[Katsuya]

I wrote this before, but I thought it would be a good idea to post this as a new thread.

This is all you need to know... about high-quality Sound and DVD on the Computer.

-DVD Rom-

Depending on where you live, the cost of a DVD Rom is $20-60. The best one I have found is the SONY DVD-ROM DDU1621 this is the most compatible drive with DVDs and computer software (and it plays Playstation games flawlessly) this can purchased for $31 dollars in an OfficeMax in the united states. (or $40 online)

-Sound Card-

If you use the AC97 codec (most onboard sound) then you will have a drop of 5 to 15 frames per second in games. The reason for this is because AC97 uses all the CPU it can to decode audio data.

The two best solutions for this are

1 The nForce2 audio chip, you have almost no loss with this one, but it's only for the nForce2 motherboard (and XBOX)

2. The Sound Blaster Audigy. This one has very little loss (1% more then nForce) and you can get it for $60 USD

Sound quality

1 Sound Blaster Audigy (Best)

2 nForce2 (Excellent)

3 Onboard AC97 (from alright to bad depending on what board)

That's about it...

 

[Yeloazndevil]

hmm nice! I was windering how much the Audigy 1 was, need to buy another one for my friend

 

[Galway no Sora]

Sony? Uh, I don't feel confident with that brand for DVD ROM. I still prefer the old legendary Pioneer :evil:. Besides, that RPC1 firmware is available officially from Pioneer itself, IIRC ... thats make me more than just happy .

For soundcard, yes I have only AC97 onboard. I use no more than just gaming and MP3. Just sometimes I go higher [CD Audio]. I will get Platinum Audigy 2 soon enough .