Sound card vs. Integrated Sound

[sparky57]

I?m going to build a gaming rig in about a month and would like to know if there?s any need for me to get a sound card, or if I should just stick with integrated sound.

I?ll likely spend ~$150 USD on the motherboard. How would the sound quality of this compare to an inexpensive (~$35) sound card? Would using integrated sound slow my computer down to any noticeable degree when gaming?

For the sake of example, please consider that I?m using a decent set of 2.1 speakers.

 

[Blain]

* Most will say, stick with the onboard audio
* As long as you're running a current processor, you won't notice any slowdown
* Personally, I like a stand alone audio card. I would pony up for a decent one.

 

[ViRGE]

I'm with Blain here. At the very least, onboard solutions aren't as clean from interference as discrete cards due to additional analog noise from other motherboard components, and as a headphones user I'm a bit more sensitive that kind of noise. I also like the X-Fi in particular for it superior head related transfer function technology (the tech that makes noises sound like they're coming from where there isn't a speaker), but that's outside of your price range.

 

[Cutthroat]

Considering you are only considering spending a small amount on a sound card, and only have 2.1 speakers, I would think the onboard sound should meet your needs. You should really consider some 5.1 speakers if you really want to hear a big difference.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

it really depends on the speakers you're using...

a good ratio is 2$(speakers) : $(sound card)

 

[Doclife]

Originally posted by: sparky57
I?m going to build a gaming rig in about a month and would like to know if there?s any need for me to get a sound card, or if I should just stick with integrated sound.

I?ll likely spend ~$150 USD on the motherboard. How would the sound quality of this compare to an inexpensive (~$35) sound card? Would using integrated sound slow my computer down to any noticeable degree when gaming?

For the sake of example, please consider that I?m using a decent set of 2.1 speakers.

There is absolutely NO NEED to spend money on a separate audio card. Integrated audio on the Intel based motherboard has come a long way and is superb. I'm currently using the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R Revision 2.0 (~$130) motherboard integrated audio and I cannot tell the difference between it and a $100 sound card (M-Audio Revolution 7.1) that I have on my second computer (I listen to music a lot on my computers). The dynamic range, sound quality and signal to noise ratio is excellent. The DS3R motherboard utilizes the ALC889A audio chip, which is considered as one of the better one out there, helps explain why the audio is that good.

I would advise that you use the money you saved on the audio card to buy a better speaker or video card. Keep in mind that a lousy set of speaker will never be able to bring out the quality sound that the sound chip is producing.

 

[redice]

I just realized I spent more on my sound card than my motherboard...but anyways, for me I instantly heard the difference between my sound card and onboard. The sound was more crisp and I was able to hear a wider range of sound which I know is because I decided to spend a little extra on a good sound card. If you got a set of decent speakers, get a a good sound card that your budget will allow, you wont regret it.

 

[Denithor]

Well, here's my advice: get the motherboard, test it with your speakers, if satisfied you're done. If you have issues with the sound quality buy a soundcard *then* to address the problem rather than before you know if you have a problem or not.

And what others said is quite true: you must have good speakers (and discerning ears) to hear any difference at all.

 

[sparky57]

Thank you all for your responses. One more question... If I were to use USB speakers, would the issue of sound card vs. integrated sound be a moot point, since I've been told that USB speakers effectively have their own "sound card" that would bypass both integrated sound and a dedicated sound card?

 

[ViRGE]

USB speakers are a joke. Stay far, far away.

 

[JackMDS]

I doubt that any one (especially taking into consideration the current quality of popular music) would succeed beyond chance to ID onboard Audio vs. Ad on card in a blind test.

Add on card can be useful in special cases when one needs to do pro work in audio.

Otherwise ViRGE in his first post made the point.

Try the Onborad Audio with Headphones, if you do not hear any unnecessary noise you are set. Otherwise support the economy and get an Ad on.

 

[corsa]

I will go one step further and say download this trial..u will be very surprised

SRS Audio Sandbox?