Sound card for Windows 10/ASRock Taichi z370?

[Rygu]

I'm not sure if I should get a sound card for gaming with this MB or if the onboard sound is sufficient I run Logitech z5500s. If so what's a decent sound card in the $150 cdn range that Windows 10 will like?

 

[mikeymikec]

If you're not sure of any reason to, the answer is very likely no. The worst that can happen is that you find the sound quality isn't what you expected, and unless you have a spare speaker set that you know what results to expect for a given piece of music that you know very well, then your next task will be to figure out where the problem lies, sound chip or speakers. Going out and buying a sound card isn't going to automatically eliminate it from such a quandary either.

 

[whm1974]

What is the sound chip/codec on the motherboard? Realtek 1150(?)?

 

[mikeymikec]

What is the sound chip/codec on the motherboard? Realtek 1150(?)?

From the spec page:
7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec)

 

[whm1974]

If you're not sure of any reason to, the answer is very likely no. The worst that can happen is that you find the sound quality isn't what you expected, and unless you have a spare speaker set that you know what results to expect for a given piece of music that you know very well, then your next task will be to figure out where the problem lies, sound chip or speakers. Going out and buying a sound card isn't going to automatically eliminate it from such a quandary either.

To be clear onboard sound have gotten good enough that you be should worried about the how good speakers/headphones instead.

 

[whm1974]

From the spec page:
7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC1220 Audio Codec)

From what I read, that is a fairly decent sound chip.

 

[Rygu]

Thanks for the replies. I'm just not sure if buying an Asus Xonar AE will be worth it over the Realtek but i'll assume no for now.

 

[whm1974]

Thanks for the replies. I'm just not sure if buying an Asus Xonar AE will be worth it over the Realtek but i'll assume no for now.

That is a very reasonable assumption to make given that the sound card in question is $150 CND, and having to get better speakers will add to the cost.

 

[OlyAR15]

Your speakers are the weak point. No point in getting a better sound device without upgrading the speakers.