Sound Card suggestion to get rid of Realtek ALC4080

[Orodruin]

Hello everyone. I need your help regarding a sound card.
I am using the Asus ROG B650E-E model and I am not happy with the sound at all. It causes cracking in the sound especially in high basses. I tried different speakers but the result did not change at all. I have heard that there are many people who are using Realtek alc4080 and are not happy with this audio codec.
My previous motherboard was the ROG Crosshair X570. And it was much better in terms of sound.
Now, coming to my question, I want to buy a sound card.

Frankly, I do not have a very high-end sound system. But I want to buy a sound card that I can get quality sound with 2+1 or 5+1 systems for many years to come. I can choose the models I have shared below in the stocks of the country I am in.
Which one do you think I should buy?

Note: I do not want to buy a DAC because I do not want it to take up extra space.

Asus XONAR AE 7.1
Asus XONAR SE
Creative Audigy FX V2
Creative Sound Blaster RX

 

[AusWolf]

If your monitor has 3.5 mm Jack output, you could try connecting your speakers to it and using your GPU's sound (I'm not sure if that's good enough for your needs, though).

 

[nomdeplume]

Note: I do not want to buy a DAC because I do not want it to take up extra space.

Just so long as you realize this has all the potential of buying a GPU with the exact same (or lower) specs as onboard graphics in your processor. Only with worse support and more potential for issues. At least you are avoiding any mistaken ideas about purchasing a DAC that fulfills this same predicament.

Good audio is not cheap these days. Even well beyond the USD $$$ the low end starts at. You are paying for firmware and driver support more than the electronics. I'd suggest education is the best value you could bring to this desired outcome.

 

[Ferrum Master]

Dedicated pcie sound cards are dead, and have myriad problems recently driver wise. DO NOT BUY THEM.

Buy a DAC and shovel it inside your PC case if you have space issues.

 

[Orodruin]

If your monitor has 3.5 mm Jack output, you could try connecting your speakers to it and using your GPU's sound (I'm not sure if that's good enough for your needs, though).

I have an Asus TUF RTX4070TI Super graphics card. There is no sound output. It provides sound via HDMI/DP.

Just so long as you realize this has all the potential of buying a GPU with the exact same (or lower) specs as onboard graphics in your processor. Only with worse support and more potential for issues. At least you are avoiding any mistaken ideas about purchasing a DAC that fulfills this same predicament.

Good audio is not cheap these days. Even well beyond the USD $$$ the low end starts at. You are paying for firmware and driver support more than the electronics. I'd suggest education is the best value you could bring to this desired outcome.

What exactly do you recommend?

I don't need very high sound quality. I just need a sound card that gives clean sound and doesn't crack. I used to use ALC1220 and was quite happy with it.

The ALC4080 has worn me out. Frankly, I don't use headphones much. I just want to get a clean sound without driver problems while watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.

Dedicated pcie sound cards are dead, and have myriad problems recently driver wise. DO NOT BUY THEM.

Buy a DAC and shovel it inside your PC case if you have space issues.

How can we use the DAC inside the case?
Aren't DACs a separate module that connects to the PC via USB?
Or are there DAC models that connect to the USB port inside the motherboard?

 

[AusWolf]

I have an Asus TUF RTX4070TI Super graphics card. There is no sound output. It provides sound via HDMI/DP.

Exactly. Output sound to your monitor via HDMI/DP, and from that through the 3.5 mm Jack to your speakers.

 

[KaitouX]

How can we use the DAC inside the case?
Aren't DACs a separate module that connects to the PC via USB?
Or are there DAC models that connect to the USB port inside the motherboard?

You can connect the cable to the back of the motherboard and pass it through an empty PCI-e slot to the inside of the case.

But for an smaller alternative, though somewhat limiting, you could try a dongle. Something like the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle is a pretty decent DAC for $9 and it's also easy to find, but the volume can be on the lower side depending on the output device. Maybe it can improve the situation for you.

 

[azrael]

@Orodruin perhaps you can get hold of a used Creative X-Fi Titanium or a Creative Zx. Just make sure it has a PCIe connector.

 

[Apocalypsee]

That Audigy RX looks good it has Windows 11 driver, or SoundBlaster Z series (I actually buying one right now should arrive in few days)

 

[Ferrum Master]

How can we use the DAC inside the case?
Aren't DACs a separate module that connects to the PC via USB?
Or are there DAC models that connect to the USB port inside the motherboard?

