Sound Card Question

[Edward Lee]

I'm debating if I need a sound card. So far my onboard sound is great. So my question is what's the benefit of installing a sound card? The only reason I might do it is if it increases my performance. I would assume it would lake less system resources to run the sound if I had a card installed. But how much of a difference would it make?

 

[PingSpike]

It varies...but I also would really like to see a nice round up of cards and the performance hit they cause to cpu cycles.

 

[Nyati13]

Originally posted by: Edward Lee
I'm debating if I need a sound card. So far my onboard sound is great. So my question is what's the benefit of installing a sound card? The only reason I might do it is if it increases my performance. I would assume it would lake less system resources to run the sound if I had a card installed. But how much of a difference would it make?

I think a 3 to 5% difference at most, something, but not really noticable.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Edward Lee
I'm debating if I need a sound card. So far my onboard sound is great. So my question is what's the benefit of installing a sound card? The only reason I might do it is if it increases my performance. I would assume it would lake less system resources to run the sound if I had a card installed. But how much of a difference would it make?

Save your money... There's no reason for you to have a sound card... :shocked:
You'd never use on in a hundred years

 

[Edward Lee]

So, don't buy a sound card?

 

[dtboos]

If all you do is basic stuff, onboard sound is fine. But if you make music, or do alot of audio editing ect sound cards are a must.

Even in games you will hear a difference if you are even somewhat of an audiophile, but for 90% of computer users, there is no need for one.

 

[DanDrop]

If you are happy with the onboard sound why get one? Some people like to listen to a lot of music and demand a better quality output. Some like to drive their high end speakers/headphones and onboard audio just doesn't quite cut it.

If you have mediocre/crappy speakers onboard is ok. If you have Better speakers/headphones then you need a better source to make them really sing.

 

[Edward Lee]

thanks for the feedback.