View Full Version : Hardware: Video & Sound Cards
Syndicate
08-12-2008, 08:25 PM
Post any video & sound card problems/questions here.
iolas
09-12-2008, 12:27 AM
I just got a 5.1 altec lansing 251 set of speakers. I have been using a usb sound card with headphones for a years now and I am trying to get the speakers to work. They are plugged in the onboard sound card on the motherboard but I can't get anything to play.
The sound setting in the control panel says no audio device, and when I try to play a song through winamp it tells me no sound card detected.
InterningIsiah
09-12-2008, 08:18 AM
Is there a noticeable difference between the Sound blaster Xtreme Gamer edition (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=15853)
and the on board sound card/codec on the Nvidia 780i FTW with the Azalia High Definition audio codec which supports high quality 8-channel audio.
(http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3983992&Sku=E145-2040)
I've tried looking online and also trying both the card and the onboard sound and the only difference I see is that the base is fuller on the Soundblaster but outside of that I can't hear a huge difference. But will there be an added benefit with the Soundblaster since it claims it can take some of the sound processing in games away from the CPU?
doodL
09-12-2008, 01:27 PM
I just got a 5.1 altec lansing 251 set of speakers. I have been using a usb sound card with headphones for a years now and I am trying to get the speakers to work. They are plugged in the onboard sound card on the motherboard but I can't get anything to play.
The sound setting in the control panel says no audio device, and when I try to play a song through winamp it tells me no sound card detected.
some thoughts
1. sound may be turned off in the BIOS. someone most likely had to turn it if this is the case.
OR 2. you dont have drivers installed or they could be corrupted or something. check device manager (right click "my computer", then properties. look at hardware tab and go to device manager tab. it might appear as an unknown device or you can check to see if anything is showing up under sound and game controller devices
OR 3. it could be broken. might be why you had to use usb sound
iolas
09-12-2008, 02:15 PM
Drivers were not installed right so I have sound now. But the motherboard has the front audio jack for the line out. It says to jumper certain pins in the book so I can get it to feed from the rear jack. WTF does it mean to jumper the pins?
doodL
09-12-2008, 03:19 PM
Drivers were not installed right so I have sound now. But the motherboard has the front audio jack for the line out. It says to jumper certain pins in the book so I can get it to feed from the rear jack. WTF does it mean to jumper the pins?
on the motherboard there are small metal pins sticking up in various places, like where the power switch and case lights plug in. you need to find the ones blocked off for the sound, they could be anywhere. it should show where they are in the manual, maybe.
a jumper is a tiny connector that connects two pins together. right now its jumping the front audio. you need to move it to the pins that control the rear. or maybe you can just take it off all together, or maybe you need to put one on and it doesnt have one. it depends on how the mobo is made
iolas
09-13-2008, 02:02 AM
Got it finally. Pulled some jumpers from the back of some old hard drives and put them on the right pins according to the mobo manual. I had no idea what jumping pins meant.
What type of card would I need to be able to run music for a bar off of it? I want to be able to set playlists for the night and just let it run without having a DJ.
s0bv1ou5lyd3sprt
09-25-2008, 05:48 PM
That would be any sort of software...iTunes, winamp, ect. No special sound card needed.
Gary_Busey
09-25-2008, 06:48 PM
Yup, you just need something similar to this if you want the music to play from your computer through a stereo system.
http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-03180-Stereo-Y-Cable/dp/B0002J1LES/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1222386966&sr=8-1
Damn those are expensive!
Okay well that's what I thought but this guy was asking me about my sound card and if it would hold up. So I was just double checking. I figured that's what the receiver/amp is for.
That would be any sort of software...iTunes, winamp, ect. No special sound card needed.
What about a good DJ'n program? Got any faves?
Gary_Busey
09-26-2008, 06:00 PM
What do you mean DJ'n program? Just something that'll play playlists?
Where I can mix in one song at the end of another. Stuff like that. Blend the new song into the end of the old one to keep to moving. If I get tired of just playing a playlist and letting it run.
Gary_Busey
09-26-2008, 11:52 PM
Where I can mix in one song at the end of another. Stuff like that. Blend the new song into the end of the old one to keep to moving. If I get tired of just playing a playlist and letting it run.