What's the difference? You simply plug it in on your motherboard headers, there are plenty of those there for front panel extension, just get the right cable.

 

[PLAfiller]

Dedicated pcie sound cards are dead, and have myriad problems recently driver wise. DO NOT BUY THEM.

My 10-year old Creative Sound Blaster Z OEM disagrees. Using it in Win11 and have no issues what-so-ever. Provided I don't update to the latest driver

To the OP, I vote for the Creative Audigy FX V2 as it's the newest from the bunch. Should you need Toslink though, better buy the combo package:

Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2 DBPro

 

[joemama]

Are you sure it's not just some grounding issue? Cracking sounds shouldn't be a problem for alc4080

 

[Ferrum Master]

Provided I don't update to the latest driver

Provided you don't enable X Y Z.

Reddit brims with problem reports often, Creative admins often deletes those even. Things get broken with ever new Win release. I tossed my old ZxR, I got tired of it.

 

[GerKNG]

I have never seen one that is not exactly how OP described it.
It's connected via USB and is incredibly broken even with the latest drivers.

I recommend the soundblaster x4 it sounds fantastic and the software is very minimalistic and not necessary after installing the drivers and firmware once.

 

[Orodruin]

@Orodruin perhaps you can get hold of a used Creative X-Fi Titanium or a Creative Zx. Just make sure it has a PCIe connector.

Are these products compatible with W11? I know there are people having problems with the new windows.

My 10-year old Creative Sound Blaster Z OEM disagrees. Using it in Win11 and have no issues what-so-ever. Provided I don't update to the latest driver

To the OP, I vote for the Creative Audigy FX V2 as it's the newest from the bunch. Should you need Toslink though, better buy the combo package:

Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2 DBPro

How is the Creative V2? What chip does it use? Is it an ALC1220?

Frankly, the first thing that came to my mind was Creative products. But they also suggested Asus.

Are you sure it's not just some grounding issue? Cracking sounds shouldn't be a problem for alc4080

The problem is not related to grounding. I tried different speakers. I installed different version drivers. I also applied the patches that came out later. There is a problem. Especially when the sound intensity is high, the sound cracks. It is as if the DB setting in the winamp equalizer has been increased. My guess is that Asus has increased the DB setting of the sound in the driver or software.

I have never seen one that is not exactly how OP described it.
It's connected via USB and is incredibly broken even with the latest drivers.

I recommend the soundblaster x4 it sounds fantastic and the software is very minimalistic and not necessary after installing the drivers and firmware once.

Have you encountered similar problems?

I saw many problem titles about ALC4080 on the internet. Everyone is talking about sound cracking like the one I experienced.

Unfortunately, the Creative X4 model you mentioned is not available in my country. It is out of stock. I couldn't find it second hand either.

That's why I asked which of the models I shared would I prefer because I have been away from sound cards for many years.

 

[PLAfiller]

How is the Creative V2? What chip does it use? Is it an ALC1220?

Yeah it is actually. But you mentioned you are Ok with second hand stuff (which I only understand now ), in this case I'd say hands down Creative AE-5 PLUS. These are so common second hand, I can get one for €50 locally.

 

[Orodruin]

Yeah it is actually. But you mentioned you are Ok with second hand stuff (which I only understand now ), in this case I'd say hands down Creative AE-5 PLUS. These are so common second hand, I can get one for €50 locally.

I just looked at that model. Unfortunately, it is not available second hand either. There is one, but the seller has set the price very high. That's why it is not available for purchase. :/

There doesn't seem to be any other options other than the models I shared at the moment :/

 

[Vincero]

A shame there isn't a moderately priced reasonable quality sound card that just uses the UAA driver architecture that most onboard codecs use these days - there probably is but not like its talked about / advertised. That would resolve 99.9% of the driver concerns on any platform and OS - once supported properly it will likely always be.

Years ago Creative did an X-Fi card that had dual-mode operation - it worked as a UAA device if no drivers were installed and if Creative drivers were installed it worked with the full X-Fi suite of apps - it was a bit of a bodge but at least it always worked in every Windows and Linux...

