Mini-ITX onboard sound chip advice required (Haswell)

[Bane]

Starting selection phase for new PC, but I have a dilemma over motherboard audio on Haswell mini-ITX motherboards.

The best options I can see (not in rated order) are limited to Z87 models:

• Creative Sound Core3D (EVGA Stinger)
• Realtek ALC1150

I don't plan on overclocking so that somewhat defeats spending big on EVGA Z87 Stinger motherboard (unless audio is amazing). But the lack of reviews and slow fixes have put me off EVGA.

If Realtek 1150 is similar to Core3D, or at least better than my existing ALC885 and other Haswell chipsets using ALC892, 887, then I'm considering:

• Asus Z87i-Pro (£120)
• MSI Z87i Gaming AC pre-order (£131)

Prefer Asus socket location, but not the daughter power board. So swaying to MSI, that also has a cover over Audio chip if that helps against interference.

Unless anyone has better suggestions? Without suggesting external audio.

 

[jamesriley94]

The Creative Options will most likely be marginally better, but not enough to warrant choosing a motherboard because of it.

What will you be using it for?

 

[Feronix]

Honestly, if you really want a /good/ audio solution you should get an external DAC, or go mATX and use an internal sound card. As James said, on-board audio solutions should not be the reason to pick one board over the other.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Honestly, if you really want a /good/ audio solution you should get an external DAC, or go mATX and use an internal sound card. As James said, on-board audio solutions should not be the reason to pick one board over the other.

Either of these options are the better alternatives compared to onboard audio.

 

[Bane]

The Creative Options will most likely be marginally better, but not enough to warrant choosing a motherboard because of it.

What will you be using it for?

Web browsing, movies, music, and a bit of gaming. But only using headphones and at max a 2.1 speaker set-up via 3.5mm jack.

Always had problem with mic using onboard and having to increase mic boost to max. Will be interesting to see if still needs adjusting on newer hardware.