Audio Upgrade

Question

Hello,

I'm thinking about upgrading the audio on my system. I'm dual booting between Windows XP Pro x64 and RHEL WS 4 (update 6).

My system is:

Dell Precision 390
CPU: Q6700
RAM: 8 GB
HD: 320 & 500 GB
Video: Nvidia Quadro FX-550
Audio: Motherboard - SigmaTel Audio
OS: Windows XP Pro x64 and RHEL WS 4 (Update 6)

Finding an audio card for the system that works with Windows isn't hard but when you add Linux into the mix you can run into some issues.

I checked with the Dell Parts website and while there are audio cards for the system and Windows there aren't any for the system and RHEL WS 4.

So, I'm here wondering what experience people have with Linux and audio cards on the Precision line (especially the 390 or similar system).

Thanks for your time, help, and consideration!

Bert Moshier

ChainedGhost · Answer

Upgrading the audio I'm guessing means adding or chagnging the card you already have. You shouldn't be looking to see if it will work with your Dell but just see if the new card you're looking at is supported by Linux. I can't see why it wouldn't be - I haven't had any problems with Linux and audio since the 2.6 kernel came out other than to turn up the pcm volume in kmix or alsamixer. You wouldn't believe how many people scream that Linux doesn't support their sound card just to find out the volume was down all the way or muted.

bmoshier · Answer

Thanks for the quick reply.

At this point there isn't an audio card. The audio is on the motherboard.

I'm glad to hear most (if not all) audio cards with with the 2.6 kernel. You're correct that is my main concern as most audio cards already work with Windows.

Would you have any suggestions on getting a good audio card? I'm going to use it for general stuff on Linux. Where I'll exploit it is game playing on Windows XP Pro x64 (so 64 bit drivers are necessary).

Again thanks for the reply :)

Bert.

ChainedGhost · Answer

I would go with the SoundBlaster Audigy 4 Pro. If you want to check out the Sound cards supported by ALSA go here.

Linux General

Audio Upgrade

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