Audigy 2 ZS vs Integrated

[Lucas__86]

I am considering replacing my craptacular C-Media sound card with an Audigy 2 ZS. I won't be able to replace the old card right away, but I can use my mobo's onboard sound. Will using the mobo's integrated sound card add more of a load to the CPU? And does the Audigy 2 ZS produce a lot heat? I only have a 2.1 setup, but it is a nice Altec Lansing set. Is it worth the upgrade?

<b>-Lucas</b>
<font color=red><i>"The blue screen of death approaches. Your data is lost. No one hears your screams."</i></font color=red>

 

[onrecess]

I was just reading an article HERE (just seach audio with keyword "onboard") how onboard sound can easily cause a 15% hit on performance!
Yow!

 

[coylter]

I Retire what i said...The all mighty Crashman spoke



Athlon 2700xp+ (oc: 3200xp+ with 200fsb)
Radeon 9800pro (oc: 410/360)
1024mb pc3200 (5-3-3-2)
Asus A7N8X-X<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by coylter on 08/28/04 02:09 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Crashman]

nForce APU is onboard and has similar power to the Audigy 2 and more power than most other sound cards.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>

 

[blah]

No matter what onboard sound you'll have, ZS will give you more. It is made for SOUND production, not for money saving solution. nForce APU was never meant to replace SB cards. But if you listen to music more than play then I would consider CMedia card better than SB, although SB is more than enough for casual listening.

..this is very useful and helpful place for information...

 

[Crashman]

The biggest problem with nForce solutions has always been low quality codecs motherboard makers have chosen to split the signal into channels. The biggest problem with Creative has always been their terrible, horrible drivers and software.

<font color=blue>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to a hero as big as Crashman!</font color=blue>
<font color=red>Only a place as big as the internet could be home to an ego as large as Crashman's!</font color=red>