Sound Cards/Vista

Question

I'm currently looking at buying a new computer(a desktop, for reference). I've noticed that recently, Dell is selling Vista PCs. However, the only(apparent) compatible sound card is the integrated sound on the motherboard of the PC. I don't want that! Are there better sound cards out there that can still use Vista, or I am stuck with an integrated motherboard when I buy my Dell with Vista?

biznaga · Answer

I am in same boat.  We will be stuck with the on-board sound until some company finally gets VISTA drivers for theirs.  Whether it be Dell that gets drivers or manufacturer, who knows?

fireberd · Answer

I upgraded to Vista home premium.  I have an older Audigy 2 Platinum EX (has the external I/O console).  The Beta drivers are working fine with this card.  I haven't run into any problems.

TomXPS · Answer

Only choice right now is to buy without the sound card, purchase the sound card you want and install it with the Beta Drivers available for some X-FI sound cards.   Better make sure the sound card has the drivers availble.  Sound Blaster has some drivers available for Vista.

iBlue · Answer

HT Omega has two cards. their web site says Vista drivers are available. You will have to download the drivers from their web site.   http://www.htomega.com/rgboard/list.php?bbs_id=soundcards   Newegg has them.   http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Brand=11613&N=2010360057+50011613&Submit=ENE&Manufactory=11613&SubCategory=57

BlackSkye · Answer

Well, my only problem is that I just want to get my computer WITH the sound card that will be compatible with Vista. Dell isn't selling the SoundBlaster cards with their Vista PCs yet(more than likely because they haven't created drivers or compatible ones yet) and I'm wondering if I should just get the integrated s.c. with a better processor or what! :)

TomXPS · Answer

You just have to wait.  Once Soundblaster has stable non beta drivers available, I am sure Dell will start offering their cards again.   Installing a card should not be too big of deal, but having the front jacks working requires a special cable only availble from Dell so that is one advantage of waiting.  Dell does sell ther X-FI card, and I assume it includes the cable as an accessory.

patchsassy · Answer

I'm running the Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty XtremeGamer Profess1onal on my older Dimension 4600 with the available drivers on Creative's website. Works fine.

Mike

Dimension 4600i P4 2.6 GHz @800FSB
BFG GeForce 6800 OC/AGP 8X (A1, 16x1, 6vp)
2.5GHz PC3200 RAM
Dell 1907 LCD Monitor
SATA 320 GB Hard Drive
SATA 120 GB Hard Drive
Pioneer DVR-109 BK Dual Layer DVD Burner
Asus DVD-E616P2 16X DVD-ROM
Logitech Cordless MX Duo
Leadtek TV Expert Tuner Card
Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty XtremeGamer
Logitech Z-5300e speakers
D-Link DI-624 Wireless Router
Windows Vista Home Premium

Nigie · Answer

Hi,   Bear in mind that even the onboard sound card has Vista driver compatability issues. Ive spent 2 weeks in pain talking to Dell support about this. There are numerous drivers but none work perfectly.   If you are looking to use either the line in or microphone inputs, don't expect any sound out of them.   Dell tell me that Microsoft will be releasing a Vista upgrade in 2-3 weeks to sort this out.   I was tempted to go out and buy a decent card, but Dell reckon the same issue applies with them too.   Nige

BlackSkye · Answer

See, this is my predicament. I want a sound card where I won't have to go through all the pain and suffering of downloading new stuff for it right away. How long do you think it will take to get the new Vista-compatible sound cards(where I don't need to download all the drivers and just buy them directly)?

patchsassy · Answer

I understand your situation. It could be quite sometime before either Dell, Microsoft or Creative Labs has a solution for your problem. Dell Small Business offers systems with Windows XP still which has drivers for advanced audio cards and which systems can be configured with these drivers installed. You might want to consider that option if you don't want to install the audio card yourself.   I personally think you're better off configuring your new system with integrated audio and upgrading on your own. Dell has a history of selling 'watered down' versions of 'Retail' purchased add-on cards. You'd generally get a better audio card by purchasing it on your own... Installation is simple and the support here, with the great people at your disposal , lt would make your little project easy.    Mike

BlackSkye · Answer

If I did do that, would the performance of my desktop go down even with the sound card I installed, due to the integrated sound, or would the motherboard basically just put that integrated sound part away/to different use?

TomXPS · Answer

When you add a sound card you go into Setup (BIOS) you can turn off the build in Sound.

californiapure · Answer

How can we get the 'mixer out' or 'wave out' or similar to show up in vista? I am frustrated that I bought this computer from Dell and they didnt' tell me that I couldn't record from the sound card before I bought the computer.

kolossusuk · Answer

Hi   I have a very similar problem   I record a great deal of samples and use a software synth (Korg Legacy), which is Vista compatible, however, when trying to select a source to record into my Vista compatible sequencer (Adobe Audition) it does not pick up any signal. I am unable to access any recording mixer, like good old XP, so cannot select wav recording (or was it line - can't remember now!) and record anything on board the PC   Anybody offer any guidance, please??   The whole reason for buying  the Dimension E521 was to record my own music and I feel very frustrated at present - very tempted to send it back to Dell, cos it's no use to me as it is now!!   Many thanks   PW

Windows General

Sound Cards/Vista

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