Will I notice a big diff. going from onboard to a card?

Washrag

New Member

• Apr 9, 2008

• #1

I mainly use headphones and my 2.1 speakers to listen to music and play games. If I went to a PCI sound card, would I notice a big boost in quality? If so, could anyone recommend some inexpensive cards?

 

The_Other_One

VIP Member

• Apr 9, 2008

• #2

Depending on the card, you'll probably notice a fair difference in quality. I know my old Abit motherboard had a completely horrific soundcard on it, quite a downgrade from my previous machine with a Sound Blaster Live.

As for what card, you may be able to find an older Sound Blaster Live laying around for cheap. I know I have a pair sitting in my closet. I'm debating if I should install one into my desktop

 

S

_simon_

New Member

• Apr 9, 2008

• #3

I did the opposite, went from using a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS to onboard Realtek® ALC888 HD Audio and don't notice any difference at all.

 

diduknowthat

formerly liuliuboy

• Apr 9, 2008

• #4

I went from onboard to the X-fi Xtrememusic and was completely blown away. I also had Realtek HD Audio.

 

sthompson

New Member

• Apr 9, 2008

• #5

it all depends on the quality of your onboard sound but if you want better quality a sound card would do it as long as your speakers can handle it as for a cheap one go with the http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=205&product=14257 it has great quality i used one till i got my audiophile 192 for recording

 

Gareth

Active Member

• Apr 9, 2008

• #6

The difference is incredible on games & music. I personally think one of the best ones is a Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE, they're about $26.99.

 

ellanky

New Member

• Apr 9, 2008

• #7

I guess one advantage of the Creative cards is the support for EAX

 

S

sirsaechao

New Member

• Apr 10, 2008

• #8

I'm always a sole believer is a good sound card over on board. It really depends on your needs.

 

S

Speed_control

New Member

• Apr 17, 2008

• #9

Hey folks, what headphones are you currently using? I'm hunting for something inexpensive. It's mainly for travel.

 

M

MosIncredible

New Member

• Apr 17, 2008

• #10

It also depends on your ears. I've seen people live happily with audio setups that would make me kill myself.

 

lovely?

Active Member

• Apr 17, 2008

• #11

hey guys, sorry to thread-jack, but does anyone here know the sound quality of my SoundMAX integrated HD audio on the mobo in my sig?

because whenever i turn it up past 75% i can hear crackling. its not my headphones because the headphones can be as low as they go but the crackling does not go away.