Computer Sound Cards?

Kimberley

The Jack plugs are connected to a smaller board that looks like a sound card. I put the end of the speaker plug into all three coloured Jack plugs on the computer and as i did the speakers gave a crackling sound.

albertross_2

ok, you have a seperate sound card, which is good.. (if it is really broken, new ones cost about £4 upwards from ebuyer.com)

With the computer turned off, undo the screw on the backing plate of the soundcard, and pull it out of the slot (carefully), then put it back in again (carefully), screw it in, and switch the computer on. There may be a connecter going from the CD Drive to the soundcard, disconnect and reseat this at the same time.

If that doesn't work, then remove the card again, start the PC up without it, and report back, and we can have a go at re-installing the drivers..

If there are any identifying marks on the soundcard, make a note of them and report back (brand/model etc..)..


Has the PC been moved recently?

Kimberley

Albatross i've re looked and the jack plugs are actually solderd onto the computer oops..sorry..I was looking in the wrong place. My sister said i may as well buy a basic sound card which should do the trick.

albertross_2

Ok, I wouldn't spend more than a fiver, unless you are a musician..or need to plug 5 speakers in for surround sound.

Kimberley

albertross wrote:

Ok, I wouldn't spend more than a fiver, unless you are a musician..or need to plug 5 speakers in for surround sound.

Do you recommend any?

albertross_2

I haven't bought one for a while, so can't give you any advice based on personal experience..

Dixons are selling a PCI card - VALUE CMI8738SX PCI SOUND CARD for 7.99

If you want to buy from the internet, ebuyer sell them from £4 + delivery. Or you may be able to get a cheaper one at a local computer shop (i.e. not a big chain)..

If you just want it to listen to CD's/MP3's etc, anything will do..
If you play a lot of midi music or games, then it may be worth spending a bit more.

You should note that there are 2 type's of slots on the motherboard, older PC's had ISA soundcards, and slots, any PC built in the last 5 years or so, would have PCI slots, or both..

PCI slots are usually grey/white , and ISA usually brown, so you need to check that you have some free ones on your motherboard before you buy one..

In this picture, the isa slots are on the left, pci on the right.

http://www.cyberresearch.com/images/products/1048466317.300.jpg

Kimberley

Thanks Albatross

Kimberley

Does anyone know if my computer would be compatable for the creative internal sound blaster soundcard 24 bit?

albertross_2

if you have a spare slot, yes (are you using XP?), 98 may be a problem..

Requirements..

Intel® Pentium® III 450MHz, AMD® K7 500MHz®
64MB for WinME, 128MB for Win2000 SP2 & Win XP
WDM driver for the following OS:
-Windows ME
-Windows 2000 SP3 & 4, Windows XP SP1 (SP2 when available)

Kimberley

Yes i do Ta