IRQ config in WIN98 - Audiophile 2496

[riccol]

Basically, I've been working on an configuration issue with my newly purchased and installed Delta Audiophile 2496. I've enjoyed it when it has worked well - the sound is awesome.

However, when I went to Midiman support with some problems, their immediate response was to get this card reinstalled with its own IRQ, instead of on 5 with everything else. Sounds simple enough, except for the following:

* I run Windows 98, a plug and play OS
* the Delta Audiophile 2496 is a plug and play card
* I have an HP Pavilion 8650C, with a plug and play BIOS (translation: no ability to set IRQ's to a particular PCI slot)

I have uninstalled the drivers, removed the A2496, and have uninstalled (and disabled) COM ports to free up IRQ's 3 and 4, along with 11, which has always been available. I have moved it to different PCI slots, with no difference - each uninstall and reboot keeps bringing it right back in at IRQ5. At Midiman support's suggestion, the A2496 must NOT be sharing an IRQ with anything else, EXCEPT for PCI steering. IRQ5 also has the following: modem, Riptide audio card, with its game controller, etc.

My challenge to any and all takers: how do I get this wonderful card, which I do not want to get rid of, on its own IRQ. Is this possible?

FYI: There is a great writeup on this Win98 "issue" in general at http://www.thenakedpc.com/articles/v02/02/0202-03.html . I really do appreciate in advance any help or comments on this.

 

[AlChuck]

Can you disable the Riptide card, or are you using it? If you are using it, is it only for gaming or do you need to use it as a MIDI synth too?

If it's on the motherboard, and you can live without it, disable it in the BIOS. If you need it for games but nothing else, consider creating a separate hardware profile, with the Riptide and the modem disabled, and boot to that profile for recording sessions.

 

[Stealthtech]

IRQ#5 is generally designated as the IRQ for audio cards. You should be able to go into your BIOS settings at bootup and go to your IRQ settings panel. From there, find the PCI slot where your audiophile card is installed and change the setting for this slot to not share with any other Cards in your system. This will give the audiophile its own IRQ with PCI steering. All other cards will be reassigned to another IRQ by your system automatically.
When the audiophile shares IRQ's it may create conflicts and give you system overload errors.

 

[webstop]

One more suggestion.
Examine your system and try to figure out what you do not need.
For example, are you using both IDE channels? If you have only one hard disk and one cd drive, consider slaving CD drive to HDD (check jumpers on both drives) and disable the other IDE channel in BIOS. That will save you one IRQ.
Are you using both Serial ports? If not, disable one in BIOS and save another IRQ.
Are you using PCI or AGP video card?. In some systems BIOS assignes IRQ to PCI video. Therefore, if you are using AGP card and your BIOS has this option, disable it.
Do you really nead a modem and another soundcard in the system? If yes, then maybe be at least you do not play older games in which case you can disable SB 16 emulation on your Riptide card. Another IRQ saved.
After you release two or even a single IRQ number, your system will reassign all IRQs, and there will be less sharing, if at all.

 

[RWhite]

Webstop gave you good advice. Also don't forget to disable USB if you are not using any USB devices.