Pavilion 9600 and SB PCI 512

[naka-pako]

600 mhz Athlon
20 gb HD
128 mb sdram
Cdrom
Cdwriter
Non-powered Polk Audio cheapos (came with system)

Just installed a SB PCI 512 soundcard replacing an Sb PCI 128. Installed accompanying software. Everything seems good except the volume is low even when vol control is maxed out. Doesn't matter whether audio cd, or waves or mp3s, volume is low. Louder with old soundcard. Any and all suggestions appreciated......thanks....d

[DonJ]

You didn't mention which version of Windows you're using... (I have to say that, ya know)
Have you been to HP's website for <a href="http://www.hp.com/cposupport/swindexes/hppavilion19337_swen.html" target="_blank">your Pavilion</a>? There is a fairly recent BIOS update available. Also, follow the link for Parts Information...click on List All Parts...lots of good info there.
I guess it's possible that SB Audio card just doesn't have the ooomph to power those old speakers. Do you have any specs on the card? Output wattage, etc.?
You might also want to read up on <a href="http://www.hp.com/cposupport/personal_computing/support_doc/bph01742.html" target="_blank">HP Pavilion PCs - No Sound from Speakers</a>. I know you're getting some sound but, among other things, it talks about removing the drivers in Safe Mode, rebooting and let Windows find the New Device.
Just a couple of suggestions...let us know how it ends up.

[FatalException0E]

Sounds like you just need some new speakers. Nearly every sound card on the market requires that you have powered speakers......even the SB PCI128. If the PCI128 is the card that came with the system, HP may have a tweaked version of it with an onboard amp. Anyway, try borrowing somebody's powered speakers and see if that's what does it for you.

[naka-pako]

Thanks everyone. That's exactly what it was. We needed powered speakers. Again thanks for the suggestions....d