Most music players do that. Just Google search "crossfading" for whatever music player you want to use.
cleetus
11-22-2008, 08:14 PM
So I have a question and please bear with me because I'm an ignoramus and a neophyte when it comes to computers. My dad wants to get me a new graphics card for my birthday and was asking which one I'd like. I went online and looked and guess what...there's millions of them. I looked and read guides and I'm sorry, I just don't know, I just don't get it. Is there a website out there where I can plug in my computer type and specs and it says "cards A, B, and C" work on your comp?
And I guess I have a followup question. I did read (and retain) that sometimes you need to upgrade your power supply if your card will be running warmer than your current card. How's one to know?
STDSkillz
11-22-2008, 08:30 PM
Get a program like Everest (google "Lavalys Everest") and it will tell you everything you need to know. What you need to find out is what type of slot your motherboard has for video cards. Older technology uses an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), while the newer computers all use PCI-Express x16. Once you figure out whether your motherboard has an AGP slot or PCI-Express x16 slot, you'll be able to go to someplace like Newegg and come up with a list of video cards (although they don't sell many AGP video cards anymore). If you're going to make a significant video card replacement, you'll most likely need a new power supply (if your computer is older). The temperature thing you were talking about is completely arbitrary, though. The newer video cards consume more power, and will often put out higher temperatures, but it's not a guarantee.
cleetus
11-23-2008, 12:53 PM
OK this is what I was able to get from the Everest Report, but I don't see where it says whether it's AGP or PCI
[ 256MB ATI RADEON X600 ]
Video Adapter Properties:
Device Description 256MB ATI RADEON X600
Adapter String 256MB ATI RADEON X600
BIOS String 113-A62901-103
Chip Type RADEON X600 PRO (0x5B62)
DAC Type Internal DAC(400MHz)
Installed Drivers ati2dvag (6.14.10.6542 - ATI Catalyst 5.6)
Memory Size 256 MB
Video Adapter Manufacturer:
Company Name ATI Technologies Inc.
Product Information http://www.ati.com/products/gamer.html
Driver Download http://www.ati.com/support/driver.html
[ ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series Secondary ]
Video Adapter Properties:
Device Description ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series Secondary
Adapter String 256MB ATI RADEON X600
BIOS String 113-A62901-103
Chip Type RADEON X600 PRO (0x5B62)
DAC Type Internal DAC(400MHz)
Installed Drivers ati2dvag (6.14.10.6542 - ATI Catalyst 5.6)
Memory Size 256 MB
Video Adapter Manufacturer:
Company Name ATI Technologies Inc.
Product Information http://www.ati.com/products/gamer.html
Driver Download http://www.ati.com/support/driver.html
PS: The computer used to have 2 monitors, that's why there's two cards listed
STDSkillz
11-23-2008, 07:03 PM
I'm pretty sure that's a PCI-E x16 but it's good to be certain. Go into Everest, and on the left hand side, expand "Display," then find "GPU." Look for "Bus Type" and it should say PCI-Express x16.
cleetus
12-01-2008, 04:39 PM
Yessir PCI-Express x16
One Under
01-08-2009, 11:05 AM
I've splurged on a new set of 5.1 speakers, so now I need a sound card to get the best out of them. Any recommendations for a relatively cheap one? I've been looking on newegg but nothing has caught my eye yet.
Edit: All I have room for is a normal PCI card.
Deadnutz
01-08-2009, 02:45 PM
I just built a computer for my parents and my problem is when I turn it on everything comes on except the monitor, which is kinda important.
Yes, the cables are plugged in correctly.
The motherboard has onboard video if that matters.
Any suggestions?
IdiotBrain
01-08-2009, 02:54 PM
It's likely that the onboard video is disabled. Check the manual for the motherboard, it could be something as simple as a jumper setting.
Deadnutz
01-08-2009, 03:25 PM
i reset the CMOS jumpers and also took my video card out of my own computer and tried it. Still nothing.
Gary_Busey
01-08-2009, 03:28 PM
Are you sure the monitor works? Go into the BIOS and make sure video is enabled.
IdiotBrain
01-08-2009, 03:31 PM
If none of that works, and you know for a fact the monitor works, I'd suggest RMA'ing the mobo.
Deadnutz
01-08-2009, 06:37 PM
"RMA'ing the mobo"
what is that exactly?
Skybase
01-08-2009, 06:48 PM
"Return Merchandise Authorization" Basically, have it exchanged/returned.
Mr. Brown
02-23-2009, 05:28 PM
I want to upgrade my video card and need some advice on what I should get.
