Onboard audio getting better?

[perdomot]

Some new mobos like the Gigabyte P965-S3 have and optical out on the mobo and I'm wondering if its good for average music listeners. I've got good Klipsch speakers and also plan on using the optical connection to my home stereo but does anyone know how this audio stacks up? Thanks.

 

[Xvys]

My P5B has onboard optical output also, but the sound was kind of muffled and not up to scratch. I put in my $28 Soundblaster Audigy SE and the clarity is amazing in comparison. It is night and day on my computer, although I am not familiar with the S3. Using a soundcard, especially one like XiFi also takes a load off your cpu during gaming and increases frame rates.

 

[perdomot]

Yeah, I know about the benefits for gamers. I have a good sound card that I plan to use but was kinda hoping things had improved a bit. Guess no.