PC pcie soundcard

[julian_hughes]

When the only problems are awful drivers and low impedance gain.....those are serious issues! Another point not mentioned so far is that Xonar sound cards only support a very limited range of sample rates. These days your audio stream (or even disc) can be 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8 kHz etc. etc. Other values are possible (especially lower ones with streaming voice audio). But Xonar cards support, at best, 44.1, 48, 96, 192 and force everything else through sample rate conversion.

 

[AnalogSteph]

But Xonar cards support, at best, 44.1, 48, 96, 192 and force everything else through sample rate conversion.

And 44.1 is not ideal since it degrades dynamic range. The resampling is pretty good though.

In my Xonar days (primarily with the D1) I eventually settled on shared mode. Plenty of quirks to be had for sure.

 

[happy hopping]

Hi, im actually using an Asus xonar essence STX (pcie versione) and i thinking about changing it, but im a bit concerc about "is actually worth?"

The STX work well on the hardware side, a little bit less on the drivers side (actually using UniXonar), the audio seems to be good (expect the times when the channel go fuck themselft and only one give output or when high hiss pitch occurs). My setup is attually Thieaudio hype 2 and Fosi audio V3.
I have noticed that the card have some difficulties driving the low impedence IEM (i need to push the headphones output to high gain). but no issues on the speakers amp (rca)
I tried to do a test with RMAA, but idk how much should i trust it, maybe i have done something wrong (the input signal was directly feed in the STX)

I thinking about replace the card with the creative AE-9 (the external ACM would be usefull for me) or, maybe, the creative X5

Any actual tips on what should i do? keep the moneys and stay with the STX or upgrade (even if can be considered a real upgrade) to the AE-9/X5?

isn't this asus xonar essence stx card at least 15 yr. old? what version of windows are you running?

 

[Libette]

Module is exactly why you shouldn't buy it. It uses micro HDMI and doesn't perform. AE-5 Plus is actually fine (including headphone out and impedance) and not much money. You do need multichannel for one day you add sub's. If you aren't annoyed by what you already have you can buy a 10$ Apple dongle for IEM's or CS43131 based dongle starting at about 25$.
Edit: regarding functionality you can use mechanical keyboard with volume controls and macros (where you add audio mod switches or whatever you need) including wireless ones. I have such wireless TKL tho rarely use it for that.

What you mean by “doesnt perform”

 

[ZolaIII]

What you mean by “doesnt perform”

It doesn't perform better to it's mid range and HDMI undermine possible performance for the module.

 

[Libette]

It doesn't perform better to it's mid range and HDMI undermine possible performance for the module.

U mean like hdmi dont have enough bandwidth? Or u mean when connector brake… ?

 

[x7007]

Anyone have any technical idea or anything to understand what is going on with the audio.

I have
7800x3d
Arctic Freezer II AIO
MSI TOMHAWK x670e
64GB Samsung 30-32-32 6000 EXPO
5090 Gigabyte Gaming OC changed from 4090
Mellanox 4-LX network card
ThermalTake G3 1650 watt
Corsair 750D

Audio gear is
Asus Xonar DX using M.2 to PCIe x16 using Sata power cable for the PCIe raiser and the power for the card both connected to SATA PSU power cable ( connected using SPDI/F Optical )
Burson Conductor 3GT DAC/AMP + TeddyPardo Linear power supply for the device
Headphones Camerton Binom-ER
Puritan Power Filter - Computer connected to it, Teddpardo Linear power supply connected - it's job to give darkness in the audio.
Using High quality power cable like the Purtian Ultimate power cable and other audio power cables.
I also have Sennheiser HD800s which sound the same


Randomly or more accurtaly I am having audio issues that the audio feels like the bass is artefacting and the treble is tinny and low, max volume feels like it reduce itself for no reason even 100% the higher I got the lower it sound.


Many bios settings have been tested
Windows to go
I also tried testing the headphones on the phone using external DAC/AMP forgot their names like it has colorful buttons and it's tiny. it also didn't sound correct there.

I had Intel 12700K system before the 7800x3d and I had like tik click every couple seconds in games and music which was fixed after replacing to amd. using same case.

The sound wasn't bad all the time, but doing something changes it and I can't figure out. last time I've managed to fix it messing with the PSU power cables and slots and did many things I don't even remember which and messed with the screws on the top of the case, there are 12. messing with the top screws I've manage to cause some weird issues like my Sandisk External USB and the Creative X4 to stop detecting in windows, even after turning computer and them off/on they wouldn't detect until I unplugged or untightened specific screws from the top case.


