reformat computer - no sound

[jyeh74]

I just reformatted my comp and notice there is no sound. I installed AC3filter...not sure what sound card HW I have. Anyone know how I can detect so I can installed the SW driver for sound?

[guns1inger]

Is this a branded PC, or one you built yourself ?

If it is a branded PC, look up the model on the manufacturers website and download the appropriate drivers.

[jyeh74]

a very old one. but I remember it has a sound card built into the motherboard..... not sure what it is tho, stickers are all faded.

[johns0]

Download cpu-z and look in the mainboard tab,then search google for the manufacture and model number and the drivers,download the audio driver and install.

Also you can go to control panel/system/device manager and update unknow audio device and let windows search the internet for a driver,this location is for vista,a little different for winxp.

[redwudz]

Better answered in the Computer Forum. Moving you.

[Bjs]

Go to > control panel/system/device manager
Then click to open unknown devices
Open properties for unknown listed device
Click on details tab
Do search on what is listed in lower box

Other

Open system box and look around between pci slots or near cpu / memory ... most boards list model which will make hunting appropriate drivers easier.

If no model you will need to read details off the top of some of the large chips on the board ... then search goggle again ... you may only be able to read the info using good light source held at an angle about the chips and a magnifying glass

[johns0]

Easier to use cpu-z to find the motherboard model number.

[Bjs]

True, but in many case's it's near useless to those non-techies out there ... and in 70% of my tests it incorrectly identifys the motherboard which is why I prefer gathering the info directly from chipsets surface.

[Jeremiah58]

If you still have a CD which came with your motherboard - you have the audio driver on it.

[AlanHK]

a very old one. but I remember it has a sound card built into the motherboard..... not sure what it is tho, stickers are all faded.

When you boot the computer, a lot of info should come up.
It will say something like "Press DEL (or some other key) to enter BIOS setup".
Do that and step through all the screens, don't change anything, though nothing will be changed permanently until you press a "save" button.

You should see logos, etc to tell you the model of mobo.
Very likely you will find an option to set onboard sound on or off (off if you have a sound card).

Then start by going to the manufacturer's site and get the appropriate drivers.
And/or Google "Mobo model" + "drivers".

[jyeh74]

ok guys, it seems like it is an ECS M848A motherboard.

So go here http://www.ecsusa.com/ECSWebSite/Downloads/Category_Download.aspx?MenuID=6&LanID=9
but cannot seem to find it. No idea what socket.

[jyeh74]

http://www.amazon.com/PC-Chips-M848A-V5-0-Motherboard/dp/B000X35LG2

Looks like this model states "Socket A". But when I go to the link above, there is no M848A under "Socket A".
It says Chipset is SiS 746FX.

[Jim44]

I found an M848A m/b listed as from PC Chips on Newegg, which had a mfg'r link. Try here:
http://www.pcchipsusa.com/PCCWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?DetailID=341&Categor...uID=50&LanID=2

(It's listed as a Socket 462(A), BTW.)

[jyeh74]

Jim, I found that too. But if you go to my link (ECS website) and go to downloads. Select Motherboard and then Socket 462......there is not model number M848A.

[johns0]

Your motherboard is a Pcchips.You wont find it on the Ecs page but on the link Jim44
gave you.

[Jim44]

Yep, saw that. Which was why I provided the PC Chips link, because they *did* list your m/b. Or am I missing what you were looking for (I can be guilty of skimming )?

[jyeh74]

Johns0, how did you get that? I used CPUZ and it says ECS for some reason?

[johns0]

The mobo was built by ecs but Pcchips distributed it.

[jyeh74]

ok thank you guys!