Audigy 2 vs onboard, gaming performance increase?

[jotto]

Have just been looking to buy some new 7.1 speakers to replace old quad setup and came across a few forum posts saying how much gaming performance was increased using a high end sound card instead of a mobos onboard system.

I currently run an Abit NF 7-s v2.0.

If I was to disable the onboard sound and add, say, an audigy 2 zs sound card, would I get any increase in gaming performance?

What is the best way to measure frame rates from within games ie doom 3 and HL2?

Thanks.

[Someone Stupid]

A couple FPS possibly.

[MJCfromCT]

I agree it will be a few FPS at most of an increase.

To best measure FPS in games, check out FRAPS:

http://www.fraps.com/

[RamonGTP]

Well the NF7-S uses nVidia soundstorm audio which uses very few CPU cycles. So the difference will be very little, to none at all. I'm also running an NF7-S and an Audigy2 Platinum, but i've never used the onboard sound.

If you're only reason for getting the Audigy2 is hopes of a peformance increase, don't bother.

[fishybawb]

Agreed. If you want better game performance, a video card, RAM or CPU upgrade is the way to go.

[Someone Stupid]

Exactly, if you want a decent sound improvement, grab a sound card. Soundstorm uses very few resources, in fact the original audigy cards used more and the audigy 2s use only a tad less IIRC. Older onboard and other onboard from that generation usually ate up a few extra FPS, another couple FPS usually.

[Rabbitrunner51]

I am surprised by some of the ansers to this question.

I had an origianal onboard sound and 2.1 sytem and it was fine for awhile..but then I just got my first computer and what did I know?

Upon my new build..gaming and the fact that I am into music always....the old way just would not do.

I purchased a Audigy 2 ZS soundcard..and ordered the Z7700 7.1 speaker system from Creative and there is no comparison whatsoever.

In games and esp. the ones that support direct 3D sound and THX ..it is JUST AWESOME. the fact that you can put it on anything from 2.1 up to 7.1 and play in many differnt proerties such as Concert hall, Theatre, small room or waht have you is well..yu be the judge.
The sound properties and all the differnt things you are able to do and sound adjustments are worth every single penny spent...and absolutely no regrets at all.

You could get a bsic Audigy 2 Live or 5.1 system and card and its just as good.

SC's go with Creative , Turtle Beach, or Klipse has one or two I believe.

[gringo]

Hi Rabbit, the answers the other guys have given are based on the question.

Jotto didn't ask about sound quality, but about gameplay improvement.

The mobo that he is using has good onboard 5.1 sound, which you can't compare to 2.1.

" With the nForce2 MCP-T, the APU (Audio Processing Unit) delivers Dolby Digital 5.1 cinematic-quality sound and 3D positional audio to your home PC. By SoundstormTM technology, the NF7-S supports Real-time audio encoding delivering up to 256 simultaneous audio streams makes games and applications come to life. With cutting-edge features and ABIT Engineering, the NF7 series is the ultimate multimedia platform for the world."

Agreed you will get a slight improvement in gameplay, but if all he wants is "good" sound, then he might be better off sticking with what he already has, and save his pennies for something else.

I previously had a soundblaster in my old systems, but since the newer boards have very good onboard, I don't see the point. I can play games over my 5.1 speakers and any improvemenet in the quality by using a better soundcard would be lost on me. If I set the volume up and get really involved in a game, it creates the required enviroment. Most PC's are in bedrooms or small offices, so what is the point in a sound system that can shake the plaster off the walls if all you want is good clear surround sound ?


I know there are real freaks out there that the sound quality is one of the most important things while playing a game or music, but generally good quality will suffice.

b.t.w most mobo's now have onboard sound which supports the likes of THX or similar.

[RamonGTP]

Thank you gringo for saving me from having to post a long reply.

[gringo]

your welcome.

[Rabbitrunner51]

Like most tech. improvements nowadays.., things keep changing and even though I keep up with quite a bit of all the latest info and future trends, its forums like this that keep us in the know. Thanks for the info on what has improved in Mobo design and implementation.
You are probably correct if he indeed has the built in 5.1 audio..ect.. it really depends upon how critical one is...and by his question it sounds like he is not as knowledgable as some.
Most computer sound nowadays is very good...and has come along way since the old soundblaster codecs.., even Soundblaster is still a very good codec... by virtue that most Mobos had this installed with them yesteryear.

[jotto]

Thanks guys, Decided just to upgrade the speakers and have to say I am impressed with the results, Good clear surround sound. I can hear exactly where the enemy are coming from in games and DVD playback is much better with the full channels.

As for gaming performance, I suppose a few extra fps here and there would be nice but my system seems to play ok....for now!


AMD XP 3200+
ABit NF7-s v2.0
1.0 GB PC3200
BFG 6800 Ultra
2 * 250 GB SATA
2 * 300 GB Diamondmax 10
2 * LG Dual layer drives

A monster PSU and loadsa fans!