[SynC_187]

Hi,

My HTPC is an old Dell Optiplex 745 USFF. I currently have it connected to the TV via DVI, and the stereo line out to an amplifier.

After Christmas I will get getting an AV amp (currently chasing cables and mounting speakers), so was planning to upgrade to a better graphics card to combine av via HDMI to the amp, but completely forgot there are no expansion slots on the ultra small form factor board

I have been looking into external sound cards for the best quality surround sound I can get, but its a bit of a minefield.

Are there any that anyone can recommend I look at?

My other option is to buy a case and mainboard, then strip all the components from my Dell (Core2Duo, RAM etc), but low on money at the moment.

[poofyhairguy]

Yeah, that Dell is pretty much un-upgradable. But you can get this USB sound card:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P5I...1GENWZZGDR

And it will pass both DTS and AC3 to a receiver digitally in Linux and Windows...

[SynC_187]

Yeah, that Dell is pretty much un-upgradable. But you can get this USB sound card:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P5I...1GENWZZGDR

And it will pass both DTS and AC3 to a receiver digitally in Linux and Windows...

Thanks.

Yeah I had a look at those and the next model up. Would do me for now, but thinking of using the Dell in another room and getting a Zotac Mag to replace it. Its for the bedroom, so only 5.1 at the moment.

Might build something a bit more fancy when I start revamping the living room