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Topic: Dell computers and Soundmax |
Ken Lang
From: Simi Valley, Ca
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Posted 1 Dec 2006 9:55 pm
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'[When I bought my Dell 8300 a couple of years ago, I had the option of using the Audigy sound card, but read that Dell loads their own version that is not complete. So I opted for the Soundmax with the board built into the motherboard. The sounds are pretty good, but there are problems, like getting Native Instruments Bandstand to work.
I am thinking now of putting the Audgy 2 card I have into the Dell. It seems simple enough to do and that's the problem. Confidence comes when you don't have a full grasp of the situation. I know I'll first have to make sure it will work with XP home.
I thought I'd check here to see if anyone has either done this or may have some thoughts on the pitfalls I might find, if their are any. Otherwise I'll get out my screwdriver and start hacking away.
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Jack Stoner
From: Kansas City, MO
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Posted 2 Dec 2006 3:03 am
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The Audigy card will work without problems. Disable the on-board audio (done in the BIOS in most Dell's).
The only issue, depending on the Audigy 2 model board you have is the Dell front panel headphone's proprietary connector. If you have an Audigy 2ZS or Xfi model it has the header on the card that will mate with the Dell proprietary connector. I don't think older Audigy or Audigy 2 models have that. That was the big difference between the Dell custom OEM model SoundBlaster cards and the Retail models - the Dell OEM models had the proprietary connector. Also, in the past you had to have Dell drivers because of the special models made just for Dell, but with the newer cards (Audigy 2ZS and now the Xfi) the Retail SB drivers work. |
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Ken Lang
From: Simi Valley, Ca
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Posted 2 Dec 2006 9:05 am
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Thanks Jack. I have the Audigy2 platinum ex model so I guess I'll give it a try. I'm curious to see what it will sound like in this new computer. At the worst, I guess I can always remove it if I don't like it. |
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