Audigy2ZS vs onboard HDAudio (ADI AD2000B)?

[mebiuspower]

I've recently upgraded my E6600 machine to a i7 920. I'm left with a Audigy 2 ZS card that I'm unsure of what to do with. Since it's a PCI card I can't put it to the bottom of the mobo/case to allow better airflow to my 5850.

Is the ADI AD2000B better than Audigy 2 ZS? I've heard that the new X-fi stuff is really a waste of $ unless you have a set of good speakers (I'm still using Creative SoundWorks FPS2000).

I don't even use either of these when I'm playing games since I have a Logitech wireless headset /w mic.

 

[mmntech]

If you're not using top quality speakers, then onboard sound is perfectly fine these days. I'd only recommend the higher end cards for analogue output to home theatre systems or when using decent analogue headphones.

Cards using C-Media's C-8770 or C-8788 chipset are generally though of as the best. They also have optical outputs for home theatre systems without HDMI.

 

[zerocool84]

I have Realtek HD onboard audio and it sounds just as good if not better than the old Audigy 2 I had and didn't have to use the horrible Creative drivers.

 

[tweakboy]

Yes, go with onboard audio. Technology has come long way. Before a onboard sound was horrible and buggy, now its good. Here are latest RealTek HD Audio drivers fyi

http://downloads.guru3d.com/Realtek-HD-Audio-2.40-Driver-download-2453.html

 

[Fallengod]

Ya onboard audio used to be terrible. I think there are only minimal benefits with going with a good soundcard these days. Im sure the quality and options are better with a soundcard though. It just depends what youre trying to do I suppose. These days, probably the main difference is, higher cpu usage from onboard audio, and less features and options.

With that said, I still use an audigy zs platinum just because I bought it a long long time ago during a good $100 off special.