X20 Crystal SoundFusion CS4281

[JohnK]

It appears that my sound card does not work at all. I have tried many many different things, and my thanks to all who have made suggestions. At this point, i KNOW there is nothing else to try driver or software-wise.
So my final question is this:

Is the sound card an ISA type or a PCI? Can it be physically replaced?

[mpcook]

I don't believe there is any way to replace it, it is not a removable part. I think the only fix is replace the motherboard. ANother option - I had a T21 with a dead sound chip and bought a PCMCIA sound card which did work. That was a while ago and I can't remember what it was but I think you could find something on Ebay.

[tom lightbody]

let's not give up yet: have you tried "knoppix" as a diagnostic tool? On my x20, with the cs4281, using the live CD, sound works fine (current ver.5.01).

once booted, on the bottom right, click on the loudspeaker and raise the mixer volume to maximum. Then log out (from fancy "K" on bottom left)-->shut down the computer. Now listen carefully (or use earphones): a quiet female voice says "initiating shutdown sequence."

if you have the same result then at least you know the CS4281 is alive and well--and with earphones, it gives pretty decent results.