Identify Integrated Sound Cards
Integrated sound cards or chip sets allow you to listen to audio on your computer and to input audio via microphones. Even though you have an integrated sound card, Windows and other system utilities will display the device as if it is a dedicated sound card. You can identify your integrated sound card by using the Device Manager, by examining sound card details in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool or by installing a system information utility and scanning your hardware.
Instructions
Use the Device Manager
1. Click on "Start," then "Control Panel." Select "Classic View" in the left column.
2. Double-click "System." Click on "Device Manger" in the left column of the "System Properties" window if using Windows Vista or Windows 7. Click on the "Hardware" tab, then click on "Device Manager."
3. Expand the "Sound, Video and Game Controllers" category by clicking on the "+" to the left of the category.
4. Double-click the sound card.
5. Note the name of the device and the name of the manufacturer on the "General" tab.
6. Click on the "Details" tab.
7. Select "Hardware Ids" from the "Properties" drop-down list.
8. Select the key that appears. Right-click on it, and left-click on "Copy."
9. Paste the hardware ID into a document or your Web browser. Perform additional research by using the device name and hardware ID.
Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
10. Click on "Start." In Windows Vista and Windows 7, enter "dxdiag.exe" and press "Enter." In Windows XP, click on "Run," then type in "dxdiag.exe." Press "OK."
11. Click on the "Sound" tab.
12. Examine the "Name" and "Device ID."
13. Click the "Save All Information" button.
14. Choose the folder where you wish to save the text file. Name the file. Click "Save." Close the program.
15. Open the file you saved. Copy and paste the sound device name and ID into your browser to perform additional research.
Download a System Information Utility
16. Examine and download a system information utility, such as SiSoftware Sandra or Belarc Advisor.
17.Double-click the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program.
18. Run the system information tool.
19. Examine sound card details under "Hardware" or "Multimedia."
Tags: sound card, Device Manager, device name, additional research, card details, Click Save