Definitive guide to NF7-S sound problems.
Ok, this thread seems to pop up once a week so here is a little help!
There seems to be a problem, espescially with certain games, where you will get a crackling sound while using the onboard audio on the Abit NF7-S. Almost every NF7-S owner seems to get this problem, so here are the possible fixes, and they are in order of importance when trying to fix it.
1. Update your nVidia Unified Drivers. The most current version is v2.45, released on July 29th. They are supposed to fix sound problems with some games, most notably Battlefield 1942, which seems to have a real problem with the NF7-S' onboard audio. The prior version, v2.03, seemed to fix many people's problems, but the crackling was still present for some. If the v2.45 drivers do not fix it, consider trying the v2.03 drivers.
2. If the above does not fix the problem, enter the Soundstorm Control Panel and disable EVERY input. That is, mute the Line-in, Mic and CD volume levels. You should also un-check the Mic2 box just to be sure.
3. Run Windows Update. No, I don't mean download 40 MB of "Critical Updates," just run it and trust me. When Microsoft is done peeking into your case when it's pants are down, choose "Driver Updates" from the left. If you don't already have the updated driver, there should be an option for an nForce Audio Update in the main frame. Go ahead, download, and let Windows work it's...ahem...magic (it hurts me to say that).
4. If you to this step, and you still have sound problems, there is one more possible fix. You will need an old/new Northbridge heatsink, and some thermal epoxy. WARNING: This is a permanent fixture, Do not do this without making sure there is proper clearance inside the case and around your AGP and PCI slots! Using the thermal epoxy, attach the heatsink to your Southbridge just below and right of the AGP slot. Be careful not to short two components or lines together, as this may damage your motherboard.
Note When I installed a heatsink on my Southbridge, I used a Zalman Northbridge HS, which comes with the HS, screws and assembly to attach to the motherboard (which you will not need), and thermal epoxy. After installation, I noticed I had placed it too close to the AGP slot and the HS came in contact with heatsinks I had affixed to the Ram on my Radeon 9700. All it took was bending the fins on the Southbridge heatsink, and I was back in business with no noticable problems.
If none of the above steps fixed your problem, to my knowledge, you are going to have to live with it and wait for any and all driver issues to be resolved (if they ever are...wait...is that possible?). Anybody that knows another way to solve the problem please let me know. I hope this helps anyone out having this problem. If you have any questions, feel free to message me or give me a holler at "[email protected]"
Ok, this thread seems to pop up once a week so here is a little help!
There seems to be a problem, espescially with certain games, where you will get a crackling sound while using the onboard audio on the Abit NF7-S. Almost every NF7-S owner seems to get this problem, so here are the possible fixes, and they are in order of importance when trying to fix it.
1. Update your nVidia Unified Drivers. The most current version is v2.45, released on July 29th. They are supposed to fix sound problems with some games, most notably Battlefield 1942, which seems to have a real problem with the NF7-S' onboard audio. The prior version, v2.03, seemed to fix many people's problems, but the crackling was still present for some. If the v2.45 drivers do not fix it, consider trying the v2.03 drivers.
2. If the above does not fix the problem, enter the Soundstorm Control Panel and disable EVERY input. That is, mute the Line-in, Mic and CD volume levels. You should also un-check the Mic2 box just to be sure.
3. Run Windows Update. No, I don't mean download 40 MB of "Critical Updates," just run it and trust me. When Microsoft is done peeking into your case when it's pants are down, choose "Driver Updates" from the left. If you don't already have the updated driver, there should be an option for an nForce Audio Update in the main frame. Go ahead, download, and let Windows work it's...ahem...magic (it hurts me to say that).
4. If you to this step, and you still have sound problems, there is one more possible fix. You will need an old/new Northbridge heatsink, and some thermal epoxy. WARNING: This is a permanent fixture, Do not do this without making sure there is proper clearance inside the case and around your AGP and PCI slots! Using the thermal epoxy, attach the heatsink to your Southbridge just below and right of the AGP slot. Be careful not to short two components or lines together, as this may damage your motherboard.
Note When I installed a heatsink on my Southbridge, I used a Zalman Northbridge HS, which comes with the HS, screws and assembly to attach to the motherboard (which you will not need), and thermal epoxy. After installation, I noticed I had placed it too close to the AGP slot and the HS came in contact with heatsinks I had affixed to the Ram on my Radeon 9700. All it took was bending the fins on the Southbridge heatsink, and I was back in business with no noticable problems.
If none of the above steps fixed your problem, to my knowledge, you are going to have to live with it and wait for any and all driver issues to be resolved (if they ever are...wait...is that possible?). Anybody that knows another way to solve the problem please let me know. I hope this helps anyone out having this problem. If you have any questions, feel free to message me or give me a holler at "[email protected]"