Im in a pickle here

Patrickman · 17 Oct 2011 at 23:33

I want a sound card in my computer but when you look at this video, you'll see where im stuck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPrOGV7D7ME

Basically I dont think iv enough space for it. My motherboard is the MSI P67A-GD53 (B3), Intel P67, ATX, DDR3. There's a pci express x1 slot in-between the Corsair A70 and the 1st gpu unit iirc

I nearly forgot the case is the Fractal Design Define R3 Series ATX Case - Black Pearl

Im wonder is there any fix to my problem, could i get for example the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium in that slot I mentioned above?

If worse comes to worse if I really wanted a sound card would I need a new case and motherboard?

danewesley · 17 Oct 2011 at 23:37

this will fit in your very top slot http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-052-CL&groupid=701&catid=11&subcat=

Speed · 17 Oct 2011 at 23:39

I have the same board, you should be able to fit it between the GPUs or in the top slot. Between the GPUs might affect GPU #1 temps, but as those type of coolers are decent you should be fine.

The top slot is where I would put it personally, you just have to make sure it is nice and tight and can't move and short out on the heatsink. Picture of a system I'm working on atm, its tight but doable: http://www.markljlewis.com/danielsetuppicture1.jpg

The other suggestion would be a watercooler unit, H60/H70, 620, 920 etc. To give you more room around the CPU slot and so the fan isn't pulling against the sound card, better airflow etc.

Patrickman · 17 Oct 2011 at 23:46

danewesley said:
this will fit in your very top slot http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-052-CL&groupid=701&catid=11&subcat=

thanks for the suggestion, looks pretty darn good

Speed said:
I have the same board, you should be able to fit it between the GPUs or in the top slot. Between the GPUs might affect GPU #1 temps, but as those type of coolers are decent you should be fine.

The top slot is where I would put it personally, you just have to make sure it is nice and tight and can't move and short out on the heatsink. Picture of a system I'm working on atm, its tight but doable: http://www.markljlewis.com/danielsetuppicture1.jpg

The other suggestion would be a watercooler unit, H60/H70, 620, 920 etc. To give you more room around the CPU slot and so the fan isn't pulling against the sound card, better airflow etc.

thanks for the replies lads and its nice to see someone who has the same board

I also want to beable to put it in the top slot

Remember where I mention the cooler, well speed your setup is perfect but my cooler is facing down towards the gpu and im worried if I put the sound card in there, it will interfere with the cooling, what are your thoughts?

Speed · 17 Oct 2011 at 23:58

I'd say you may experience a slight rise in temps, but nothing huge. I mean at the end of the day if temps go up too much, just take the sound card out and get a different cooler. No need to change your case or motherboard thats for sure. Something like a Corsair H60 or Antec 620 would be fine unless you are running some seriously high voltages on the CPU. If of course it comes to that. I do understand your concerns though, just one of those things, without someone with the exact setup it is hard to tell how much of a difference it will make.

I can't see how the linked card will be any better than the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium you wanted in that respect, so go with the one you want.

Speed · 18 Oct 2011 at 00:01

Can you not just rotate the cooler so it extracts out the back?

Patrickman · 18 Oct 2011 at 00:05

Speed said:
I'd say you may experience a slight rise in temps, but nothing huge. I mean at the end of the day if temps go up too much, just take the sound card out and get a different cooler. No need to change your case or motherboard thats for sure. Something like a Corsair H60 or Antec 620 would be fine unless you are running some seriously high voltages on the CPU. If of course it comes to that. I do understand your concerns though, just one of those things, without someone with the exact setup it is hard to tell how much of a difference it will make.

I can't see how the linked card will be any better than the Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium you wanted in that respect, so go with the one you want.

Thanks speed, that has put my mind at ease, ill order that sound card today

Speed said:
Can you not just rotate the cooler so it extracts out the back?

lol I didnt think of that, that's pretty bad of me . That's the better option is seems