Newbie audio card question

[Mloot]

I have a system built around the MSI K8T Master2-FAR (specs in sig, if applicable), and I'm using the integrated audio (AC'97, I believe) with a ~$30 Labtec 2.1 speaker system. I play a few games and like to listen to CD's while working on the pc. Would I lilely notice a difference in sound quality if I got a budget audio card like a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz? TIA.

 

[konakona]

with a ~$30 Labtec 2.1 speaker system. I play a few games and like to listen to CD's while working on the pc.

i would say stick with what you have 🙂

 

[earthling30]

Originally posted by: VanillaH

with a ~$30 Labtec 2.1 speaker system. I play a few games and like to listen to CD's while working on the pc.

i would say stick with what you have 🙂

I'd agree. Unless you?re watching movies on your PC and you want to listen to them in surround sound or anything highly technical, what you have should do just fine IMO. On the other hand by some chance the integrated sound card goes bad, other than that I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Mloot]

Cool. Thanks for the input, guys.

Would I be correct in assuming that an add-on sound card would make more sense if I had more and/or higher quality speakers?

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Mloot
Cool. Thanks for the input, guys.

Would I be correct in assuming that an add-on sound card would make more sense if I had more and/or higher quality speakers?

Yup.

 

[Mloot]

I appreciate all the input. Thanks, guys. 🙂

 

[gordanfreeman]

yes. with a set of $30 speakers you probably would not notice any difference in sound quality between onboard and an add-in card. unless you want a midi/gameport or firewire there really isnt much reason to do such a thing (not to mention you could prolly get a firewire card or midi/gameport attatchment for cheaper than a soundcard).

also even if you do get nicer/more speakers, some onboard audio does support more speakers, and unless you are listening to high quality sound on your computer (dvd audio or sound files better quality than the average mp3, or playing games w/ EAX enabled) you may not hear a difference anyways.

 

[CSMR]

Originally posted by: gordanfreeman
yes. with a set of $30 speakers you probably would not notice any difference in sound quality between onboard and an add-in card.

I'd think you would notice a clear but not huge difference. Depends on how good the onboard sound is of course.