Z77 PCI Slot - Compatibility Issue Question

Sideman · 16 Oct 2012 at 22:24

I was planning on getting an Asus Xonar Essence ST (PCI) for my new build, as opposed to the Essence STX (PCI-e), as it seems from posts I read on an a well known audiophile forum that the consensus is that the ST sounds better (it also has good reviews on here), primarily it seems because it has the CS2000 chip which is supposed to help with jitter. (I think it was also cited that by using the ST, you can keep it away from the GFX card).

Now, I note from a post on here by stulid that it's best to use a PCI-e card on Z77 boards because of potential issues and compatibility problems with PCI on these boards. (Planning on getting an OC bundle with the Asus P8Z77-V).

I also did a quick web search on the subject, and only managed to find a post on the Cakewalk forum where someone mentions as well that there can be issues with PCI cards on newer motherboards as they use a bridge from the PCI-e bus.

So I was wondering, are the compatibility issues more prevalent with certain types of, or make of card on Z77 boards?

Has anybody here used the Asus Xonar Essence ST on a Z77 board with no issues?

And is it worth taking the risk and going with the ST?

stulid · 16 Oct 2012 at 22:38

I've experienced it myself (with a X-Fi extreme music)

Also as PCI is not featured on some boards (being slowly phased out) then it makes sense to get a PCI-E card.

As you don't already have the sound card you are looking at, you should consider paying an extra £1 for this one - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-005-AS&groupid=701&catid=11&subcat=

Uncle Petey · 16 Oct 2012 at 22:45

I have no idea how many people have had problems, but I will say that running a PCI Xonar D2 in a very similar motherboard to the one you're looking at hasn't been an issue for me.

Saying that though, maybe it's better to invest in something current rather than something that's still hanging on?

gaz1971 · 17 Oct 2012 at 11:07

I have a Z77 mb Gigabyte z77 ds3h and Im using 2 pci cards on it and have no issues with either(not sound cards, tv card, capture card).

sadbuttrue · 17 Oct 2012 at 12:32

No issues with a PCI sound card on my board. Depending on your setup tho, maybe a DAC would be best? No issues of PCI slots being phased out when you next upgrade.

Sideman · 17 Oct 2012 at 18:20

Thanks for the responses.

I suppose I might be lucky and not have any issues, but on the other hand, I guess it makes sense to get the STX, as has been mentioned, at least it should be future proof should I ever decide to upgrade to a new motherboard at a future date.

And the by all accounts, the STX is still a great soundcard.