Sound card needed?

Shane

Shane

Super Moderator
Staff member
Hi people,

I was thinking about getting a Sound card for my new computer when i decide whats gonna be in it.

However...Is a soundcard realy nessecary?

Ive seen them very cheap and even the good brands are not realy that expensive.

Im currently using onboard sound on my current computer and its great so i dont know if i should get one?
 
A pci sound card isn't needed for sound alone. But the software that comes along separate cards provides the special effects used a lot in gaming. Creative cards are noted for the EAX effects in particular. If you game alot you may want one for handling the load there. If a sound card quits on you the onboard is still available.
 
So are they basicly just buy one and put it into one of my spare PCI slots and install drivers?

Is it that easy?

Im not gonna be building my next comp but i just wanted to know.
 
I think it is imperative for a quality gaming rig. Gaming is an expierence, its not a picture meant to look pretty, why spend the money for a good picture when you good spend a little extra for a 'good expierence', know what I'm saying?

You will notice a difference even with an upgrade as simple as this....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102002


They are very easy to install, click it in place and pop in the cd and d/l the software.
 
Yeah i know what your saying,

I think i might get me one,There quite cheap.

And i do like to listen to music quite loud on my pc.

I think my cousin is selling his computer speakers & subwoofer so if i do buy those of him then it should be better with a Sound card.
 
What make and model speaker setup is that? The software for a card will have a settings adjustment for 2 1/2, 5.1, and 7.1 surround sound as well as a mixer and equalizer on a 7.1 card like the one seen at the link. You can even create desktop shortcuts by right clicking on the different links found in the Program menu.
 
I cant remember the name of the speakers & sub but i do know there good quality ones:rolleyes:

I think there 5.1 surround sound.

However would i benifit from onboard sound to a dedicated sound card?

Is it realy worth buying one for my current setup or should i just save the money for my new rig?
 
If you were only planning to run the current system until early in 2007 then you would want a newer model to go into the next case you build. The SB X-FI sound card by Creative seems popular now.

The Audigy 4 Pro 5.1 model card has worked out well here since it was saved from the old case that quit. The next model up from that is the 7.1 surround model seen at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102004

If you want a card that will work good in a new build you will spend more now like the price difference seen with the model there or wait until an even better model drops in price. You have to decide the quality of the sound you want as well as what is in your budget. If you are saving now for a new build you could wait until other models drop in price. If you are as stubborn as this source here you will want to get some good model within your current budget.
 
IMO a nice sound card IS neccessary

i play America's Army now,since its free, and the 5.1 surround is unbelievable. It gives you a whole lot better experience in a game and lets you get an advatge on someone.

I have a Audigy2 ZS and it works great
 
Well you already know what EAX sounds like there since you have the card and software already installed to play around with the various audio effects in the EAX section. :P
 
Onboard cards today often have 7.1 channel sound, so that's not the issue. The thing is that they demand more resources than a separate card. Pick up a cheap Audigy 2, which sounds amazing, or try out an Audigy 4.
 
The Audigy 4 Pro gets the better review over the Audigy 2 ZS Gamer here. And Sound Blaster is known for being power hungry when gaming. But you put up with that to have the better sound to start off with.
 
I have an Audigy 4 in my pc atm, and it works great (and has a really nice sound quality)

just make sure if you put in a sound card, to disable the onboard sound of your motherboard,.. because else it still put's load on the CPU etc,.. without actually having something connected to it's output.
( and disabling the onboard sound made a 10fps difference for me in games :) )
 
Archangel said:
just make sure if you put in a sound card, to disable the onboard sound of your motherboard,.. because else it still put's load on the CPU etc,.. without actually having something connected to it's output.
( and disabling the onboard sound made a 10fps difference for me in games :) )
Click to expand...

Will do,

I mean i wont be getting the new comp stuff just yet but when i do have the funds i will list all the stuff here for you guys to check em all over and make sure it will be a nice rig.

Thanks people ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top