I have an Acer Aspire X1700
Celeron E1400 @ 2.00 Ghz 2.Ghz (dual core)
3 GB of RAM
NVIDIA GeForce G100
I don't need a super top of the line but I'd like to be able to run well without having to push my system to much.
Can anyone help out?
STDSkillz
02-23-2009, 05:32 PM
Do you have a budget at all?
Mr. Brown
02-23-2009, 05:35 PM
lets say with tax under $450, not trying to drop to much b/c I'm not a big gamer, but since my ps3 died the PC is what I'm relying on
STDSkillz
02-23-2009, 05:41 PM
Oh wow, that's a pretty big budget. I've been looking at pictures of your Acer and, honestly, it's not going to support the more modern video cards out there. You have two problems: first, you have limited size inside the case because that's just the way it's designed. You're not going to be able to fit a GTX 280 in there, that's for sure. Your second problem is the power supply. Do you know how large it is? You're going to need a decent 400W power supply to run many of the video cards that are even a generation behind these days.
With that being said (if there's enough room and your power supply can handle it), I'd recommend this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150316) or this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130395). You'll also want to make sure that your video card interface is PCI Express x 16. If you're not certain it is, you can check with a diagostic program like Lavasoft Everest.
Mr. Brown
02-23-2009, 05:47 PM
Oh wow, that's a pretty big budget. I've been looking at pictures of your Acer and, honestly, it's not going to support the more modern video cards out there. You have two problems: first, you have limited size inside the case because that's just the way it's designed. You're not going to be able to fit a GTX 280 in there, that's for sure. Your second problem is the power supply. Do you know how large it is? You're going to need a decent 400W power supply to run many of the video cards that are even a generation behind these days.
With that being said (if there's enough room and your power supply can handle it), I'd recommend this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150316) or this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130395). You'll also want to make sure that your video card interface is PCI Express x 16. If you're not certain it is, you can check with a diagostic program like Lavasoft Everest.
Yeah the side design looks nice but I know it's a bitch for doing mods. how would I check my power supply? I'm a n00b when it comes to PCs.
STDSkillz
02-23-2009, 05:49 PM
Easiest way to check is probably to take off the side panel (usually the left side if you're facing the front of the computer), and look on the power supply itself. There should be some number with a W next to it on the power supply. Like 400W, 450W, etc...
Mr. Brown
02-23-2009, 05:51 PM
Easiest way to check is probably to take off the side panel (usually the left side if you're facing the front of the computer), and look on the power supply itself. There should be some number with a W next to it on the power supply. Like 400W, 450W, etc...
I'm fucked anyway b/c just looking at the case there aren't enough vents to prevent over heating. I might as well save up and get a strictly gaming PC.
STDSkillz
02-23-2009, 05:52 PM
I'm fucked anyway b/c just looking at the case there aren't enough vents to prevent over heating. I might as well save up and get a strictly gaming PC.
You can get a really decent one for ~$800, so that's not a bad idea. You're almost there if you're willing to shell out $450 for a video card.
Mr. Brown
02-23-2009, 06:02 PM
Yeah but looking at the next 6 months I'm not getting one till like Sept.
Thanks for the help.
Skybase
02-23-2009, 07:12 PM
Haven't looked at your case, but is there room to cut open the side and put a case fan in to suck air in from the outside? For air to escape, you'll have the video card sucking air through and blowing out the back, plus the power supply blowing out. . can possibly remove some expansion panels on the back too. it's good to have positive air pressure in the case anyhow to get component fans working their best (especially the ones vacating air from the case)
Anyhow, if still looking for a vid card I've gotten 2 of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150261 and theyr'e amazing. Better than many cards that came after, IMO. (make sure you'd get the g92 gpu such as I'm linking) They run w/ less power and cooler than others and outperform much higher cards. I did a hell of a lot of research on cards before picking these up last year.
The vid card will help a LOT considering you're running a celeron kit. This card supports offsetting of some instructions to the GPU as well. How about fitting your stuff into another case? Anything proprietary that way or could you do it pretty cheaply?
One Under
04-05-2009, 11:36 PM
I have two monitors hooked up to my 8600GTS running Windows 7. Whenever I have anything darker (ex. video, dark web page, etc.) full screen on the second monitor, it slightly dims after a couple seconds, but as soon as something brighter comes on, it returns to normal.
I've checked the settings and energy stuff, but I couldn't find anything mentioning it. It also used to happen when I was using Vista.
