Spec me a Sound Card pls!

Kyo · 7 Dec 2015 at 13:34

Hi

Starting to have problems with Creative xterme gamer. Sometimes the Sound crackles and is pitched very low (like a loose connection). A slight tap to the side of the case (motherboard side) seems to restore the (loose) connection.

It is definitely not the cable or windows, subwoofer etc. So it maybe the soundcard itself???

Was thinking to get a new one. SoundBlaster Z seems to catch my eye? Is this a pci card and a good alternative?

Any advice would be apprecaited.

Cheers
Kyo

Marsman · 7 Dec 2015 at 13:39

Sounds like a hardware issue if a quick whack solves the problem, albeit temporarily. I'd try reseating the card. I've had cards that have done funny things, which were solved by reseating it. It could be a fault with the card, but it's worth trying that first.

foster grant · 7 Dec 2015 at 13:57

I would also go with a reseating of the card first

and if you really want a new card the sound blaster z is pretty ok...but depending on your budget , I would go for this https://www.overclockers.co.uk/powercolor-devil-hdx-7.1-channel-pci-e-soundcard-sc-000-pc.html

Kyo · 7 Dec 2015 at 13:58

Thanks for the replies guys, already did that, took it out and air dustered it and the pci slot before placing it back in. Made no difference even after reseating. But giving it a tap did the trick. Thinks it is on its way out.

Kyo · 10 Dec 2015 at 12:06

right my sound card output has finally packed in

reseat etc and no joy. Switched to the onboard so not totally stuck. Ordered the Creative Sound Blaster Z OEM, it not got the shield but it shouldnt make a difference. Notice the card connection is way smaller than my current card. It says PCI-E but i take it the same slot?

Marsman · 10 Dec 2015 at 12:19

No, PCI and PCIe are different. You can't put a PCIe card into a PCI slot. All PCIe sound cards are 1x slot size, but they will work in other PCIe slots; 4x, 8x and 16x.

Spec-Chum · 10 Dec 2015 at 22:22

foster grant said:
I would also go with a reseating of the card first

and if you really want a new card the sound blaster z is pretty ok...but depending on your budget , I would go for this https://www.overclockers.co.uk/powercolor-devil-hdx-7.1-channel-pci-e-soundcard-sc-000-pc.html

I like the specs of that card, anyone used it? What's the headphone amp like?

Kyo · 11 Dec 2015 at 01:42

Marsman said:
No, PCI and PCIe are different. You can't put a PCIe card into a PCI slot. All PCIe sound cards are 1x slot size, but they will work in other PCIe slots; 4x, 8x and 16x.

Phew for sec there I thought I bought a card that does not fit. Can see my particular mobo has two PCI-e x1 size slots but my gfx card is very close plus that area gets very hot, so don't think it will fit/suit.

Thankfully I have a long PCI-e x8 slot size on the other side that will do nicely. Wil it be secure because the slot so much longer??

Thanks

Uriel · 11 Dec 2015 at 10:19

Marsman · 11 Dec 2015 at 11:10

Kyo said:
Phew for sec there I thought I bought a card that does not fit. Can see my particular mobo has two PCI-e x1 size slots but my gfx card is very close plus that area gets very hot, so don't think it will fit/suit.

Thankfully I have a long PCI-e x8 slot size on the other side that will do nicely. Wil it be secure because the slot so much longer??

Thanks

Yeah, no problems. The screw on the bracket plate will keep it secure.

Kyo · 11 Dec 2015 at 13:24

Marsman said:
Yeah, no problems. The screw on the bracket plate will keep it secure.

That is really useful to know, thanks mate

Shows how long I last replaced my sound card. Never heard of PCI-e sound cards before

Kyo · 15 Dec 2015 at 19:11

Installed my new sound card and wow. You notice a big difference. Onboard is ok but once you tried a dedicated card you won't go back. Gaming is do much better imo.