F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Do Motherboard audio codecs really make a difference?

Do Motherboard audio codecs really make a difference?

Do Motherboard audio codecs really make a difference?

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Jomppaboy
Member
192
02-25-2022, 06:23 PM
#1
I searched for a motherboard to install in my new system and came across two options: The Gigabyte Aorus Elite AX and the MSI Mag z790 Tomahawk. The Gigabyte features the ALC897 codec, while the MSI uses the ALC4080. I've heard that the ALC897 was reliable in the past, but now it seems outdated, whereas the ALC4080 is considered superior. However, does the choice really matter? If not, I’d opt for the Gigabyte since both are priced similarly here.
J
Jomppaboy
02-25-2022, 06:23 PM #1

I searched for a motherboard to install in my new system and came across two options: The Gigabyte Aorus Elite AX and the MSI Mag z790 Tomahawk. The Gigabyte features the ALC897 codec, while the MSI uses the ALC4080. I've heard that the ALC897 was reliable in the past, but now it seems outdated, whereas the ALC4080 is considered superior. However, does the choice really matter? If not, I’d opt for the Gigabyte since both are priced similarly here.

X
XxNicky_GxX
Junior Member
11
03-07-2022, 07:39 AM
#2
You should avoid using on-board audio if you understand the distinction between the two codecs. For everyday use, the ALC897 works fine—it's reliable and sufficient for most people. I own systems with both options, and since I'm not an audiophile, I don't perceive a noticeable difference. If you do notice a variation, switching to an external DAC would likely improve your experience significantly.
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XxNicky_GxX
03-07-2022, 07:39 AM #2

You should avoid using on-board audio if you understand the distinction between the two codecs. For everyday use, the ALC897 works fine—it's reliable and sufficient for most people. I own systems with both options, and since I'm not an audiophile, I don't perceive a noticeable difference. If you do notice a variation, switching to an external DAC would likely improve your experience significantly.

A
arian9711
Junior Member
37
03-08-2022, 10:56 PM
#3
ALC4080 functions similarly to ALC1220 but features a USB link between the chip and the CPU or mainboard, unlike earlier models. ALC1200/1220 offer superior DACs and additional hardware decoders for DTS and other formats, surpassing ALC897 while ALC897 and ALC892 were already quite good.
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arian9711
03-08-2022, 10:56 PM #3

ALC4080 functions similarly to ALC1220 but features a USB link between the chip and the CPU or mainboard, unlike earlier models. ALC1200/1220 offer superior DACs and additional hardware decoders for DTS and other formats, surpassing ALC897 while ALC897 and ALC892 were already quite good.

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Igor_extreme
Member
210
03-10-2022, 09:20 AM
#4
For a similar option, the B650 AUROS Pro AX utilizes the 1220 module.
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Igor_extreme
03-10-2022, 09:20 AM #4

For a similar option, the B650 AUROS Pro AX utilizes the 1220 module.

H
hoborichboy
Junior Member
9
03-11-2022, 04:24 PM
#5
I already have a dac with my headphones, but I’m considering getting some speakers too.
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hoborichboy
03-11-2022, 04:24 PM #5

I already have a dac with my headphones, but I’m considering getting some speakers too.