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42 Posts
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37493
October 24th, 2013 23:00
Aurora R4, audio configuration
I just received a brand-new Aurora R4 replacement.
Specs are:
i7-4820K (4 cores, 10MB cache); 16GB quad-channel, Windows 7 Pro 64-Bit; nVidia GeForce GTX 760 1.5GB GDDR5; Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
My previous Aurora unit came with Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium sound card. What is the difference between the X-Fi card and the "Integrated 7.1 channel" card? I can't seem to find any details or specs, only that it uses the RealTek HD Audio Driver. What is the hardware configuration? And does it support all HD codecs?
I really loved the X-Fi set-up (the console, etc.,...)
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WestCoastD
42 Posts
0
October 28th, 2013 13:00
thanks for your response. This is exactly what I needed to know. My original machine has already been returned to Dell. However I will contact Alien Support to let them know.
dcgtls
2 Intern
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940 Posts
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October 28th, 2013 12:00
You paid for the Sound Blaster, it is much better than the integrated sound on the motherboard.
If it was me I would remove the Sound Blaster from the old computer before shipping it back to Dell and installing it into the new computer. Make sure to get the cable that connects the Sound Blaster to the front audio ports. I am not sure if there is a small jumper cable that enables this to work on the newer systems or not. Once installed you need to install the software and test everything to make sure it is working for all ports, including HDMI if you have it.
If you run into any problems call Tech support and they will help you to get this working.
If you already sent the old system back you need to get on the phone with Dell ASAP to try and get this taken care of. If you don't then you have thrown out a nice chunk of money.
WestCoastD
42 Posts
0
October 28th, 2013 13:00
thanks for your response. This is exactly what I needed to know. My original machine has already been returned to Dell. I'm surprised they (Alienware group) did not include SoundBlaster in the new build, they matched everything else from my original machine build (or equivalent). However I will contact Alien Support to let them know.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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October 30th, 2013 13:00
No. Sounds like a feeble excuse in justifying the mistake of leaving out the dedicated SoundBlaster card. They should have just sent you a card, let you install it, and be done with it.
AFAIK, the Aurora R4 only comes with 875w Power Supply. Notice, there is no optional selection ... it's fixed at: "Alienware 875 Watt Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply".
The nVidia 760 is the smaller card, and probably uses less power than all the offered 6xx and 7xx cards.
Any PCIe SoundBlaster card doesn't use much power and wouldn't push machine over any power threshold ... especially not with a 875w power supply and a single mid-range video card.
WestCoastD
42 Posts
0
October 30th, 2013 13:00
I spoke with Alienware support today. They explained that my replacement (new) PC did not include SoundBlaster X-Fi due to the fact that the power supply installed is not rated to handle, both, the new nVidia GeForce GTX 760 card and SoundBlaster card.
However after checking, my old (defective) PC had 525W power supply (with SoundBlaster X-Fi/nVidia GTX 640 video card combination), while the new (replacement) PC has 875W power supply (with RealTek 7.1HD audio built-in/nVidia GTX 760 combination). And that (he thought) by adding SoundBlaster X-Fi to my new PC I would have to down-grade the video card to lesser power-handling part No.. Does this seem right?
WestCoastD
42 Posts
0
October 30th, 2013 17:00
No. Sounds like a feeble excuse in justifying the mistake of leaving out the dedicated SoundBlaster card. They should have just sent you a card, let you install it, and be done with it.
AFAIK, the Aurora R4 only comes with 875w Power Supply. Notice, there is no optional selection ... it's fixed at: "Alienware 875 Watt Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply".
The nVidia 760 is the smaller card, and probably uses less power than all the offered 6xx and 7xx cards.
Any PCIe SoundBlaster card doesn't use much power and wouldn't push machine over any power threshold ... especially not with a 875w power supply and a single mid-range video card.
thanks for your input. I though, as well, the stock 825W power-supply should provide robust enough wattage to handle, both, SoundBlaster X-Fi and most of the popular nVidia graphics cards out there. As far as I understand an 825W power-supply is more than typical, am I correct?Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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October 30th, 2013 19:00