Sound cards and USB headsets

[Sonokamome]

I've been thinking, if I'm going to be using a USB headset, would buying a video card really be necessary? I would be willing to buy one if it's that case that I would need one (no sweat) but I just wanted to know if it would make a difference?

Reason I ask is that I'm concerned about hearing lately some on-board audio devices in some motherboards start to go and, also, that they are not that great to start with.

So any suggestions?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16829271003

I was thinking of getting this audio card in particular as I may want to add speakers later on.

And say that it would not make a difference then, would it be a good buy to get to start off?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Originally posted by: Sonokamome
I've been thinking, if I'm going to be using a USB headset, would buying a video card really be necessary? I would be willing to buy one if it's that case that I would need one (no sweat) but I just wanted to know if it would make a difference?

Reason I ask is that I'm concerned about hearing lately some on-board audio devices in some motherboards start to go and, also, that they are not that great to start with.

So any suggestions?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16829271003

I was thinking of getting this audio card in particular as I may want to add speakers later on.

And say that it would not make a difference then, would it be a good buy to get to start off?

Yes buying a video card is needed especially if you don't have onboard video. But that has nothing to do with your question. lol

Onboard sound will be more then sufficient for your needs. Like you said if your going to be using a USB headset most of the time. There is no need for a fancy sound card.

 

[murphyslabrat]

If the USB adapter is detachable (like most Plantronic offerings), and your headset is alright, then the difference can be profound. Unfortunately, this means spending an additional $50-$130 for anything decent. Further, if your headset isn't any good, then you can't gain anything from a dedicated Audio Board.

If the USB connector is not removable, though, then this is a moot point, as a new card will not benefit the headset in any way.

If you game a lot, or listen to music while doing CAD or transcoding, I would strongly recommend against using a USB headset. In case you haven't noticed, you get a lot of....absences of noise, almost like static, except it is like "anti-static". "White-silence", if you will, as opposed to white-noise.

 

[looper]

Son and I have a Creative Labs SB X-Fi Gamer sound card. We just yesterday bought the Logitech G35 headset for gaming. It is EXCELLENT so far.... nothing like their less expensive other models...

 

[shingletingle]

Originally posted by: looper
Son and I have a Creative Labs SB X-Fi Gamer sound card. We just yesterday bought the Logitech G35 headset for gaming. It is EXCELLENT so far.... nothing like their less expensive other models...

The X-Fi does nothing for the G35 headset. I'm not sure why you made pointed out you have that soundcard in addition to the headset.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: shingletingle

Originally posted by: looper
Son and I have a Creative Labs SB X-Fi Gamer sound card. We just yesterday bought the Logitech G35 headset for gaming. It is EXCELLENT so far.... nothing like their less expensive other models...

The X-Fi does nothing for the G35 headset. I'm not sure why you made pointed out you have that soundcard in addition to the headset.

I'm pretty sure that was precisely his point - he was providing testimony of an instance where a USB headset provides him with audio quality he feels is "excellent" and cites that he at least has X-Fi Gamer sound cards to compare it to.



That being said, I think the OP should just stick with the USB headset, integrated audio should be enough as a backup. If speakers and/or a quality analog headset are in the future, buy a soundcard for them then, not now. Newer/better/cheaper options will more than likely be available when the time comes to buy.