IDT Audio Drivers - What a mess

Sorry if this has been answered 100 times already, but search results have turned up no answers for what I am about to ask.

Does anyone have a resolution for utilizing the full 5.1 functionality of the IDT sound card? I have tried three driver versions so far with no success. The control applet either crashes when I choose to test the 5.1 sound or I lose audio in all my speakers at once.

I was thinking of going with a an X-Fi for notebooks to remedy this problem, till I noticed that there is no ExpressCard slot on the M17x R3.

Any solutions will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I use the Soundblaster X-fi pro 5.1 external DAC/Soundcard. it plugs in through a USB and has all the outputs you could need (Optical, 5.1, headphones, mic). I think the sound it gives is a lot better than the onboard. Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB Sound Card powered by THX TruStudio Pro | Creative Labs Online Store

 

Seeing that it's a USB device, how does it stack up for CPU usage?

 

I am using it right now to listen to music. My CPU usage is ranging between 3-8% highest was 13% with several browser tabs open HWINFo64, WMP, MS word, a folder open, Antivirus running, steam, rivatuner, and razer software running. I would say minimal to no impact.

 

Well seeing that I am not a fan of Creative, I acquired a Zalman ZM-RSSC v2 USB sound card. Now I have full 5.1 support with very little CPU usage to go along with it.

 

Congrats I am extremely happy with the Soundblaster, but I am glad you found a solution none the less.