Are sound card worth getting?

[effee]

What is the benefits of using a sound card between onboard sound? I'm not audiophile, i listen to mp3s and stuff but is the quality of the sound both the same? Why do people get sound cards instead of using the onboard sound. Do both sound the same?

 

[davidjaii]

well... i like my audigy2 zs for gaming ... rarely listen to mp3s

 

[effee]

is there a noticable quality increase?

 

[Algere]

What is the benefits of using a sound card between onboard sound?

General improvements to the following...

1. 
   Playback quality (music, movies, etc.)
   Recording quality
   Game sound effects
   Game performance (with hardware acceleration when applicable & excluding Soundstorm)
   Amount of input/output connections

i listen to mp3s and stuff but is the quality of the sound both the same?

Generally no

OTOH if the speakers/headphones connected to the sound card aren't up to snuff then the quality of sound wouldn't be much different between the 2 in most cases.

 

[Gurck]

Sound quality is like a computer in that it's only as good as its weakest link. While a sound card is definitely worth it, you need good speakers/headphones and high bitrate (or lossless) music for it to sound its best.

 

[effee]

ah, well thanks for the comments. I'll hold on getting the card. I can live with my current sound quality. I was thinking there would be a HUGE difference.

 

[Enchanter]

Originally posted by: effee
I was thinking there would be a HUGE difference.

That STRONGLY depends on how picky you are and also the quality of your speakers.