I am really tired, and I have no idea what to test anymore. I just want to have the sound that I had while I messed with the screws and suddenly it sounded like it should, clean and volume that doesn't change

The ThermalTake PSU is doing some weird things like random shut down if I use specific slot of power for CPU because it has 8 CPU/PCIe slots, because investigating furthure I noticed one of the SATA/Perphi doesn't even work because Fans I connected to Molex Power cable wouldn't turn on or spin, they would haev like weird mechanical sound tzzbz tzzbzz very weak and try to turn but just stop very little
But I did also tested it with the Corsair HX850 that was with the intel 12700K system too which had issues there too, not all the time, it sound very very fine at the time when it actually worked. I just don't know what keeps changing


I have more information but I hope someone have some idea what is going on.

 

[Pictus]

Anyone have any technical idea or anything to understand what is going on with the audio.

I'm not sure if I understood everything you wrote, but try:

- Make sure the BIOS is updated, latest version = 7E12v1L1 from 2026-06-09.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X670E-TOMAHAWK-WIFI/support

- Use the latest(2026-05-18) chipset driver.

https://www.amd.com/pt/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/x670e.html

- Pay attention to the lane sharing.
I guess you connect the Mellanox 4-LX network card to the PCI_E3.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X670E-TOMAHAWK-WIFI/Specification

PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x16 (From CPU)
PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 3.0 supports up to x1 (From Chipset)
PCI_E3 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x4 (From CPU)
PCI_E4 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x2 (From Chipset)
*PCI_E4 & M2_4 share the bandwidth. M2_4 will run at x2 speed when installing device in the PCI_E4 slot.

- In the BIOS, set the PWM(4 pin) fan to PWM and the DC(3 pin) fan to DC, do not use AUTO.


- In the BIOS, DISABLE Spread Spectrum

- SET link State Power Management = OFF

Turn Link State Power Management On or Off in Windows 11

Learn more about PCI Express Link State Power Management and find you whether you need it and how to turn it On or Off in Windows 11/10.

www.thewindowsclub.com

- Disable Windows Hibernate

Enable or Disable Hibernate in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable hibernate and restore or delete the hiberfil.sys file in Windows 11. Hibernate is a power-saving state designed primarily for laptops, and might not be available for all PCs. (For example, PCs with Modern Standby may not have hibernate...

www.elevenforum.com

- Disable Sleep Mode

How to disable Sleep Mode in Windows 11/10

Here are multiple methods to disable Sleep mode in Windows 11/10 using Settings, Control Panel, PowerToys, and third-party applications.

www.thewindowsclub.com

- In Windows System>Sound>Properties disable Audio Enhancements and Spatial Sound

Turn off or Disable Audio Enhancements in Windows 11

To resolve audio or sound issues, you may disable Audio Enhancements in Windows 11/10 via Settings or Control Panel. Do this if your audio driver is up to date.

www.thewindowsclub.com

BTW, you may like https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9231331#p9231331

 

[x7007]

I'm not sure if I understood everything you wrote, but try:

- Make sure the BIOS is updated, latest version = 7E12v1L1 from 2026-06-09.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X670E-TOMAHAWK-WIFI/support

- Use the latest(2026-05-18) chipset driver.

https://www.amd.com/pt/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/x670e.html

- Pay attention to the lane sharing.
I guess you connect the Mellanox 4-LX network card to the PCI_E3.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X670E-TOMAHAWK-WIFI/Specification

PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x16 (From CPU)
PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 3.0 supports up to x1 (From Chipset)
PCI_E3 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x4 (From CPU)
PCI_E4 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x2 (From Chipset)
*PCI_E4 & M2_4 share the bandwidth. M2_4 will run at x2 speed when installing device in the PCI_E4 slot.

- In the BIOS, set the PWM(4 pin) fan to PWM and the DC(3 pin) fan to DC, do not use AUTO.


