PC question -- Will a sound card work if the onboard audio does not?

[IDemo]

I've pretty well isolated my problem to the motherboard/chipset, because I have no audio after booting to either Win XP or Linux. The speakers and headset are fine. I don't really want to build a new system just because of no audio (even though this one is getting kinda creaky) if a cheap soundcard would do the trick.

Thank you in advance, and I already understand that the correct answer is "buy the Mac." :hi:

[DarkTirade]

1. More than likely that would work fine.

Although you might want to double check the jumpers for the audio on the board just to make sure it's set up properly before you spend any money. :)

[Duer 157099]

2. Agree with this - almost certainly will work

If you can post more details about the motherboard model/specs, we might be able to get a definite answer.

[IDemo]

3. It's a Via P4MA, Pentium4 - 1.7Ghz, 1G

Onboard 2-channel audio courtesy of the VIA VT1612A AC'97 codec

specs

[IDemo]

8. It's been working fine for two+ years

I haven't made any changes to jumpering or cables inside the case, but I have been swapping out network cards in trying to get a *%$#@ wireless router to communicate. I think I may have triggered an ESD event on the motherboard.

[SKKY]

4. Yes, it indeed will work...

100% guaranteed.

[NJmaverick]

5. I believe it will

[Deja Q]

6. Does the BIOS have an option to disable the onboard sound?

If so, disable it so the resources can be freed for the sound card you plan to purchase.

[IDemo]

7. Had to reboot to find out, :)

Yes, but the two modes are 'auto' and 'disabled'; Phoenix claims the onboard AC'97 codecs will be disabled if a soundcard is detected (in the 'auto' mode). Won't hurt to disable it anyway.

Thanks for the help, everyone.