Do I need a sound card for USB Speakers?

[Mister Walrus]

Hi all,

I have the Altex Lansing FX5051 5.1 USB Speakers, which I use currently for my laptop. But I'm building a new desktop computer, and wondering if I should buy a soundcard other than the onboard audio so that computer games will recognize the 5.1 system. Will it make any difference in the audio I perceive, or will the sound bypass the discrete soundcard altogether? Thanks for your advice!

 

[Aluvus]

USB speakers should be acting as your sound card, should not matter if there is a sound card in the system at all.

 

[octopus41092]

Most sound cards don't have a USB slot on it so you probably won't be needing a sound card. Also USB speakers probably means theres a sound card built into it or something like that.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

YES, usb speakers will bypass any sound device u have in your system and take the sound directly from the operating system. (someone can test this by disabling their onboard sound/dedicated sound + remove any onboard/dedicated sound drivers) Just use the USB speakers without those devices.