, so just give it a try and see(?) by yourself if you need or not to pay again for a sound card. The nice speakers set can be use on a new sound card too...

-Always put the blame on you first, then on the hardware !!!

 

[folken]

I've noticed that onboard sound cards don't really surround process to well. They sort of smear the audio signal across a few channels. I never knew the diff until I got my Audigy 2 ZS. If you watch a lot of movies and play a lot of games you will likely notice a HUGE difference with an audigy 2 over onboard sound. If you have a surround system you need Dolby Digital EX and/or DTS ES, it is a world of difference.

<A HREF="http://www.folken.net/myrig.htm" target="_new">My precious...</A>