Realtek ALC 1200 up to date driver (Any ALC HD Audio card)

Those of you looking for an up to date driver for your Realtek HD Audio card have come to the right place!

For some reason Realtek don't seem to list all the HD ALC Audio cards supported by their HD Driver that is released. For example I have the Asus P6T motherboard which has the Realtek ALC1200. Upon reading the latest HD Driver Readme file this is not listed as a supported driver; when in actual fact any Realtek ALC HD Audio cards are supported by their HD Driver!

So; if you have a ALC1200 (or other HD Audio card) then visit the link below for the latest Realtek HD Audio Driver:

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false

Recommended PC Gaming Headsets [Plantronics Only] Comparison

Hi all,

Today I'm doing a post on PC Gaming Headsets by Plantronics; including a basic comparison.

I've listed these in order of lowest price to highest price.

Firstly though let's confirm the technical jargon and what the differences are:

1) Difference between Closed-ear and Open-ear

In general, closed ear designs cup closer to the ear and block out more noise (and arguably better bass), although some users find the open ear designs, which allow more air flow, to be more comfortable.

So, in summary:

Closed-Ear Headsets:

• Fit closer to the ear (reducing air flow)
• Block out more background noise
• Prevent others from hearing your headphones
• Provide better bass

Plantronics Closed-Ear Headsets: Gamecom 367

Open-Ear Headsets:

• Allow air-flow around the ears
• Many find the air-flow more comfortable (though it's matter of taste)
• Allow you to hear some background noises
• Allow others to partially here your headphones

Plantronics Open-Ear Headsets: Gamecom 380 and Gamecom 780

2) Difference between USB and Audio Jack connectivity

There are two types of connectivity to your PC / Mac. There is USB and Audio Jack.

USB you should be easily aware of by now because majority of peripherals such as printers, scanners, joysticks etc tend to connect to your PC / Mac this way.

Audio Jack is a connection which you use for microphones and speakers or headphones. As a headset includes both a microphone as well as headphones, you find that there are two audio jack connectors with a headset. I.e. one for the microphone which plugs into your microphone port on your soundcard (or PC case front panel); coloured pink. Then one for the headphones which plugs into the stereo output port on your sound card (or PC case front panel); coloured green. Note on some sound cards or PC front panels the ports may not be coloured (i.e. just plain). In such a case consult your manual as to which is the stereo output and which is the microphone port.

3) The comparison Table

Google Shopping Link	Open / Closed-ear	Wired / Wireless	Connection Type	Features	Controls	Price (£)
Gamecom 307	Open-ear	Wired	Audio Jack 3.5mm	Rich studio-quality audio, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage	volume and mute on wire	16+
Gamecom 367	Closed-ear	Wired	Audio Jack 3.5mm	Enhanced for Gaming, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage, padded headband for comfort, noise cancelling mic, strengthened cords for durability	volume and mute on wire	16+
Gamecom 380	Open-ear	Wired	Audio Jack 3.5mm	Enhanced for Gaming, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage, padded headband for comfort, noise cancelling mic, strengthened cords and joints for durability	volume and mute on left ear	18+
Audio 655 DSP	Open-ear	Wired	USB	Rich studio-quality audio, 40mm stereo speakers, soft ear cushions for comfort	volume and mute on left ear	23+
Audio 995	Open-ear	Wireless	USB	Rich studio-quality audio, 40mm stereo speakers, soft ear cushions for comfort, noise cancelling mic	volume and mute on left ear	25+
Gamecom 780	Open-ear	Wired	USB	Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, Enhanced for Gaming, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage, padded headband for comfort, noise cancelling mic, strengthened cords and joints for durability	volume and mute on left ear	33+
Official Plantronics Product List - If the product isn't listed use the search bar to find the product page for specific details.