 

[AlejoZ]

Don't use that creative labs cr*ap
Just get a DAC

 

[azrael]

@Orodruin I haven't tried it in Win 11, since I want to stay as far away from it for as long as I can, but my X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Edition chugs along in Win 10 very nicely. Not sure about the Z/Zx/ZxR. While I have those, I haven't actually installed them for ages. However, I've just noticed there is a Z SE which *does* promise Win 11 support out of the box.

 

[Orodruin]

@Orodruin I haven't tried it in Win 11, since I want to stay as far away from it for as long as I can, but my X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Edition chugs along in Win 10 very nicely. Not sure about the Z/Zx/ZxR. While I have those, I haven't actually installed them for ages. However, I've just noticed there is a Z SE which *does* promise Win 11 support out of the box.

Got it. All I want is a decent sound card that works with w11. Everyone recommends a DAC. I don't know what to do.

Don't use that creative labs cr*ap
Just get a DAC

Can you recommend a DAC that isn't too expensive?

A shame there isn't a moderately priced reasonable quality sound card that just uses the UAA driver architecture that most onboard codecs use these days - there probably is but not like its talked about / advertised. That would resolve 99.9% of the driver concerns on any platform and OS - once supported properly it will likely always be.

Years ago Creative did an X-Fi card that had dual-mode operation - it worked as a UAA device if no drivers were installed and if Creative drivers were installed it worked with the full X-Fi suite of apps - it was a bit of a bodge but at least it always worked in every Windows and Linux...

I am looking for a sound card that is not expensive and works properly. Even an ALC1220 or a card that works stably at that setting would be a good suggestion. I don't know what to do, to be honest. Everyone is recommending a DAC.

 

[wNotyarD]

@Orodruin I'll second @AusWolf's suggestion. Check your monitor's 3.5mm line out (according to Dell's website, your S3422DWG does have it), connect it to your speaker system and tell Windows to drive audio through your GPU (either DP or HDMI, according to what cable you use).

While I don't know if you'll get 2.1 or 5.1, it'll at least get you rid of the cracking of your onboard audio in the short term.

 

[Pacmanpc]

interested in an recommendation for this too. looking for a decent soundcard that wont cost me my first born or a DAC i can plug speakers into. Currently using an old logitech 7.1 surround system which has the 5 wires and not interested in using headphones.

Looking at buying a m/b with only 2 audio ports on the io shield and need a solution that doesnt require me to use the ports 2 at the back and one on front panel to get 5.1 sound.

 

[R0H1T]

What's decent enough for you? If you're not into that "audiophile" cr@p the sound from your monitor (through 3.5mm jack) should be enough.

I have heard that there are many people who are using Realtek alc4080 and are not happy with this audio codec.

The vast majority probably are. Onboard audio has been decent enough for at least a decade if not more. Also those sound issues usually aren't normal unless you also have some other troublesome component on the board.

 

[Orodruin]

@Orodruin I'll second @AusWolf's suggestion. Check your monitor's 3.5mm line out (according to Dell's website, your S3422DWG does have it), connect it to your speaker system and tell Windows to drive audio through your GPU (either DP or HDMI, according to what cable you use).
View attachment 361986

While I don't know if you'll get 2.1 or 5.1, it'll at least get you rid of the cracking of your onboard audio in the short term.

Hello, I thought about making this connection before. But there is a situation like this, when I get sound output from the graphics card, will the sound quality be lower than the current sound quality? And is there a control panel that allows me to manage the sound settings of the graphics card? (like realtek or sonic studio)

What's decent enough for you? If you're not into that "audiophile" cr@p the sound from your monitor (through 3.5mm jack) should be enough.


The vast majority probably are. Onboard audio has been decent enough for at least a decade if not more. Also those sound issues usually aren't normal unless you also have some other troublesome component on the board.

I know that there is no problem with my motherboard or the components I use. I tested it for a long time. The problem seems to be due to a typical problem with the alc4080 or asus's inability to do the driver part well. Under normal conditions, there is no problem when playing games while listening to music. Some games cause problems. I have sound cracking in Age of Empires 4. I have some old airplane games that have problems with them too. Or some music causes this problem while listening to music. Maybe the problem is caused by Windows 11. I have never tried it with Windows 10. When I switched from 5900x to 7900x3d as a platform, I started using it directly with W11. When I searched the internet, I saw that many people had this problem. Even those who use z690 and z790 motherboards complain about similar problems.