Skybase
04-06-2009, 02:15 AM
What brand/model of monitor is this? (I have no idea what's going on offhand, but the model may help shed some light on this) (bad pun huh?)
One Under
04-06-2009, 06:59 AM
Samsung is main monitor, second is a Hannspree (cheap, I know).
Skybase
04-06-2009, 12:52 PM
Hannspree what? Does it have a particular model number or anything?
Skybase
04-06-2009, 12:56 PM
From what I read (depending on the model perhaps) it appears to be a power-saving mode that kicks on about 15-20 seconds after what the monitor is considering "no activity". Wonder if dark scenes for some reason relate in some way? You say it doesn't do this at all with brigher scenes? (or could it just not be as noticeable, if it's dimming only slightly?)
EDIT: I don't see anything about being able to disable that setting either, many are talking about it being quite a nuisance. Supposedly can take it OUT of power saving mode by pressing spacebar or something. Not sure if that works. . some also state to check the website for new drivers for the monitor? I don't know. . .strange issue.
One thing I can say, is that this monitor brand definitely doesn't get very good reviews.
One Under
04-06-2009, 02:38 PM
One thing I can say, is that this monitor brand definitely doesn't get very good reviews.
Not surprising, it was pretty fucking cheap. Thanks for the info.
IdiotBrain
04-06-2009, 02:47 PM
Ok, so I have a fairly advanced question regarding HD connections.
I have a dual monitor setup running from my 8800 GTS. I'm using up both my DVI connection in doing so.
Before too long I will be investing in a second video card in order to run my 50" 1080p Plasma as a 3rd monitor.
My question is this:
In my search for a new video card, I find very few with an HDMI connection. HDMI cable is retarded expensive, but seemingly worth the cost. Would I be getting much of a signal downgrade if I bought a GPU with a DVI connection, ran a DVI cable to the TV then used a DVI-HDMI converter? Would it be a noticeable difference?
Also I've heard of some sort of cat-5 and possibly even cat-6 converter.... EG a DVI-cat-5/6 converter, then a cat-5/6 cable, then a cat-5/6 to HDMI converter?
Any light shed, even if it's strictly opinion would be helpful.
Edit: Also consider I will be running whatever cable I go with around 25 ft... so if I do go with HDMI it will cost well over 200$ just for the cable.
One Under
04-06-2009, 03:33 PM
so if I do go with HDMI it will cost well over 200$ just for the cable.
Huh?
http://www.amazon.com/25ft-HDMI-Cable-Premium-Certified/dp/B000EPRG6W
IdiotBrain
04-06-2009, 04:28 PM
I don't know if I trust that considering a high transfer speed 3.3ft cable is well over 50$
Skybase
04-06-2009, 07:35 PM
Shouldn't be any (at least noticeable) degradation from HDMI to DVI. Biggest loss will be in the adapter itself if the contacts oxidize or something along those lines. DVI and HDMI are the same basically. The difference being that HDMI carries an audio signal as well. I run 4 monitors off of my video cards currently. one monitor uses an HDMI coupler to pull in HDMI from my computer (using an adapter from DVI) and from my Xbox 360. . so I can switch back and forth as I need.
I've not looked into/heard anything concrete about a DVI/HDMI-Cat5/6 adapter. .but I guess it wouldn't be impossible. However THERE I'd almost expect to see some sort of degredation? Of course, if the adapter is keeping the signal digital then even then I don't think you'd see a lot of signal degredation as long as the contacts are solid.
MDiver01
05-03-2009, 08:07 AM
I wanna get a new headset because I have been using the ones that came with battlefield 2 that I got with a preorder. Can anybody tell me a good circumaural headset for less than 60 and surround sound. Also I use a sound card but would a usb input be better?
Gary_Busey
05-03-2009, 12:22 PM
I wanna get a new headset because I have been using the ones that came with battlefield 2 that I got with a preorder. Can anybody tell me a good circumaural headset for less than 60 and surround sound. Also I use a sound card but would a usb input be better?
These are probably your best option for something under $60.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826158051
taha.bluebird
06-29-2009, 01:02 PM
I'm facing a problem with my sound card ,actually i have a Sound Blaster Audity 24-Bit Sound Card. It appears to be hesitating when I play videos or any kind of audio. It freezes the computer for a brief period of time (10-20 seconds at a time). I have installed the drivers for the card...still has the problem. so i need suggesions to solve this problem...:(