Install Audigy 2 ZS sound card into new PC?

[jamespeters]

Hope someone can advise me.

I have a new PC which has Integrated 7.1 Channel Sound sound from the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L motherboard.

My question is: should I install my Audigy 2 ZS sound card from my old PC?

I only really need sound for listening to CDs, MP3s, multimedia, web surfing and occasional gaming. I won't be producing any sound files or videos. But I would like the sound to be of a high quality (or at least to know whether my Audigy 2 ZS soundcard or the GA-P35-DS3L motherboard is better).

Thanks for any advice.

[shaithis]

Install the Audigy. Its light-years ahead of onboard sound.

Not sure what the Vista drivers are like for Audigy if your running Vista though.

[peterb]

For the use you describe the on board sound will be fine - in theory the Audigy might be better than the Realtek controller, but will you notice the difference? The best test is your ears. Try the onboard sound and compare with what you had from the Audigy or install the Audgy and see if it is better. As shaithis says, you might have driver problems with Vista - which shouldn't be a problem with the onboard sound.

[Mithrandir]

Definitely install the Audigy.

I tried the onboard sound with the Realtek. They are nowhere as good as audigys.

[Hicks12]

although i dont havbe the same motherboard, i believe it uses the same design etc(its realtek), got the audigy 2 ZS and its much better, i jsut use the onboard for my headset+mic so i can go on teamspeak and skype while playing something etc.

[jamespeters]

Many thanks to all of you for your helpful replies.

My new PC hasn't been delivered yet, but I'll take your advice and compare the system without and then with the Audigy. It's likely I won't be able to tell the difference. But I'll post to let you know. ( I just wanted to hear more knowledgeable opinions than my own before fiddling about installing old and potentially unnecessary components into a brand new computer.)

Also, I ordered the new PC with XP Home SP2 (heard too many horror stories about Vista, not just regards sound driver problems).

Thanks again!!

[peterb]

Your welcome (consensus seems to be use the Audigy!)

Welcome to Hexus btw.