- In the BIOS, DISABLE Spread Spectrum

- SET link State Power Management = OFF

Turn Link State Power Management On or Off in Windows 11

Learn more about PCI Express Link State Power Management and find you whether you need it and how to turn it On or Off in Windows 11/10.

www.thewindowsclub.com

- Disable Windows Hibernate

Enable or Disable Hibernate in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable hibernate and restore or delete the hiberfil.sys file in Windows 11. Hibernate is a power-saving state designed primarily for laptops, and might not be available for all PCs. (For example, PCs with Modern Standby may not have hibernate...

www.elevenforum.com

- Disable Sleep Mode

How to disable Sleep Mode in Windows 11/10

Here are multiple methods to disable Sleep mode in Windows 11/10 using Settings, Control Panel, PowerToys, and third-party applications.

www.thewindowsclub.com

- In Windows System>Sound>Properties disable Audio Enhancements and Spatial Sound

Turn off or Disable Audio Enhancements in Windows 11

To resolve audio or sound issues, you may disable Audio Enhancements in Windows 11/10 via Settings or Control Panel. Do this if your audio driver is up to date.

www.thewindowsclub.com

BTW, you may like https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9231331#p9231331

Ho thanks! can you explain why not to use AUTO? I wonder, because I though it doesn't matter, please do explain it's interesting, even though I even connected the CPU fans to the Pump fan conector so it's only has PWM or DC. they are 4pin , and the pump I connected with SATA Power directly skipping the fan controller

Yes I always disable Spread Spectrum
Always Off - SET link State Power Management
Always off hibernation
Always off Sleep
using latest Chipset

Can a bios update fix that issue ? because I am not sure already.

 

[Pictus]

Ho thanks! can you explain why not to use AUTO?

I am glad to help.
Some fans like the Phanteks T30-120 does not like when it is set to AUTO.

Can a bios update fix that issue ? because I am not sure already.

I don't know what will solve your problems, as I don't know the cause, since your computer
isn't in my possession for proper diagnosis, but a new BIOS usually fixes/improves things.
I only mentioned some general tips that might help, some more for you to test:

- Disable the Core Isolation Memory Integrity

Enable or Disable Core Isolation Memory Integrity in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off core isolation memory integrity in Windows 11. Core isolation is a security feature of Microsoft Windows that protects important core processes of Windows from malicious software by isolating them in memory. It does this by running those core...

www.elevenforum.com

- Disable Threaded DPCs, makes Windows 11 DPC behave like Windows XP
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/kernel/introduction-to-threaded-dpcs

Open Powershell as Admin. Copy/Paste/Enter the following: (0 = disabled and 1 = enabled)
reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel" /v ThreadDpcEnable /t REG_DWORD /f /d 0
Or double click the REG file https://www.mediafire.com/file/qn4krw22am6sfic/Disable_Threaded_DPCs.REG/file

Test it on your system; if it doesn't work well, revert to the default value of 1, works fine here and I suspect
ASUS Sonar will like it too, but I am not sure about the Mellanox 4-LX network card.

- Enable MSI(Message Signaled-Based Interrupts) for the ASUS Sonar and Mellanox, if the card stop working, revert back.

Windows: Line-Based vs. Message Signaled-Based Interrupts. MSI tool.

... or another attempt to improve latencies Little bit of theory: ***** From "Windows Internals" by Mark Russinovich, David A. Solomon, Alex Ionescu Line-Based vs. Message Signaled-Based Interrupts Shared interrupts are often the cause of high interrupt latency and can also cause stability...

forums.guru3d.com

 

[x7007]

I am glad to help.
Some fans like the Phanteks T30-120 does not like when it is set to AUTO.


I don't know what will solve your problems, as I don't know the cause, since your computer
isn't in my possession for proper diagnosis, but a new BIOS usually fixes/improves things.
I only mentioned some general tips that might help, some more for you to test:

- Disable the Core Isolation Memory Integrity

Enable or Disable Core Isolation Memory Integrity in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off core isolation memory integrity in Windows 11. Core isolation is a security feature of Microsoft Windows that protects important core processes of Windows from malicious software by isolating them in memory. It does this by running those core...

www.elevenforum.com

- Disable Threaded DPCs, makes Windows 11 DPC behave like Windows XP
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/kernel/introduction-to-threaded-dpcs

Open Powershell as Admin. Copy/Paste/Enter the following: (0 = disabled and 1 = enabled)
reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\kernel" /v ThreadDpcEnable /t REG_DWORD /f /d 0
Or double click the REG file https://www.mediafire.com/file/qn4krw22am6sfic/Disable_Threaded_DPCs.REG/file

Test it on your system; if it doesn't work well, revert to the default value of 1, works fine here and I suspect
ASUS Sonar will like it too, but I am not sure about the Mellanox 4-LX network card.

