even when adjusting EQ via VIA AudioDeck or whatever. It comes down to power, with RealTek onboard, my brother was having constant static and hissing issues, and the sound was just FLAT.
#Realtek alc892 audio codec 5.1 driver
With Recon3d, Core3d, Z, Zx, and ZxR, those functions were moved to Software Controlled Functions integrated in the Driver (Creative says it was due to the new Audio Audio Stack in Windows 7, yet my X-Fi does Fine with the functions still on the hardware.) I'd like to see how much noise a Onboard realtek chip introduces when it converts samples from 44.1Khz or 48 Khz to 96Khz.Īlso, with X-Fi The EAX, EQ, Crystalizer, CMS-3d, CMS Expand, etc etc, all them features were done on hardware. With my X-Fi chip, I can run it from Optical out to the Surround Sound system and crank it with no static or distortions, at frequencies of 96Khz to 192Khz.
and expecially when convertin or expanding from stereo to multi-channel. Most onboard chips are fine at low Volume levels, but as soon as you crank it up for movies and music, you start to get distortions in the music, especially on the lower frequencies.
#Realtek alc892 audio codec 5.1 drivers
There's also Custom Drivers for the Xfi Cards that add a ton of features. I also run custom EAX Templates for 1st Person Shooters and Flight Sims. and with the Software, you can simulate 5.1 very Nicely. I use the Platinum Fatal1ty with 5.25 Box, as I have Optical out to my Surround system or headset.Įven with a standard gaming Stereo headset, the Jacks on the front are Amped. (most of them are set as Buy it now for $200 still, for good reason). (Card, Ribbons, Remote, 5.25 Bay box) for like $50 if you bid wisely. If you ebay search, you can get the complete platinum set The PCIe versions are a bit different, but I went back to PCI versions as they had driver issues at launch. My Card has 64 MB of X-Ram on it, most of the X-Fi's had 4 or 8 MB, not completely sure. None of my games utilize the X-Fi's XRam, so looking for one of the Fatal1ty Cards for the X-Ram is prolly pointless. So there are tons of OEM Cards on Ebay for $24, for the XFi Extreme Gamer 7.1 Cards (Analog 2.5mm jacks + optical input/output) When Dell/Alienware discontinued Carrying them, they sold them off, Here's the thing though, 90% of the Xfi Cards on ebay and amazon are open Box or OEM Cards, I still havent found a Audio Card that matches them, the Recon3d, Cor3d and Z Chips (Cor3d re-hash) from Creative arent worth it.įor an X-Fi PCI card off Ebay, I think I got an Extreme Gamer without breakout box for like $30 for my brother and he was vastly happy with the difference. The Realtek ALC892 Audio Processor Codec isnt **THAT** bad.įor Best sound, I'd recommend a PCI XFi Extreme Gamer, You will learn to love the difference and you will only use the Kave to collect dust, just like I did.īesides that: it's undoubted, that you can use an equalizer to make the sound of an onboard prettier. Try a Hifi-Headset, not one that cutts off bass at 50 Hz and transforms it into vibration.
Kave? The Roccat Kave? Well, that explains it. so taking this load to an external card might help fps. Regarding frame rates, it is true that a certain amount of CPU is needed for on board sound, and DCS is very CPU hungry.
Maybe an expert running specific test could tell, but this game & music lover certainly can't hear the difference. The difference all comes from the setup of equalisers & effects etc IMO. NAD amp & very high quality B&W speakers and a set of true 5.1 Kave headphones. I should know as i have both running through decent equipment. Modern decent on board sound and x-fi type pci cards are no longer that different in quality.