Which is best - Onboard AC'97 of SB PCI64?

eatingrich · Jan 21, 2007, 03:15 PM

I know you saw that and probably thought you'd gone back in time 10 years!

But basically I've always been under the impression that onboard graphics/sound cards are always inferior to ones you install.

But I'm not so sure with audio cards especially as my alternative is a Soundblaster PCI 64.

So which would be better, my onboard NVidia NForce AC'97 or my SB PCI64 which I can download an 8MB waveset for it etc.

I'm just not sure which is technically better. I want to convert some vinyl to mp3 and obviously both aren't ideal, but making the best of what I have - which should I use?

Thanks in advance!

jp306 · Jan 21, 2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatingrich

I know you saw that and probably thought you'd gone back in time 10 years!

But basically I've always been under the impression that onboard graphics/sound cards are always inferior to ones you install.

But I'm not so sure with audio cards especially as my alternative is a Soundblaster PCI 64.

So which would be better, my onboard NVidia NForce AC'97 or my SB PCI64 which I can download an 8MB waveset for it etc.

I'm just not sure which is technically better. I want to convert some vinyl to mp3 and obviously both aren't ideal, but making the best of what I have - which should I use?

Thanks in advance!

I'm still using a SB live Value card and I can tell you it's better than onboard sound, because it has its own audio processer chip "10k1" and because of that it is less of a strain on my cpu resulting in about 10fps in games for me(I only tested 1 game). Not sure of your card though, but you should do a benckmark with each and see if it does.

eatingrich · Jan 21, 2007, 06:27 PM

thats not a bad idea really, I had 3D Mark 2001 (Onion somethingorother?!) but I think thats just for graphics. I bet you're right re: having its own processor chip, I'd imagine its the same for nearly all soundcards...

thanks!

**dj_stick** · Jan 21, 2007, 08:56 PM

the live is better than onboard 'cause it's hardware accelerated, the PCIxxx series were software based cards - imo the more recent AC97 chip, depending on the actual codec in use (realtek, soundmax?) will probaby have better sound. and better performance

eatingrich · Jan 21, 2007, 09:03 PM

Thanks for the reply, its an Nvidia Nforce audio codec, driver dated 23/10/2003 so I imagine more up to date than the PCI64 will be by a good few years. I suppose the best bet is to benchmark but I'm more inclined to take your word for it!

Easier for me!
Funny how you always assume things though, I just always assumed anything onboard would be inferior, I suppose it will be when compared to other modern cards but for older stuff it seems it could be superior! To be honest the only reason I thought the PCI64 might be better would be the 8MB waveset.

Thanks again

Jan 21, 2007, 03:15 PM	#1
eatingrich HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 159 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Which is best - Onboard AC'97 of SB PCI64? I know you saw that and probably thought you'd gone back in time 10 years! But basically I've always been under the impression that onboard graphics/sound cards are always inferior to ones you install. But I'm not so sure with audio cards especially as my alternative is a Soundblaster PCI 64. So which would be better, my onboard NVidia NForce AC'97 or my SB PCI64 which I can download an 8MB waveset for it etc. I'm just not sure which is technically better. I want to convert some vinyl to mp3 and obviously both aren't ideal, but making the best of what I have - which should I use? Thanks in advance! __________________ Check out my gaming blog for stuff about Windows Phone, retro gaming and Xbox - www.zombiesatemyxbox.com

Jan 21, 2007, 06:27 PM	Thread Starter #3
eatingrich HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 159 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	thats not a bad idea really, I had 3D Mark 2001 (Onion somethingorother?!) but I think thats just for graphics. I bet you're right re: having its own processor chip, I'd imagine its the same for nearly all soundcards... thanks! __________________ Check out my gaming blog for stuff about Windows Phone, retro gaming and Xbox - www.zombiesatemyxbox.com

Jan 21, 2007, 09:03 PM	Thread Starter #5
eatingrich HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 159 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Thanks for the reply, its an Nvidia Nforce audio codec, driver dated 23/10/2003 so I imagine more up to date than the PCI64 will be by a good few years. I suppose the best bet is to benchmark but I'm more inclined to take your word for it! Easier for me! Funny how you always assume things though, I just always assumed anything onboard would be inferior, I suppose it will be when compared to other modern cards but for older stuff it seems it could be superior! To be honest the only reason I thought the PCI64 might be better would be the 8MB waveset. Thanks again __________________ Check out my gaming blog for stuff about Windows Phone, retro gaming and Xbox - www.zombiesatemyxbox.com