Hi all
I coincidentally built a similar but cheaper PC using the Intel DH77DF board and an i3 processor, in a cheaper case, using the CPU fan and a low-noise case fan, running Windows 7. I intend to upgrade to i7 at some point (better be soon, as this generation is nearing its end of run) and passive cooling in a more expensive case. I'll end up with something very similar to the Zuma.
This box does double duty as HT and audio server. I use the spdif on-board header for music, as it seems to sound a bit more solid (?) than USB on my M-DAC.
The weakness is that the thing won't play 88k or 176k files at all, and my DAC fails to sync with 192k over SPDIF (stuttering). Anybody building an Intel HD board experience the same thing? I've seen some reports online about the 88k issue with the Realtek drivers, but no real resolution. The system is still usable, but leaves a nagging feeling that something is not right.
Any advice or thoughts? Would using the SoTM USB card make a difference here? A more powerful processor? Or is the 192k problem in the DAC? Supposedly the M-DAC will play 192k.
Thanks for any advice you can give
Phil