Soundcard Question

[springbokkie]

Hi all,

I would just like to know what soundcard I have.

It is a Creative 128 PCI, it has 3 "ports/holes".

Is that a 3channel or 4 channel?

 

[sn3rd]

Going to need more info than that.

I assume you're running Windows? What Windows are you running?

Is the soundcard currently functional?

 

[The_Techie]

If you use System Information for Windows (link in the FAQ), you'll be able to get a precise model number. If you Google that you should be able to find what you're looking for

 

[springbokkie]

Going to need more info than that.

I assume you're running Windows? What Windows are you running?

Is the soundcard currently functional?

Sorry about that!

I'm on Windows Xp SP2.

The soundcard is working, I just want to know if my current soundcard is suitable for the speakers I have.

I have Logitech 5.1 X530 speakers, but the soundcard (not onboard) looks like an Creative SB Pci 180. (it has 3 in's. A line in, mic in, Audio in)

 

[sn3rd]

Sorry about that!

I'm on Windows Xp SP2.

The soundcard is working, I just want to know if my current soundcard is suitable for the speakers I have.

I have Logitech 5.1 X530 speakers, but the soundcard (not onboard) looks like an Creative SB Pci 180. (it has 3 in's. A line in, mic in, Audio in)

What audio-out options do you have?

You should check out WKJ:?beanie's advice...

Failing that, the easiest way would be to look at the interfaces of each device: what plugs/jacks do the speakers have, and what outputs does the soundcard have?

 

[sn3rd]

If you Windows XP SP2 is working, try the following:

Right-click My Computer -> Properties -> Hardware -> Device Manager

Then look for "Sound, video and game controllers" and expand it. You should be able to see some helpful info there.

 

[springbokkie]

Creative SB PCI128 (Ensoniq ES1371) Sound Card PCI

That's what I get under AIDA32 (similiar to System Info)

I wanted to add a picture of the soundcard but google.com is giving problems.

I would just like to know is that soundcard enough for my 5.1 speakers?

 

[sn3rd]

I believe it should run just fine!

 

[springbokkie]

I believe it should run just fine!

Even if it only has 3 holes? Some have 5-7...

 

[sn3rd]

Well that all depends on what inputs your speakers have. But it should be fine (more holes does NOT necessarily equal better sound)

 

[Asha'man X]

You will have 2 channels maximum, e.g. stereo. I have this sound card at home onboard on our old family pc. One green for speakers, blue for line in or something and pink/red port for the microphone.

It conforms to the old AC97 audio standard, which was pretty crap to begin with. The card is actually built in, though it shows up as PCI.

 

[Glordit]

You will have 2 channels maximum, e.g. stereo. I have this sound card at home onboard on our old family pc. One green for speakers, blue for line in or something and pink/red port for the microphone.

It conforms to the old AC97 audio standard, which was pretty crap to begin with. The card is actually built in, though it shows up as PCI.

Yup, It's Speakers-In-Microphone
Newer mobo's have the new HD onboard sound, with 5.1/7.1 Audio surround Sound support, they ussaly have 6 ports. Like I am ever going to use it Headphones ftw!

 

[springbokkie]

You will have 2 channels maximum, e.g. stereo. I have this sound card at home onboard on our old family pc. One green for speakers, blue for line in or something and pink/red port for the microphone.

It conforms to the old AC97 audio standard, which was pretty crap to begin with. The card is actually built in, though it shows up as PCI.

Looks like my on board is exactly the same as the Creative in my PCI slot

 

[springbokkie]

Yup, It's Speakers-In-Microphone
Newer mobo's have the new HD onboard sound, with 5.1/7.1 Audio surround Sound support, they ussaly have 6 ports. Like I am ever going to use it Headphones ftw!

Sorry for double posting!

I heard you can change the Mic in to an audio out? That true?

 

[Asha'man X]

You can do this with HD Audio. I have some computers at my school with only the 3 ports, but they are able to change to 6 channel if you use the drivers. That way each port would output 2 channels.

This can't be done on older AC97 hardware though. Your best bet is to buy a cheap soundcard that offers 6 channel.

 

[springbokkie]

You can do this with HD Audio. I have some computers at my school with only the 3 ports, but they are able to change to 6 channel if you use the drivers. That way each port would output 2 channels.

This can't be done on older AC97 hardware though. Your best bet is to buy a cheap soundcard that offers 6 channel.

Offers 6 channels? Basically having 6 holes at the back?

 

[PostmanPot]

Offers 6 channels? Basically having 6 holes at the back?

No, you don't need 6 inputs to run a 6 channel system.

# of inputs ≠ # of channels.

(With newer PC sound cards at least).

 

[springbokkie]

No, you don't need 6 inputs to run a 6 channel system.

# of inputs ≠ # of channels.

(With newer PC sound cards at least).

Okay, thanks.

Would you mind telling me what is the most basic soundcard that would do the job?

 

[d0b33]

Okay, thanks.

Would you mind telling me what is the most basic soundcard that would do the job?

New motherboards today come with good enough sound(digital coaxial ouput does 5.1 with only one cable!) so no need for a souncard but this card...

http://www.prophecy.co.za/asonic-87688c-sound-card-cmedia-cmi8768-chipset-p-25996.html

Isn't too bad, C-media make good value chipsets that sound really good.

I have the asus xonar d2 card and the chipset is a cmedia/asus collaboration, it's really good.

 

[springbokkie]

Thanks all for the help!