do I need a sound card?

Pc.robb · 26 Nov 2011 at 22:28

Hey guys I was just thinking what improvements would a dedicated sound card be and would I need one, my mobo already has built in sound.

I do like listening to music a lot and watching films regularly.

joeyjojo · 26 Nov 2011 at 23:08

The main one is reduced noise (improved SNR). If you hear a whine/clicking sound from the onboard, that will go away with a dedicated card.

mrk · 26 Nov 2011 at 23:42

I do like listening to music a lot and watching films regularly.

Then yes, one is needed to get the full enjoyment out of media (gaming included).

A Xonar is right up your street and only a £50 upgrade.

Pc.robb · 27 Nov 2011 at 00:52

Alright thanks I'll check out what you recommended got plenty of things on my list xD

mrk · 27 Nov 2011 at 01:14

Go forth and UPGRADE!

Marsman · 27 Nov 2011 at 02:58

Depends on what speakers/headphones you are using.

dalehitchy1 · 27 Nov 2011 at 03:00

I have got the msi z68 gd65 motherboard ..l and have been using the onboard for now.

Recently been thinking about purchasing a good pair of headphones or an av system and I guess this justifies buying a sound card... I've looked at the xonar but how would I connect this to an av system... As it doesn't have a digital out connection? Forgive me being stupid but I've been out the audio area for a while...

Pc.robb · 27 Nov 2011 at 11:43

Marsman said:
Depends on what speakers/headphones you are using.

Most of the time it's through speakers but sometimes like late at night I do listen via headphones

Skullcandy headphones and a logitech 2.1 system speakers

alex24 · 27 Nov 2011 at 11:53

Marsman said:
Depends on what speakers/headphones you are using.

This is the most important question. If you don't have decent speakers or headphones, you're much less likely to notice any difference.

Pc.robb said:
Most of the time it's through speakers but sometimes like late at night I do listen via headphones

Skullcandy headphones and a logitech 2.1 system speakers

Depends how good the logitechs are, I don't think you'll notice a dramatic difference as onboard sound tends to be fairly decent nowadays on PC speakers. However, I'm using a dedicated amp and bookshelf speakers and the difference between onboard and a sound card is huge to me. Your limiting factor will be the speakers and headphones so don't expect miracles for your investment. No doubt it will improve though.

ThundyCat · 27 Nov 2011 at 12:34

I have just upgraded. Huge improvement mate you will not regret it!!

setter · 27 Nov 2011 at 12:41

The difference for me over onboard sound was very noticeable. In games i can hear a lot more detail with my xonar DX, headphones used are goldrig ns1000's.

Pc.robb · 27 Nov 2011 at 12:47

Improving headphones to see more benefit then aswell?

I'll add them to my list for Christmas, starting to look like a lot now though lol.

sunny007 · 27 Nov 2011 at 12:56

Defo get a sound card !!!

Marsman · 27 Nov 2011 at 13:07

dalehitchy1 said:
I have got the msi z68 gd65 motherboard ..l and have been using the onboard for now.

Recently been thinking about purchasing a good pair of headphones or an av system and I guess this justifies buying a sound card... I've looked at the xonar but how would I connect this to an av system... As it doesn't have a digital out connection? Forgive me being stupid but I've been out the audio area for a while...

Most sound cards now have optical connection. Nearly all Xonar's have a mini toslink connection, but come with an adaptor to take a normal toslink cable.

Only the DG has a standard toslink connector. Picture doesn't show it, because OcUK haven't updated the picture since Asus changed the design.