Any "decent" headsets for pc gaming for under $50?

[thestrangebrew1]

Had a pair of headsets break on me and don't really want to spend too much $ on another set. Not an audiophile and the only game I'm playing now is GW2, so I don't need to know if someone is going to sneak up on me and knife me from behind. Just looking for a decent set of cans and a mic that won't break the bank. Does it exist?

 

[KorsKay]

If you don't mind waiting for refurb deals. Some amazing steelseries headsets always pop up on deal sites. I have used a Steelseries 4h/sibera, etc etc and they're amazing for gaming.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

If you don't mind waiting for refurb deals. Some amazing steelseries headsets always pop up on deal sites. I have used a Steelseries 4h/sibera, etc etc and they're amazing for gaming.

Never heard of them I'll keep a look out. Not in any major hurry or anything. Thanks.

 

[Childs]

Gamecom 380 is only $38 on Amazon. Turtle Beach Z11 for $35. Razer Carcharias is often on sale for around $50. Gamecom 780 just under $60.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Do you guys prefer USB over plugs? My last set was plugs but I'm thinking of checking out usb instead this time around.

 

[Childs]

I would use USB over built in sound, but not if you have a decent sound card. If you have a good sound card, USB will bypass it and use itself, which will more than likely give you inferior sound. With the USB headsets, they typically add virtual surround sound like dolby headphone. So a step up from built in sound, and below discrete sound cards. Also seems to be less noise than the standard analog jacks, but thats not universal. USB typically adds $15-$20 to the price, so it depends on how much those features are worth to you.

Downside is if you decide to get a sound card down the line, you will need another head set. You can buy a regular analog headset and buy a USB to 3.5mm adapter that is also a sound card, for under $10. Or buy a headset that uses an adapter, so then you would have the best of both worlds, but that option seems less and less these days, probably to reduce costs.

 

[cantholdanymore]

OP MOBO has a Realtek ALC892, I doubt a $50 USB headset will provide better sound quality.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

I'll keep an eye out for some deals. I kinda like the way the Siberia v2's look. Maybe they'll go on sale soon again. There's always black friday too. Like I said, I'm not in a huge hurry or anything.

 

[Childs]

OP MOBO has a Realtek ALC892, I doubt a $50 USB headset will provide better sound quality.

I have ALC892 on my Sabertooth, and the sound was noticeably better using Gamecon 780s. Dolby Headphone was a significant improvement. It actually sounded better than ALC892 using ATH-AD700s. Of course AD700s sound even better using a Xonar DX.