ISA SB AWE64 vs. Newer PCI cards

[Babulmiah]

I'm interested in hearing about the sound cards you all use esp. from anyone who still uses SB AWE64 GOLD ISA card (as I'm getting one - OK its OLD but hence its cheap!).

I especially want to know how changing from ISA to PCI effects your PC (not theories please but real world experience!), and the quality of the AWE64-Gold card.

Thanks.

[Dominus]

I've got one, and I love it. Works with no trouble of configuration in any operating system, and still sounds wonderful. I've had it for a long time, and haven't seen the need to upgrade.

[qball]

I have an Abit BH6 which just happened to have 2 ISA slots. Perfect! One for my SB AWE64 and the other for my 56k modem. Although the ISA bus is mired at 8Mhz, for sound or slow modems (I remember when slow was 2400bps!!) it keeps up just fine. I only have PCI slots left so I need not worry about IRQs.

My sound is fine, though I must say the old SB AWE64 will not be making it into my next box, as it will not have ISA slots. The times they are a changin...

[Szech]

My isa sound card works great, but in the BIOS, I had to change its IRQ from ISA/PCI to Legacy ISA.

[Carlos Kerr]

One thing I really like about it is compatability. As already mentioned this card is a breeze to set up and has never given me any trouble. I am using it in a socket 7 mb that I have set up for my kids games and software. I use a Live! value in my main system. To tell you the truth- unless I am playing a game with EAX or need to adjust the environments, the AWE 64 (to my ears anyway) can keep up with the Value pretty well. I was surprised to see an AWE64 on the shelf at Wal-mart. They had it next to the Live! maxi-gamer, the Live! card was $99 but they still were asking $69 for the AWE64! Talk about holding value. The AWE64 was 'marked down' from $89. I am considering looking (listening) to the new Aureal sq2500 Vortec card-decent reviews for gaming.

[LordLocksley]

Well I used to have an AWE32, it wasn't a bad card but if you can afford it the Live series are SO much better. I never knew that sound card quality could make that much of a differnce.... I will swear on my SB Live X-Gamer.

there's my 2cents

[Babulmiah]

Weeeelllll...

After much reading by many posts from many people. It seems as good and compatible as the AWE64 is, it is only worth getting if your short on IRQs or need to play older DOS games. A great card for sure, but showing its age!

As for ISA slow downs, many people have said the ISA sound cards and modems don't push the ISA bus and although may slow the PC bus as a whole, the difference is negilable!

[redstone]

I am still using mine. I think it's about 3 or 4 years now. I've got no complaints. ÿ

[RobRich]

I play with Live's and MX series cards all day, but I still keep my ISA AWE-64. As long as I have an ISA slot, it has a home. I can use it in almost any operating system that uses sound, as it still follows the SB-16 reference design. I've never had a problem with it under Win9x, WinNT, Linux, OS-2, or BeOS.

I am quite impressed with newer cards expanded 3d support for A3D and EAX, but I'm not a serious gamer. For playing MP3's and playing the occasional Quake2 session, I feel the AWE-64 is perfectly fine.

Catch ya' later,
Robert Richmond