Sound Card

[circusslaughter]

Do I need a sound card? I already built my computer but I have decided I want to buy Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500, would I need a sound card to use this?

 

[Zap]

Your computer already has a sound card built in to the motherboard, so no you don't "need" to purchase a separate one.

 

[circusslaughter]

So what's the difference between built in sound card and buying a separate one?

 

[Jaydip]

So what's the difference between built in sound card and buying a separate one?

Unless you are an audiophile it is a complete waste of money.Quality motherboards come with very decent audio chip.Oh and before I forget you will get 1 fps extra with an add on sound card

 

[circusslaughter]

What's a cheap but good sound card?

And what's a cheap but good SSD?

 

[Puffnstuff]

Something like a xonar dx.

 

[dfuze]

I'm not an audiophile but would probably suggest skipping buying one if you're just going to look for a cheap one.

What size SSD are you looking for? I just picked up a Samsung 840 256gb from newegg for about 160 a couple weeks ago.

 

[circusslaughter]

I just need something to put my OS on the SSD because my HDD is super slow.

I am thinking about spending $150 or less on a sound card.

 

[Blain]

I am thinking about spending $150 or less on a sound card.

Why would you do that to supply those Corsair speakers?
You don't need a dedicated sound card to drive LOUD.

 

[Zap]

I just need something to put my OS on the SSD because my HDD is super slow.

I am thinking about spending $150 or less on a sound card.

Spend that money on the SSD. You'll notice it more than on the sound card. Unless you already know WHY you need a dedicated sound card, you don't need more than onboard sound.

For SSD, don't get anything below 120GB (minimum size for maximum performance). Tell us where you buy your parts from, and we can make some suggestions based on what they have and what is on sale.

 

[circusslaughter]

I just need my SSD for my OS which I don't think that takes up very much room, which wouldn't that mean I could get a SSD relativity cheap? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226168

I am kinda thinking the speakers but they are $250 so I don't know if they are really that good but I want corsair speakers because I am getting a corsair keyboard and mouse (I like matching stuff, don't ask).

 

[Blain]

I just need my SSD for my OS which I don't think that takes up very much room, which wouldn't that mean I could get a SSD relativity cheap?

I am kinda thinking the speakers but they are $250 so I don't know if they are really that good but I want corsair speakers because I am getting a corsair keyboard and mouse (I like matching stuff, don't ask).

Don't bother with that Mushkin SSD, get a Corsair Neutron.
Corsair cranks out a wide assortment of components...
Corsair case, Corsair PS, Corsair liquid cooling, Corsair mouse pads and Corsair memory.

 

[circusslaughter]

Eagle Arion ET-AR512LR-BK, is this any good?

 

[Blain]

Eagle Arion ET-AR512LR-BK, is this any good?

Stick with your Corsair set.

 

[circusslaughter]

I am looking at where I can save money on stuff so I can some money for my intel build.

 

[DDRGamer]

I am looking at where I can save money on stuff so I can some money for my intel build.

1. Saving money? Don't buy a sound card.
2. I snagged a super deal on an OCZ Agility 3 SSD (120GB) for $70. sub $100 SSDs exist, and if you're as thrifty as I am, then the performance jump is significant enough to be a good upgrade.

 

[mfenn]

Spend that money on the SSD. You'll notice it more than on the sound card. Unless you already know WHY you need a dedicated sound card, you don't need more than onboard sound.

For SSD, don't get anything below 120GB (minimum size for maximum performance). Tell us where you buy your parts from, and we can make some suggestions based on what they have and what is on sale.

Agree. If you're willing to spend $150 on something that may or may not matter (sound card) then you should be ecstatic about being able to spend that same amount on a sure-fire slam-dunk way to improve the performance of your OS and applications (SSD).

 

[circusslaughter]

I'm getting a Mushkin or Corsair SSD and I am going to spend $100 or less on it.

 

[Blain]

I'm getting a Mushkin or Corsair SSD and I am going to spend $100 or less on it.

You've talked us into it... Go For It

 

[mfenn]

I'm getting a Mushkin or Corsair SSD and I am going to spend $100 or less on it.

Why? The only SSD that I'd consider from either of those brands is the Corsair Neutron, and that's not typically under $100.

 

[circusslaughter]

Well then what brand should I get?

 

[mfenn]

Well then what brand should I get?

Brand doesn't matter so much as the actual drive, that's what I was getting at. The best deal right now looks like the Samsung 840 120GB for $90.

 

[Cerb]

So what's the difference between built in sound card and buying a separate one?

If you can move the DAC away from the RFI infestation that is the inside of a computer, you're generally better off, as far as noise. Integrated DAC chips have good enough SNR, but especially if you have a video card, you're pretty much guaranteed to hear noises from in the computer. Very few motherboards have managed to get around this problem, though the speakers can make a difference as far as being able to hear it, too (headphones pretty much guarantee it).

Otherwise, it's mostly proprietary features, like Dobly this(tm), Creative this(tm), THX that(tm), etc..

And, +1 to mfenn and Blain on the SSDs.

 

[circusslaughter]

So veto the sound card.

 

[Zap]

So veto the sound card.

Dude catches on quick! :thumbsup: