Audio Performance
For audio testing, we used the latest version 2.2 of the Rightmark 3D
Sound CPU utilization test. This benchmark measures the overhead or CPU
utilization required by a codec or hardware audio chip. Versions
earlier than 2.2 would not work properly on the RD580 chipset based
A8R32-MVP.
The High Definition audio codecs have generally shown lower CPU
utilization in audio benchmarking than earlier AC’97 audio solutions.
The Empty CPU and 2 D audio both showed extremely low utilization
scores in the 1 to 3% range. However, 3D audio on the Realtek ALC882
was around 9% - far from the 30 to 40% that we have seen in the past,
but still enough to steal a few frames-per-second from games. It is
worth mentioning that the even more demanding 3D Audio+EAX test showed
a slightly lower 8.82% CPU utilization
Realtek has been very consistent in recent months in releasing regular
updates to their HD audio drivers, and we suspect that trend will
continue, with ATI and Intel both firmly committed to HD and NVIDIA
also introducing hew HD solutions. Each new Realtek update has lowered
CPU utilization and we also hope that will continue.
ATI chipset motherboards have the necessary hooks to deliver Azalia
High Definition audio. Those who have been complaining about the poor
AC’97 audio present on most AMD boards should be very pleased to find
Azalia HD on the ATI chipset boards. The nForce4 family does not offer
the necessary chipset hooks to support HD Azalia audio on their top
Athlon 64 chipsets. However, recent introductions by NVIDIA have
included the HD audio option and we expect future NVIDIA chipsets to
offer this feature.

February 17, 2006
February 16, 2006
February 15, 2006