The first thing I'll ask is, "WHY are you using CentOS 7? What is your *NEED* for a server-class distro, and why do you need a sound card in a server?" From what I've seen of that server, it's either a 1 or 2U rack-mount device...why would it need a sound card at all? Servers (and server-class OS'es like CentOS, RHEL, SLES, etc.), aren't really designed to support 'consumer' hardware, like sound cards, wifi, bluetooth, or even VIDEO cards...they may not even have keyboards/mice attached to them, since they're designed to be shoved into a rack.

Unless you have a real NEED for a server-class OS, I'd load Fedora (if you want to remain in the Red Hat ecosystem), or Mint, which will probably work right out of the box. What's your goal with this server/hardware??? What can't you do with Fedora/Mint/ubuntu, that you think you can do with CentOS?

EDIT: Also, upon further thought, why don't you just get a USB sound card?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-075-_-Product

..is just one of many. Seen them as low as $10.

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The system was given to me--it was free. It has 36GB of RAM, two CPU modules (16 CPUs), six 146GB on-board hard drives with hardware RAID. It is extremely fast. CentOS was the only Unix-based OS that I could successfully load. I *like* CentOS. I am using it for digital signal processing and to develop computer-generated music, and some graphics development.

That is why I am using this server and I am looking for a low-profile, PCI Express sound card that is known to work with CentOS.

Thank you for your time.

You need RT-Kernel for making music. Is there even one for CentOS?

1 members found this post helpful.

Hi Russell...

You're welcome

Yes, that's correct.

Yes, it does. I would imagine the onboard connector would be able to supply the power needed.

I did find a card here that has a straight CMI8788 chip. I'm just not sure at this point what the black connector is on back of the card. It doesn't look like a port that is used for auxiliary power but I could be wrong.

EDIT: The black connector on back is a "2pin connector for coaxial digital output" as mentioned here. From what I can see, this card does not require any auxiliary power. However, the type of ports it offers is a bit different than usual, so I'm not sure it will meet your needs.

Thank you, may God bless you!

Regards...

1 members found this post helpful.

Hi...

I didn't even think about that. I found this page, if this is needed.

Regards...

1 members found this post helpful.

Free is always good. But...
...the reason you probably could only load CentOS, was because it's nearly identical to RHEL. You're stuck with it, and it's good you like it. You *MIGHT* be able to load SLES as well, or Oracle Unbreakable too, but you're in the same position you are now.
If this is your goal, I'd stop where I was. You're going to be *SERIOUSLY* limited in what you can do with audio and graphics, with that hardware. If it was me, I'd just flat out SELL that server, and buy a high-end workstation with a SERIOUS audio/graphics setup, and not worry about things. You'll have FAR more options, and be able to load something like Ubuntu Studio:

https://ubuntustudio.org/

...which is designed for audio/graphics users. Already has the realtime/low-latency kernel, and supports a TON of hardware. Trying to shoehorn a card into a box, make a cable, compile a kernel...JUST to support a small subset of hardware that you might be able to find...only to be locked in to ONE distro, and ONE card (good luck replacing it in a few years, if you need a new feature), seems short-sighted to me. But, good luck.

1 members found this post helpful.

Well, one can always install Gentoo. Gentoo runs on anything, because it is custom built for hardware it will run on. There is also Gentoo Studio.

2 members found this post helpful.

Hi Ardvark71, Emerson, and TB0ne,

With much appreciation, I want to thank you all for your quick, expert, and numerous responses and also for your patience and grace!

In consideration of everything I have learned throughout the life of this post, I think I will follow the good advice offered by TB0ne:

Whatever I learn--with the new workstation and Ubuntu Studio--I will happily share in the appropriate forum

As far as the x3550 m2 is concerned, it would make a great backup server using either Amanda or Bacula

All the best and may God Bless!
Regards,
Russell

You are welcome! Have fun with your project.

1 members found this post helpful.

Slackware also performs quite nicely, and there is a book's worth of tutorials at http://slackermedia.ml

It's what I use!

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I'm not sure how expert mine was but you're welcome!

I wasn't aware of the limitations with servers as TB0ne described.

If you would, please mark this thread as "SOLVED" by clicking on "Thread Tools" directly above your initial post. Thanks and let us know how it all turns out...

Regards...

1 members found this post helpful.

Dear Ardvark71,

Your input was just a valuable as that of Emerson, TB0ne, and notKlaatu.

I would like to stay in contact with you if that's possible--please let me know how to do that if that's okay.

I will mark this thread as "SOLVED" tomorrow.

All the best and many, many thanks to all y'all!

Sincerely,
Russell

Hi...

Thank you but I would prefer to keep our communications here on the forums.

Regards...

Hi Ardvark71,

I didn't mean to concern you.

Actually, what I really meant was through a message board or a chat room on *this* site.

Are there any such mechanisms available within Linux Questions?

I was looking for a way to shoot out a quick one-liner hither and yon, i.e. to share an idea, etc.

Sorry if I inadvertently raised any red flags!

Regards,
Russell

Hi Russell...

No problem.

Each member is given a personal blog space which you can access using the "My Blog" link on the top right hand side of this page under "My LQ." There's no chat room that I'm aware of.

Regards...