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Update to the sound driver that came with Windows 10

Update to the sound driver that came with Windows 10

Vote: (111 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: HP.

Version: 5.12.01.3620

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(111 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

HP.

5.12.01.3620

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Enables digital sound capabilities
  • Compatible with most Windows versions
  • Normally easy to download and install
  • The setup process has been improved

Cons

  • DirectX or CSSM updates may be needed
  • Fairly large for a device driver

The ADI SoundMAX AC97 driver enables you to use SoundMAX integrated audio hardware under most Windows operating systems. Some Dell, Lenovo, Compaq and Hewlett-Packard computers feature this kind of chipset. After installing the driver and connecting headphones or speakers to your PC, you can run a variety of audio software.

Why Use It?

A sound driver is necessary if you want to play or record any type of audio with the SoundMAX hardware. Among other things, you may use it to play CDs, hear sound effects in games, stream music and record your voice. New computers normally come with preinstalled drivers. However, you may need this software if you change or reinstall the OS.

Setup Process

To get started, you must download, extract and run the setup program. The user interface will guide you through the installation process. A potential problem is that SoundMAX setup utilities tend to supply vague error messages when something goes wrong. If the driver won't install, you might have an incompatible edition of Windows or DirectX.

Requirements

The current version of the ADI SoundMAX AC97 driver works under all recent Windows operating systems. They include 98, Millenium Edition, 2000, XP, NT, Vista, 2003, Seven and Eight. At a minimum, your computer should also have DirectX version six. Some Compaq PCs may require a newer edition of the Compaq System Software Manager as well.

Developer

This free driver and the corresponding audio chipset were developed by Massachusetts-based Analog Devices. The company produces a variety of integrated circuits, sensors and amplifiers for electronics. Analog Devices has remained in business for over 48 years. Despite the manufacturer's name, SoundMAX hardware supports digital audio.

Basically, this SoundMAX AC97 driver enables Windows computer applications to use SoundMAX built-in audio hardware to play and record sounds. It may also perform slightly better than older versions of the same driver. The file size is just under 15 megabytes, so you can download this software quickly on most Internet connections.

Pros

  • Enables digital sound capabilities
  • Compatible with most Windows versions
  • Normally easy to download and install
  • The setup process has been improved

Cons

  • DirectX or CSSM updates may be needed
  • Fairly large for a device driver

This download is no longer available. This could be due to the program being discontinued, having a security issue or for some other reason.

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