Best Sound card for online use?

[shatter]

I have what looks like a dead sound card and am now in the market for something else. Question is what.

I need something that will support the 4.1 speaker system I have here (I don't want to replace that just yet), but it should also be something that will give me EAX with a low CPU usage...

What are my choices?

Oh and I would rather not pay Mega-bucks for it either. I don't want a budjet card, but I want to be able to eat too.

Shatter

 

[Jonty]

Hi shatter

Personally I'd go for either a Creative Labs Audigy 2, or now the older, but cheaper and still very powerful, Audigy (1) card (even the Soundblaster! Live 5.1 card is still quite good). Both of the Audigy cards provide amazing sound quality, support surround sound setups, minimise CPU usage, and support EAX, among other standards.

The cards tend to come in different varieties. To get an OEM Audigy 2, you're looking at around £60, or £80 for a retail card. Although good kit, I'd say this was fairly expensive. An Audigy (1) now varies in price, but hovers around £50 OEM, with a Soundblaster Live! 5.1 OEM card coming in at around £25.

There are, of course, many other makes, but Creative tend to lead the industry in many respects. That said, like most things, everybody has their own personal favourites, and no cards are particularly bad.

If you decide on a model or manufacturer, then I'd be happy to grab some prices for you.

Kind Regards

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

Soundblaster Live 5.1 As long as you're doing nothing more than gaming/playingmusic/watching films I doubt you'll have any problems with this card. It's got onboard hardware EAX so cpu usage is kept low and it's bloody cheap to boot.

 

[shatter]

Thanks for the quick response guys. Following your suggestions it has to be said that the SB 5.1 would probably do what I need it to do and for about the right price...

I'll have to post on the Planetside forum to see if anyone is having trouble with this card. I have ordered the game from Amazon and it should be here in a day or two so I am keen to sort out the sound card before then.

Shatter

 

[Jonty]

Hi shatter

Overclockers UK have the Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 card for £24.15. It's an OEM card, so no software bundle or fancy extras, just the card. Still, for that price, you can't go wrong If you do want the retail version, I'll try and find it for you. You can specify the type of postage later on, from first or second class recorded delivery, to special delivery or courier.

Hope this helps

 

[shatter]

Thanks for the heads up on overclockers, but I think that I will have to source this localy as I live in Germany. But the SB5.1 seems to be the bargain I am looking for. I only hope that it is better than the SB4.1 which was the old card and a bit of a dog under XP.

Shatter

 

[Tom]

I fancy buying one of these 5.1 things. Two questions though:

Can I channel my DVD output into it (DVD is downstairs computer is upstairs), and bring the audio output back down into some speakers?

I have a Labtec 2 channel speaker system with a sub, is it as simple as just plugging in another couple of speakers for the rear surround (wouldn't need the .1 for the computer tbh)

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

Originally posted by Tom[SHOTTEH]
I fancy buying one of these 5.1 things. Two questions though:

Can I channel my DVD output into it (DVD is downstairs computer is upstairs), and bring the audio output back down into some speakers?

If you're getting the 5.1 then you'd have to send the audio in via the line in port which kinda defeats the point. It'd save you a lot of hassle just to get a surround amp and stick it in the same room.