Audio Performance and Quality
RightMark Audio Analyzer
This test attempts to quantify the sound quality from an audio card by passing it on to a secondary sound card for evaluation. Our test setup passed the audio from the on-board sound to a PCI Creative Labs X-Fi card in order to complete the loop.
Rather than bring in 7 graphs for each audio card tested, I decided to include RightMark’s results that are in ‘just plain English’ rather than the complete audiophile numbers. If you are interested in those numbers feel free to email me and I’ll pass them on.
Gigabyte P965-DS3 Results
Asus P5B Deluxe Results
Asus Crosshair Results
Asus P5W DH Results
Intel 975XBX Results
The integrated HD Azalia audio that the Gigabyte motherboard provides brings good quality sound that is at or above the performance levels of most of the other motherboards we have tested thus far. With nothing dropping below “good” on the 965P-DS3, the audio might be good enough to go without an additional sound card.