considering new sound cards

[villageidiot111]

I'm considering getting a new budget sound card for my computer, and I was just wondering if it would be worth it or not. I don't intend on spending over $40 on it. Currently I'm looking at the CHAINTECH 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card, Model "AV-710"
-RETAILhttp://www.newegg.com/app/View...=29-120-103&depa=0
I'm wondering if I'll see a great difference between this and what I currently use. I use the onboard sound from my MSI K8N Neo Platinum.
Is this a good card I'm looking at, or is there a better card out there I'm missing?

Thank you for all your help.

 

[Rike]

The answers to your questions really depend on what you want from your computer sound system. How do you use your computer? What type of speaker do you use or plan on using?

 

[villageidiot111]

Well, I use my computer for primarilly gaming. I will be purchasing these speakers soon, but right now its just headphones. Logitech Z-640 6 Speaker Surround Sound System http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...2225?v=glance&s=pc

 

[BlueWeasel]

IMHO, the Santa Cruz for $36 is a great deal for a good soundcard.

 

[knyghtbyte]

i cant help for the price side as i live in the UK...lol....but i agree on the Santa Cruz, tis a very nice quality soundcard, more for music than anything else tho....
if you want it for games u might be better off with a creative, the 5.1 Live! Digital is good, was quite happy with my one of those....

i still remember my old Turtle Beach Montego2 card in my 1st PC, still cant believe how good that was with CD playback...its 3D positioning for games wasnt too bad either for its time...
just wasnt 5.1 digital so i eventually upgraded...lol

 

[Rike]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
IMHO, the Santa Cruz for $36 is a great deal for a good soundcard.

The Santa Cruz is a good card, but for gaming I have to say go with Creative. This card will give you the sound you're looking for with all the fun extra effects. It's at your budget (+shipping and maybe tax). Many people at AT will tell you that Creative is no good, but it's kind of like Microsoft. Some may not like it, but it is the standard. Personally, I've had no problems with the Creative products I've owned.