Onboard Audio

[phayzfaustyn]

I am looking into the purchase of a KT400 based board, most notably the SOYO Dragon Ultra, and I am wondering if anyone knows how good the onboard audio is. It says that it has 5.1 channel audio, but does it perform well? Is it worth the purchase of a midlevel sound card to supplant the audio capabilities? Like an under $100 card?

Thanks for any assistance.

 

[monkeyspank]

<font color=red> CMedia seems to have found itself a very solid place in the onboard sound market. The sound is MUCH clearer and of better quality than the AC'97 by Realtek and Alance. </font color=red>

<A HREF="http://www.sudhian.com/docs.cfm/id/120/pid/466.sud" target="_new">here</A>

I havent heard it myself. I understand that unless you are a really fussy audiophile then these onboard chips do absolutely fine for gaming and listening to the odd tune. I'd be more inclined to make sure i had nice speakers.

<font color=red> -- </font color=red><font color=blue>A bush in the hand is worth two birds at the bar</font color=blue>

 

[fomalhaut]

You wouldn't expect much from a humble AC97 codec, but it will get the job done. I can hear a small noise in my MSI KT3 Ultra2 integrated sound, but it's just noticeable when playing at very low volumes.

 

[monkeyspank]

the soyo board has the CMI (CMedia) audio chip.
I think the board ships as standard with connectors for 4 channel sound, but a bracket can be bought to upgrade to 5.1. It might be worth checking that this cable comes with the board.

<font color=red> -- </font color=red><font color=blue>A bush in the hand is worth two birds at the bar</font color=blue>