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    USB Audio card vs Onboard Realtek Performance?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by conscriptvirus, Sep 13, 2012.

  1. conscriptvirus

    conscriptvirus Notebook Evangelist

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    Dunno if anyone has any experience with this but which "soundcard" would take less resources to run? Most of the games I play nowadays are more CPU intensive that graphics and right now my i7-620m just isn't cutting it. Recently I found that sound is an important part of performance (especially with CPU) and I'm wondering if having a USB card might have better performance than onboard sound? I know they both CPU.

    Soundcard:

    Onboard: Realtek high definition audio ALC665 (on XPS 15)

    USB: Dolby 7.1 (virtual) that comes with the Gamescom 777 Headset.

    I'll be able to test it out myself as soon as I can find it...
     
    conscriptvirus, Sep 13, 2012
    #1
  2. DEagleson

    DEagleson Gamer extraordinaire

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    Only reason why i bought a Creative Sound Blaster X-FI HD was that the integrated Realtek audio card was too weak to drive my QPAD QH-1339 or the mic on it. (Beyerdynamic MMX300 rebrand)
    But i dont think you would actually gain anything by upgrading if you are concerned by CPU load since its very light to begin with.
     
    DEagleson, Sep 13, 2012
    #2
  3. Micaiah

    Micaiah Notebook Deity

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    As DEagleson stated, it's not worth getting a dedicated sound controller for offloading audio related processes since the CPU load is so small to begin with.
     
    Micaiah, Sep 13, 2012
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  4. doombug90

    doombug90 Notebook Evangelist

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    The lifted CPU load by a dedicated USB is so small, that it basically doesn't make a noticeable difference, just like the two previous replies suggest.
    However, if you want an opinion on sound performance over an integrated sound card (just like the thread title implies), then I can heartily recommend a dedicated sound card (USB or the bigger external variants).
    The one I use (check sig) made a world's difference in sound performance on my headphones compared to the integrated Realtek solution. Channels are sharper and clearer. It is completely worth it, especially if you are expecting to get the most out of your headset. :)
     
    doombug90, Sep 13, 2012
    #4