- Enable MSI(Message Signaled-Based Interrupts) for the ASUS Sonar and Mellanox, if the card stop working, revert back.

Windows: Line-Based vs. Message Signaled-Based Interrupts. MSI tool.

... or another attempt to improve latencies Little bit of theory: ***** From "Windows Internals" by Mark Russinovich, David A. Solomon, Alex Ionescu Line-Based vs. Message Signaled-Based Interrupts Shared interrupts are often the cause of high interrupt latency and can also cause stability...

forums.guru3d.com

that's the exact fans I have !

yes core isolation disabled always
I always use threadeddpc also txthreaded it works fine
asus doesn't like msi mode only support line

the thing is I managed to make the audio better when messing with the case top screws where the AIO connected also I had the weird USB issues I told about when messing with the top screws. I removed the little rubber the Corsair 750d has on the top cause it was falling apart like black dust and put shova those circle metal things, this is how the audio somehow improved but it wasn't just that

 

[x7007]

@Pictus I orderd a new case Corsair 7000X, I didn't want corsair but they are the only one with 3-6 HDD's slots and Vertical support for 4090-5090 RTX , I noticed that each top screws that I removed or put with the I have a different issue, it affects the audio, the input devices and usb. I even had 3-4 times that I had crackling in the audio because of it and also usb after shutdown or restart wouldn't be detected or working even if they light up and have power, doing anything didn't fix it until removing the screw. I put those discs because the ones on the top the rubber started to deteriorate and almost like glued to my fingers, so I removed all 12 of them and put that instead. I did have the same issues with the rubber so it's not like I caused issue with this. something else in the case is causing it , I tried every possible thing and that's the only thing that cause the triple issues in real time. I fixed the audio while unscrewing or screwing a screw on the top on specific place where the AIO one of the 12 ones. but I changed many things and I didn't know I actually fixed that because ONLY this.

 

[x7007]

I am glad to help.
Some fans like the Phanteks T30-120 does not like when it is set to AUTO.


I don't know what will solve your problems, as I don't know the cause, since your computer
isn't in my possession for proper diagnosis, but a new BIOS usually fixes/improves things.
I only mentioned some general tips that might help, some more for you to test:

@Pictus you never guess what the issue was.
Putting the Power Filter next to the Linear power can mess up the sound so bad.....
and putting the Power Filter on the floor can mess it even double more. the person with the 1m told me to split them and it improved the sound to almost perfect, there are more things to do

this is what I found after he told me just trying to look why on gpt

Audio Myth - "Switching Power Supplies are Noisy"

In audio systems, switching power supplies can be much quieter than linear power supplies. The secret to this difference is hidden in the magnetic fields that each emit.

benchmarkmedia.com

1. Magnetic Field Radiation (Mains Hum)Linear power supplies rely on large iron-core or toroidal transformers that step down the AC wall voltage. These transformers constantly generate strong, alternating electromagnetic fields (usually at 50 Hz or 60 Hz)
2. The Problem: If these magnetic fields intersect with sensitive audio cables (especially RCA or unbalanced lines), the wire will act as an antenna and pick up this radiation, introducing an audible 50/60 Hz hum or buzz into your speakers.The Solution: Physically distance your linear power supply (at least 15 cm to 30 cm) away from all signal cables and phono stage

2. Physical Placement Near Power FiltersPower conditioners and line filters use inductors (coils of wire) to clean up high-frequency noise
The Problem: Placing an LPS transformer directly next to a power filter can cause the transformer's magnetic field to physically couple with the filter's coils, inducing noise back into the power lines.The Solution: Keep your power supplies and power conditioning equipment spatially separated within your rack.

3. Diode Switching and Ground LoopsEven though "linear" supplies are praised for clean power, their rectifiers and capacitors generate large, non-linear current spikes every time the AC voltage crosses the stored charge in the capacitors.The Problem: These rapid current spikes can inject noise into adjacent wiring or the local grounding scheme, causing hash and high-frequency noise to muddy your signal.The Solution: Ensure all your components share a solid, star-grounded configuration and use balanced XLR cables where possible, which natively reject this type of induced electromagnetic interference.

this is how it looks now

 

[Pictus]

@Pictus you never guess what the issue was.

I also never won the lottery.
But I am happy that you were able to fix. Thanks for reporting back.