The CMedia CMI8738/PCI Sx audio driver allows Windows to communicate with your sound card, enabling playback and recording through its available audio connections. If the card appears as an unknown device or produces no sound, installing a compatible driver can help restore normal operation.

Key Features

• Audio device recognition: Helps Windows identify the CMI8738/PCI Sx sound card and make it available to applications.
• Playback support: Enables sound output for music, videos, games, and system notifications through the card’s supported outputs.
• Recording access: Provides access to supported microphone and line-in connections for voice recording and other audio input tasks.
• Windows audio integration: Allows you to select the card as a playback or recording device and adjust the controls exposed by the driver.

How to Install

1. Confirm your hardware and Windows version. Open Device Manager and check the audio device’s name or hardware IDs. Identify whether you are using Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, along with your system’s 32-bit or 64-bit architecture.

1. Choose a matching driver package. Download a package that explicitly supports your CMedia CMI8738/PCI Sx hardware and Windows version. This is older PCI audio hardware, so compatibility with newer Windows releases should not be assumed.

1. Extract and launch the installer. If the download is compressed, extract it to a folder first. Run the included setup program with administrator permissions and follow its instructions. Avoid bypassing Windows driver-signature warnings to force an incompatible package.

1. Use Device Manager if no installer is included. Right-click the audio device, select “Update driver,” then choose “Browse my computer for drivers.” Point Windows to the extracted folder and let it search for a matching driver.

1. Restart and test the sound. Reboot if prompted, then open Windows sound settings and select the card as your output device. Play an audio file and test any connected microphone. If sound is missing, check the cable connections, mute settings, and selected playback output before reinstalling.

Available audio options depend on the sound card’s design and the installed driver. If Windows rejects the package or reports that no compatible driver was found, verify the hardware IDs rather than trying drivers intended for a different CMedia device.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Device not detected: Reseat the CMI8738/PCI Sx card and check Device Manager for an unknown “Multimedia Audio Controller.” Try another PCI slot and confirm onboard audio is disabled in BIOS if it conflicts.
• Install fails or shows Code 10/28: Run the CMI8738 driver installer as administrator. For older unsigned packages, temporarily disable driver signature enforcement, then install via Device Manager using the correct INF.
• Version conflicts or crackling: Uninstall previous C-Media/onboard audio drivers, reboot, and install the package matching your Windows version and 32/64-bit architecture. Set the CMI8738 card as default playback device.