Is it worth it to get a sound card?

[DyslexicHobo]

I just listen to music casually and play games. All of the music I listen to is in mp3 format. I'm not 100% sure exactly how a sound card makes things sound better, but will I notice a difference in everything? Even things in mp3 format? Will it be noticeable from my current integrated sound on my A8V Deluxe (ALC850)?

Also, could someone recommend a good card for me to buy? I know the Audigy X-Fi are very good, but are also a little pricey. I would prefer not to spend over 60-70$, but if it's going to be worth it then I don't have a problem.

 

[Roguestar]

Nope.

To be honest you'll not notice a good soundcard over good onboard sound (especially with mp3s encoded at medium to low bitrates). Decent integrated sound will do 99% of people unless they're audiophiles, need the card for actual digital music work, or have been reading too many XTREME GAMER advertisements. I've used integrated sound for years and every motherboard I've bought with it has had good quality 7.1 surround support. So personally I save the money and spend it elsewhere.

 

[xanis]

Unless you're an audiophile, a sound card is a waste of money. I've been using on-board sound for about 4 years now and I turned out okay.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Do you have good speakers / good headphones?

If not, don't bother.

If you do, then you might want to do it.

What bitrate are your mp3s?

 

[imported_Dekard]

There may be some value for you since you play games. Discreet sound cards tend to allow better performance in games since the requirements on the CPU are lower. Benchmarking the performance of the system in your favorite games with no sound card and with external sound will tell you how much of a difference there is. Or, you could google for those results.

Depending on how your motherboard is setup you may notice up to 1 -10% increase in framerates... It varies depending on each motherboard's onboard sound chip.

 

[Sphexi]

These days, probably not.

A few years ago, I had an Abit IC7-G mobo, and was using the onboard sound with a decent mid-level set of 2.1 speakers. I ended up throwing in an Audigy 2 ZS card, and it made a HUGE difference. I went back and forth for hours between the two, trying to tweak settings to see if I could make them sound the same, no go. The sound card was simply that much better, even more so in games and with DVDs (anything with surround sound support).

They've since come out with some really nice onboard audio chips though, so I doubt there'd be much of a difference. That being said, I'll still always get an add-on sound card though

 

[oynaz]

You will not hear much difference with mp3s, unless your onboard sound is of poor quality.

You will hear a difference in games.

For most people, the money would be better spend on a good speaker setup.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Thank you for the replies.

I suppose I will put the money towards a new mobo + gfx card instead.

By the way, I have a pair of Sennheiser PC150s and a set of Logitech z5300s.

 

[Roguestar]

With the integrated sound on most motherboards these days you won't even need it in games. Most new ones come with HD 7.1 surround, and you'll hardly need more than that.

 

[trOver]

yah really. my mobo has onboard 8.1 HD audio. i dont see why i need a dedicated sound card.

 

[Boyo]

Most mobos have really caught up in the sound department, but if you like your music to sound perfect, then yes, I would get a sound card. Nothing expensive, but it will offload the games from your CPU.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
Thank you for the replies. I suppose I will put the money towards a new mobo + gfx card nstead.
By the way, I have a pair of Sennheiser PC150s and a set of Logitech z5300s.

Good call! :thumbsup: