whats a good alla around soundcard?

[low351]

An HD audio header is the small 6-8 pin arrangement that you'd need to connect your case front panel audio connector to. There are two standards actually AC'97 and HD Audio. HD audio is more recent and has a different pin configuration. Most cases have a connector that supports both with separate pins.

If you don't have the connection on your sound card you can't have the sound cut on your speakers when you plug in your headphones, a feature I like.

Alternately you can leave your onboard sound active and hook up the front panel connector to it, but then you have to play with setting the correct sound card as default/active before running your software, I did that for a while and hated it.

[Shadowmeph]

well I don't want to spent allot of money no more then 120-150

[CanadaRox]

I'd recommend the HT Omega Claro. Awesome sound card, until I broke off one of the capacitors pulling it out of my case :(. Much better sound quality than the X-Fi. Direct Canada has it for $131.76 + shipping. It worked flawlessly in Vista and XP (both 32 and 64bit) with 4GB of ram, something that X-Fi seems to have trouble with. Also, for Linux, it actually works (in comparison to Creative's ultra Alpha, 64bit only X-Fi drivers). Just install the Alsa sound driver and your good to go. And, it does include the front panel audio connectors.

[low351]

The HT Omega Claro has the Header I was talking about, it may be AC'97, not sure but that doesn't matter too much what's important is that it has a header at all if you are concerned about your front audio inputs.

There is also a cheaper ($80) striker model that has the head as well.

Hardware Canucks: Search Results

Hey Thanks CanadaRox, I might get myself that striker card...

Welcome to HT OMEGA Inc. > new_products > STRIKER_7.1

[Shadowmeph]

is this a good buy and worth trying the MIR ( I have never used a MIR )AuzenTech X-FI Prelude 7.1 Sound Card PCI 32BIT Eax 5.0 Our Price: $159.99 CAD

Savings Code 23788-1020. SAVE $40.00 off our regular price of $199.99 if you buy today! Special price ends 3/18/2008.

After Mail In Rebate: $139.99 CAD
Save $20.00 USD with manufacturer's mail-in rebate!
Valid from Mar 12, 2008 to Mar 25, 2008

[Robscix]

That's a great deal on the Prelude 7.1, I would buy that up if you don't already have one. MIR's are alright, you will wait for a bit, but you will eventually get your money.

[Mysteryous]

An HD Audio Header is just another name for a connector that allows you to hook up you front panel audio ports. It's very useful in almost any situation; except in HTPC setups, where only the Mic input jack is optional at best.