Does 3D sound effect occupy CPU loading?

    My SB Live does have a very small effect on the overall game performance if 3D sound is enabled. The sound processor should do all the work for 3D sound but it doesn´t seem to take all of the workload. Even if it did, something has to pass information between the game and the sound processor, that would be done by the main CPU so anything that adds to the CPU´s workload is going to degrade performance slightly. -- If I missile throw a Havoc at ya.

    -- My idea of an OS is one that operates the system, not a self contained package of every piece of software ever invented.

    Im going to add to Tryst´s answer: The SBLive is currently the sound card which uses the least CPU initialization. A3D is a close second but it does depend more on the CPU than the Live does. --------------------- If I wanted smoke blown up my ass, I´d be at home with a pack of cigarettes and a short length of hose.

    I got mine trade price for 62 UKP (roughly 90 US dollars) about 6 months ago. -- If I missile throw a Havoc at ya.

    -- My idea of an OS is one that operates the system, not a self contained package of every piece of software ever invented.

    Yeah....terrible price <img src=smilies/icon_smile_shock.gif width=15 height=15 border=0 align=middle>, Taiwan´s SB Live Value costs US$60 and is the same price as Duron-600. Aureal A3D only costs US$16. If both of their CPU utilization are ALMOST the same, I will save US$60 for buying another game (such as FreeLancer) <img src=smilies/icon_smile_big.gif width=15 height=15 border=0 align=middle>

    Perhaps you should reconsider that because the manufactor of A3D card´s is out of buissnis so there is no driver support with new drivers.

    True, since Creative and Soundblaster are well known names, they won´t go under so quick and there´s more support from third parties too. -- If I missile throw a Havoc at ya.

    -- My idea of an OS is one that operates the system, not a self contained package of every piece of software ever invented.

    Actually Creative bought Aureal. But anyhow, go for the SB 512 PCI. It´s the same as a Live! card without the digital output and the software upgradeability. Though I think you will be able to use a hacked version of the LiveWare drivers. Best Regards Christian &quot;Bargib&quot; Koerner Editor in Chief, <A href=´http://www.lancersreactor.org´ Target=_Blank>The Lancers Reactor</a>