M17x R4 has SB Recon3Di ?

Hi Guys,

Just got the M17x R4 and noticed it has got the SB Recon3Di?
Is it same as the Recond3D PCIe sound card from Creative?
How is it compared to the R3?

Thanks.

 

I believe it is the same chip. They (dell) have replaced the IDT chip with a creative one.

I just replaced my R3 as below and I think the sound is in a different league - immediately noticed music sounded better .

 

lol no, installing windows will get your sound installed out of the box as an IDT.

it's just a cheap creative software layer over the rebranded IDT chip.
quite funny

 

In the R3 yes, I bought the creative MB software! But the R4 HAS a creative chip . The IDT chip in the R3 showed up in device manager as an IDT High Definition Audio Device

 

It is SB Recon3Di

 

Thanks, I was beginning to wonder if it was some sort of 'trick', but removing the device (and software) re-detects it as Recon3Di

 

yes youre all right, still need to shake off my R3 specs..

 

Yeah, same here. Subtle but different. I think of the R4 as more of a service pack than a new version

 

Must admit, I didn't expect to see the Creative chip in my R4. Pleasant surprise.


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Agree, I guess dell do listen since the IDT chip was panned in threads I followed when researching surround headsets

Maybe it was just cheaper though...

 

i tear up my M14x R2 and i see the chip labelled with creative mark

 

Yes, it really has got a SB Recon3Di
Not sure if the features are comparable.
The sound is really good for my youtube videos and music tracks.
Try turning on off the THX button to see the diff!!
Have yet to explore the crystal voice thing.

 

I just bought my first Alienware M17x R4. They never tell me there is SB Recon3Di. That's a BONUS for me!

 

Yeah, I was surprised - and pleased also . Nice of dell though to use a 'proper' gaming sound chip at last, the IDT on the earlier models was poo (IMO).

 

no wonder i ended up not using my headphone when i first game in my R4 last night, quite amazing sound quality compared to my old laptop.
i did see the SB software but i also thought its just the software on top of regular chip like the one in my old laptop.
good to know.

 

I would imagine this is the case for those R3's. I mean, if you are going to cut costs somewhere in a gaming laptop, the soundchip would be a reasonable place to do so as most people are just using cheapie headphones...then again, maybe not the AW crowd, maybe they do all use fancy headsets where you'd notice a difference?

 

Yeah, that is why I went for the corsair USB headphones when I had my R3.

With the R4 through the speakers, separation and spacial is noticeably better. Along with a 'clearer' sound.

I wasn't even checking it out as like others I just thought dell had put creative software on top of a cheap chip. As soon as I put a music track on I could hear it sounded better

 

It is the Sound Core3D chip CA0132 !

Alienware products' showcase pages - Creative OEM Partners

Very very happy!

 

Good find! - case well and truly closed

 

Id like to know more about this chip if anyone has any info? When googling I only find the desktop versions, so is it similar to that one? Its a pretty nice card to have in a laptop especially when they dont even advertise it when customizing the M17xR4. The only way I noticed it is when I was looking at my order status list with all the parts.

Also just for giggles I customized an Origin Laptop to see how much a similar laptop would have costed me there and they had the Recon3d upgrade for +170. That must be a different card no?

 

Funny how this option isn't showing up in new configs. It was part of the special offer when I bought and clearly listed/promoted.

After getting it, it does have the exact software and software features as my desktop card.

To see other brands charging $170 for it and currently being elusive on AW site, I'll consider it a good win myself. The sound from the R4 is quite good, good speakers and I like this Creative software on the R4 and desktop, they've finally brought that under control.

Makes me want to find it on the board.

 

if you really want to know, its right behind the left speaker, next to the bluetooth-module (in case you have one installed)

 

I think it's the same chip but on a card of some sort? The difference with the desktop versions will probably just be what ports they carry through. AW have put the chip on the MB.

I saw the recon chip when I built my R4 but it was a single option on the page and you could only click through

 

I think Alienware should do better in marketing and communication this Audio feature to us. I hope they can lay down the spec more clearly. But I am very please with the SB Recon 3Di in my M17x R4. It's awesome!

 

Might be popping it back open for an mSATA install. I'll take pics of the hard evidence. thanks for the area.