5.1 Onboard -VS- Audigy

foodfightr

Golden Member
Sep 19, 2004
1,563
0
76
Ok, I'm shopping around for a cheap 5.1 system and I'm wondering if I should use my onboard 5.1 (microstar k8t neo fsr) or buy an older audigy card...
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
i would get an audigy2 OEM card...the are around 60$ some ppl will say its a waste, but I can hear the difference, less interference i guess...
 

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
81
What are you running for speakers? If you just have generic speakers, you'll probably be fine sticking w/ your onboard, though Audigy2 is definately a better card, plus you'll be taking some load off your CPU.
 

WdnUlik2no

Member
May 5, 2005
169
0
0
I perfer a seperate sound card as well. I could hear some difference between my audigy2 and the onboard sound on my K8N Neo Platinum.
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,205
45
91
Depending on your budget, you might be better off spending the $60 on your speaker budget than splitting up the funds into two purchases.

What kind of 5.1 system are you getting?
 

SrGuapo

Golden Member
Nov 27, 2004
1,035
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The audigy is definatly better, but it may or may not be worth it. Are you watching movies, playing games, music, or what? ?If you get a really cheap set of speakers, onboard will be plenty.
 

doanster

Senior member
Jun 8, 2005
585
1
81
I myself upgraded from on board 5.1 to an older Audigy... man the difference was incredible!!! especially shines in games with EAX support.. wow!
also, even my mp3's sounded good!

audigy for sure!

mind u, my audigy is an 'Audigy 1' or 'Audigy ES'... avoid the Audigy LS at all costs!
 

indianduddawg47

Senior member
Dec 29, 2001
275
0
0
i got an audigy 2 zs for $64 shipped from best byte computers.

a dedicated sound card will lighten the CPU's load during games, which can increase performance.