Audio playing jerky!

[Guest]

I work with the ECS motherboard P6BAP-A+. The so named "sound card" is integrated on this motherboard. It's the CMI8738 from C-Media. Now everytime I do something on my computer (like going on the internet, loading a website, starting a program,...) and I'm playing audio like MP3, the music doesn't play fluently anymore. It's like the processor runs out of power and can't play the files anymore, but it happens also when I do very non-powerfull tasks.
I thought WinMe didn't work well with the drivers, but when i changed back to Win98 the problem wasn't solved.
Does this mean that i will have to buy a stand-alone sound card to let my music play fluently or is there another solution. And if so, what's the best buy regarding price/quality at the moment (SB 128, SB 512, SB Live....????).

I have a
PIII 800EB
ATI Fury MAXX
128 MB RAM
Quantum Fireball 20GB HD 5400 rpm
Pioneer 16X/40X DVD-rom
Liteon 204 CD-rom
Labtec speakers + Old Trust speakers (I have 4 speakers installed, the Line in has been changed to an audio output with a software setting (supported by the sound card)).

 

[breed33]

I am not familiar with the motherboard you have. What chipset does it use? I experienced a similar chopiness on my board also (i815E chipste). After installing the Intel ATA driver the sound got much better. No more breaking up during even the smallest load like it used to.

Brian

 

[Guest]

It uses the VIA VT82C693A/596B chipset.

 

[Arrow]

Well, I'm not sure if it's the chipset's problem, but with onboard sound, you can never expect too much. If you're planning to get a good and not too expensive sound card, I would recommend the SoundBlaster Live Value. I find it to be a pretty decent card.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048</A></b>

 

[Guest]

I updated the drivers for the VIA chipset but the my audio still plays jerky.
I think I'm going to buy a stand alone sound card. Or maybe somebody has another solution.
What's the big difference then between the SB 128, 512, Live, Live Value and other Live cards, because on the site of Creative they aren't very clear in their comparison between those cards, especially between the 512 and a Live.
I live in Belgium and I thought I also saw that the SB Live Value isn't available in Europe. Is this true?

Thanks

 

[Arrow]

Well, the SB Live Value is newer and better than the 512.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048</A></b>

 

[Quake110]

Download the latest drivers here http://www.cmedia.com.tw/





Visit my site at www.coolgames4u.com

 

[Strife]

I also have an integrated ESS sound card CMI1869 and it has the same problem. It has nothing to do with the drivers, all C-Media sound cards are nearly worthless peices of crap. Thats why that can be integrated into a motherboard without adding to much to the overall cost.

If you are at all interested in music or games you need to upgrade. I would recommend any of the Sound Blaster Live 5.1 cards. All the 5.1 cards (OEM, X-Gamer, MP3+, Platium ect) use the same hardware. Only the bundled software is different. Except for the Platium which comes with a connector pannel and remote.

The live value and other live cards without the 5.1 lack the spdif jack with allows them to connect to 5.1 speakers and recievers.

All the live cards have standard speaker ports for both front and rear speakers to 3d sound.

If you dont care about games and software get the 5.1 OEM its the cheapest ($66 at pricewatch). But, I would not get Platium, the remote and CDROM-Bay connectors are not worth the $120 extra you have to pay to get them. Also Soundblaster is planning to sell those accessories extra so you can always upgrade.