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Z97 boards audio question

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flyinion
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2014/08/28 14:54:37 (permalink)
I'm guessing since it sounds like a basic Realtek chip the answer is no on the FTW, but for either the FTW or the Classified does the built in audio have a headphone amp to power high impedance headphones?  (similar to some sound cards or the built in sound on the Asus ROG VII boards)  I'm still debating motherboard choices with respect to my needs for a headphone amp and wi-fi and just want to make sure I have all the info on the EVGA boards.

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    MSim
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    Re: Z97 boards audio question 2014/08/29 01:02:25 (permalink)
    The Z97 FTW uses basic Realtek (ALC898) audio chip. The same chip evga used for the old Z77 stinger. The Z97 Classified and Z97 Stinger uses Creative Sound Core3D, but i don't see anything about headphone amp at all. If it had it, it would be listed. EVGA doesn't make a motherboard with wi-fi support built in like ASUS deluxe version.
     
    Have you checked out GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK  ?
     
    post edited by MSim - 2014/08/29 01:14:23
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    flyinion
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    Re: Z97 boards audio question 2014/08/29 09:50:25 (permalink)
    MSim
    The Z97 FTW uses basic Realtek (ALC898) audio chip. The same chip evga used for the old Z77 stinger. The Z97 Classified and Z97 Stinger uses Creative Sound Core3D, but i don't see anything about headphone amp at all. If it had it, it would be listed. EVGA doesn't make a motherboard with wi-fi support built in like ASUS deluxe version.
     
    Have you checked out GA-Z97X-Gaming G1 WIFI-BK  ?
     




    I actually did check that out and was about to consider it until I saw in their forums that it doesn't have a headphone amp on the built in sound.  Yep I know EVGA doesn't have anything with built in wifi.  Not a big deal, I can add that.  I've been debating whether to go with something like the Asus boards that have it all, or grab something like the FTW  from EVGA and buy a dedicated headphone amp and a better wifi card over what I have in the current system.  Guess I'm nervous about the EVGA boards because I know for a while there was a time when the boards had a lot of problems (X79 USB issues etc., and P67 issues).  Don't think I've seen anything bad about the Z97's though (and haven't checked the 87 forum).

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    MSim
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    Re: Z97 boards audio question 2014/08/29 20:55:15 (permalink)
    If it was my money, evga motherboards wouldn't be in the running. I'm not big into overclocking. It would be a waste for me to spend $380 on Z97 Classified just to get premium audio. ASRock, ASUS, GIGABYTE and MSI all have motherboards under $240 with more features and they have premium onboard audio. EVGA might have better customer service, but how often do you contact customer support.
     
    My advice would be to check hardware forums around the net for more opinions before buying.
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