New system, but do I need a sound card ?

[Paul K]

I'm finalizing the specs for my new computer and got to the ' which sound card would sir like ? ' bit. The default offering is onboard 8 channel 7.1 high definition audio, but separate sound cards such as Soundblaster and Asus Xonar are available as options.

Whenever anyone talks about computer specs, the sound card never seems to be mentioned, and it makes me wonder if they are really necessary any more. Even on my current old system, the onboard sound has been perfectly adequate over the last few years.

Any thoughts anyone ?

[TSR2]

Hi Paul,

If your happy with the onboard sound you have currently, then the onboard on the new one will be fine too.

[ChrisHunt]

Yep, agreed. Less complexity, lower power draw - if the on-board sound does the job I'd leave it at that. You can always add a super duper one later if you feel inclined.

Regards,
Chris

[basys]

Hi Folks

Paul -
There are documented issues with onboard audio chipsets,
where the bus can be overloaded,
resulting in crackling/dropped/or continously played sounds.

This occurs when the user sets their sliders too high,
for the combined processing load.
e.g.
In complex VCs/scenery/autogen,
and further aggravated at lower settings by the mission engine.

You can always purchase a cheap card at a later date.
Doing so will allow higher slider settings.

HTH
ATB
Paul

[Paul K]

Ben, Chris, Paul...thanks for the responses. I'll go with the onboard option and think about a sound card later if I need one.

Paul, I've experienced some problems with this computer when running high loads, such as FSX and SH3. The screen turns blue, locks up and there is a loud buzzing from the speakers. The accompanying error message mentions Realtek audio drivers. I wonder if this is the same problem as the one you mention ...

Anyway, thanks again chaps. I'll be ordering the new system this weekend.

[DaveB]

Paul..

Do you have sound quality on HIGH?? If so, crank it down to medium (if you haven't already done so) to see if this helps My system runs a Realtek chip just fine on this setting

ATB

DaveB

[Paul K]

Thanks Dave, I'll certainly check that, though I'm waiting on the new computer before I take up FSX and any Silent Hunting again. I'll definitely keep that in mind. I can't recall ever having the problem with FS9, but it happened a number of times with FSX.

[DaveB]

FSX.. Ooo dear

My hearing isn't really up to concert standard pitch and as such, I can't notice the difference between High and Medium settings so my play on this has been to drop the setting and give the system less work to do leaving more resources available to help the sim/game along.. whichever one it is.. FS9, FSX or CoD. Why force the pc to process something you can't hear.. simple

ATB

DaveB

[Paul K]

FSX.. Ooo dear

Yes, a problem related to FSX ! Who would have thunked it ? !

You know, I find it strangely reassuring that you play CoD. Whenever I play an FPS, there's always this mocking little voice saying 'Honestly...a man of your age, too...'. I don't feel such a prat now.

[DaveB]

I think you'll find this sort of game common among men of a 'certain' age. We ARE grumpy old men after all and while the world we knew has changed beyond all comprehension with little or no steering from our goodselves and more to the point, we have no chance of getting it back to how we like it.. the least we can do is vent our anger on some poor cyber CGI bod in the peace and quiet of our own homes

ATB

DaveB