System Add - Ons

[asingh]

Hi Friends,

Need some more expert advice for some more stuff I want to install on my system. No rush here --- probably these will happen over a span off 2-3 months..things I need....

1. A good sound card. Should be 5.1. Am not happy with my onboard sound. Also I would want the drivers to have 'jack sensing' similiar to the one Realtek provides on my motherboard. Else is there any software available to emulate 'jack sensing'. (Since I will have to uninstall the Realtek drivers once I enable the sound card). Also the expansion sound card should be non PCI Express, I want to keep my 2nd PCI Express slot free, for future Xfire...!

2. A good 5.1 speaker set up. Nothing too expensive. The entry level 5.1 speakers would do here.

3. More RAM. This is more of advice then suggestion. Currently I have 4GB (2 x 2 GB) DDR2 @ 1066 MHz. Should I punch in another set of 2 x 2GB..? Will it make a big difference with my current set - up. I DO NOT plan to change my monitor..??? Also I have heard, that once 8 GB is installed on P45 chipsets, it does not operate in dual channel...is this true..?

4. A fan hardware controller. Is there any fan controller available, on which I can plug all my fans into. I have 6 cabinet fans, all with blue LED's and they kind of brighten up the room when I sleep...! If possible -- a controller which takes a power input from my PSU, and has multiple fan headers. And via this controller I can turn my fans on/off..and/or control their speeds. Primarily I want the capability to turn them on and off..?

thanks a lot for the advice...!

asigh

[desiibond]

budget dude budget.

[asingh]

Originally Posted by desiibond

budget dude budget.

Sound Card: 4K
Speakers: 3K
RAM: Since I need the same density and size as previous : ~4.5K
Fan Controller: Not sure..would like to hear about some models/makes first..?

[desiibond]

soundcard: ASUS Xonar series

3k for 5.1 speakers is too less budget. You won't get quality speaker set for this price. Get Logitech X-540 atleast (5k-5.5k)

[surinder]

RAM I don't see significant improvement in current apps using 4x2GB of RAM rather try to use that amount for upgrade your prosy with a E8xxx if you are in gaming or add this amount to increase your budget for speakers.

I wonder why we guys don't invest a deserving share on speakers from total budget for system when they are equally impotent to have fun. I think you paid 65K or so for your current system configuration and willing to invest another 12.5K. Roughly 75/80K in total, in that only 3K for speakers?please be kind to your ears and try to get Altec lansing MX 5021 @7K yes 2.1 channel speakers but they are great for their price and not any sub 15K 5.1 channel speakers can come close to them or Logitech X-540 5.1 channel @5.5K at least.

[acewin]

something like this I hopehttp://www.lynx-india.com/index.php?productID=5919

[asingh]

Originally Posted by desiibond

soundcard: ASUS Xonar series

3k for 5.1 speakers is too less budget. You won't get quality speaker set for this price. Get Logitech X-540 atleast (5k-5.5k)

Am ready to extend my budget to 5.5K then for good speakers...how are the Asus Xonar series..compared to the Creative Series...!..Though will research it out this weekend.

Originally Posted by surinder

RAM I don't see significant improvement in current apps using 4x2GB of RAM rather try to use that amount for upgrade your prosy with a E8xxx if you are in gaming or add this amount to increase your budget for speakers.

I wonder why we guys don't invest a deserving share on speakers from total budget for system when they are equally impotent to have fun. I think you paid 65K or so for your current system configuration and willing to invest another 12.5K. Roughly 75/80K in total, in that only 3K for speakers?please be kind to your ears and try to get Altec lansing MX 5021 @7K yes 2.1 channel speakers but they are great for their price and not any sub 15K 5.1 channel speakers can come close to them or Logitech X-540 5.1 channel @5.5K at least.

Actually I did not spend that much on my system..I did not buy a monitor/UPS/hard drive...! 7K is far too much for speakers..I want a good sound card..and speakers..combined...!...On board..sucks on the motherboard.

Originally Posted by acewin

something like this I hopehttp://www.lynx-india.com/index.php?productID=5919

Yea did check this out..did not seem that good...I also looked at this...
http://www.lynx-india.com/index.php?productID=2299
Not to impressive either...Will look at Nehru Place this Saturday, though doubt I will find anything there...these..system..fans are too bright at night...!

[desiibond]

for 5.5k, Logitech X-540 should be ideal buy for you.