I'm using the Creative X-Fi XtremeGamer Soundcard and was just wondering if I should disable the onboard sound in the BIOS settings? I have heard (not sure if this is really the case or not) that it helps with performance when using a soundcard instead of the onboard and prevents less issues? If I should do this do I even need the onboard sound drivers from the motherboard installed?
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Should Onboard Sound Be Disabled?
- Thread starter Vezra
- Start date
Disabling it and not using it is not the same thing.
You can have it enabled and not using it.
It is not like the graphics card where you have to disabled the onboard card from the BIOS to have a trouble free connection with your new graphics card.
My advice is this (after personal experience).
Boot without the x-fi. Have the on board sound enabled if you might use it or want to test it for some thing or whatever.
Install the drivers and software for the onboard sound.
When you finish reboot.
Make sure it works ok.
Switch off the PC. Plug in the x-fi.
Boot
install the drivers for the x-fi.
reboot
go to control panel sound and audio devices properties
click on the tab Audio
pick what hardware you want to use for what purpose.
Apply, OK.
Use the device you want!
You can change card that you want to use on the fly from the same tab (though some programs also let you choose for them). You shouldn't have any problem, I know I don't.
Just make sure when you change card that you use that you have some speakers/headphones plugged in it :-p
I haven't noticed any problems, even with performance, when I use my x-fi and have the onboard sound enabled.
Still, if you know that you are not going to use the onboard sound (as most people who buy a pci soundcard do), then just uninstall the onboard soundcard's drivers and software.
Reboot, go to the BIOS, disable the onboard soundcard.
Save bios and shutdown.
Plug in the new soundcard, install it (click cancel on all prompts by found new hardware wizard) with the latest drivers and software. REboot, you are ready!
You can have it enabled and not using it.
It is not like the graphics card where you have to disabled the onboard card from the BIOS to have a trouble free connection with your new graphics card.
My advice is this (after personal experience).
Boot without the x-fi. Have the on board sound enabled if you might use it or want to test it for some thing or whatever.
Install the drivers and software for the onboard sound.
When you finish reboot.
Make sure it works ok.
Switch off the PC. Plug in the x-fi.
Boot
install the drivers for the x-fi.
reboot
go to control panel sound and audio devices properties
click on the tab Audio
pick what hardware you want to use for what purpose.
Apply, OK.
Use the device you want!
You can change card that you want to use on the fly from the same tab (though some programs also let you choose for them). You shouldn't have any problem, I know I don't.
Just make sure when you change card that you use that you have some speakers/headphones plugged in it :-p
I haven't noticed any problems, even with performance, when I use my x-fi and have the onboard sound enabled.
Still, if you know that you are not going to use the onboard sound (as most people who buy a pci soundcard do), then just uninstall the onboard soundcard's drivers and software.
Reboot, go to the BIOS, disable the onboard soundcard.
Save bios and shutdown.
Plug in the new soundcard, install it (click cancel on all prompts by found new hardware wizard) with the latest drivers and software. REboot, you are ready!