Integrated Sound vs SB 16...

[jtbuzek]

My son has a Duron 750 system with the integrated sound (AC 97 codec). He watch's DVD movies and basically plays Diablo II type games. I have read that the onboard sound takes a little away from the CPU and that the over quality is lacking. Would it make a real difference if I installed a Sound Blaster 16 in the system (I saw that Staples will have these for 9.98 after a 10 rebate)? Mind you, he's not looking for a multi speaker Dobly Digital type setup, just decent sound that doesn't tax his meager CPU. He is running 256 megs of RAM (PC100) as well if they makes a difference.

Thanks,
James

 

[CrackRabbit]

The SB16 would probably be just fine to rid youself of onboard sound, just make sure whatever motherboard you have has an isa slot, if not you may want to look into something like a hercules maxisound MUSE, great card with 4 speaker outs and other nifty stuff for less than $30.

with whatever you choose though good luck!



CrackRabbit

 

[tippmann]

I have seen a lot of problems with SB and Duron boards... I would take a serious look at the Turtle Beach - Santa Cruz.....

Haven't had a problems since I have swithed.....


http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc/202754.html

 

[DaejangNim]

this would be the way to go for the money:
1. get the sb 16
2. get this upgrade card for 35 cents that makes it into a SB 32 here http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=205-1920

 

[TheCorm]

I would go for the SB16 over the AC97 codec, it's cheap and you can get a PCI version too, some people hold it higher than the SB128.

Corm

 

[bigshooter]

I used the ac97 sound on my duron 750 KM133 system for a while while i was waiting for my main systems mobo to get RMA'd. The whole system was slower, but with 750mhz you shouldn't have a noticeable decrease. I'd just stay with the onboard sound until you can get a really good card like a live or turtle beach.