Onboard vs dedicated sound

Ken Boon · 8 Mar 2006 at 19:28

At the moment I am just using onboard sound. I have an Asus P5GD2 Premium which uses the C-Media CMI9880 codec:

http://www.cmedia.com.tw/product/CMI9880.htm

I think the sound is pretty good but want to know if a dedicated sound card will make a difference and if so any recommendations? I'm a gamer mainly but also use my pc for playing music.

Thanks!

Hussman · 8 Mar 2006 at 20:14

I was in a similar situation to you.

I really couldn't see the point of a separate sound card.

However, after buying a Audigy ZS 2 the difference was amazing.

Not only was the sound better, in a few games you actually get a slight increase in frame rate as the CPU no longer has to deal with the sound too.

It's worth it.

Hussman

lee32uk · 8 Mar 2006 at 20:45

Ive just gone from onboard sound to a creative x-fi card.The difference is amazing

Curio · 8 Mar 2006 at 21:18

Aye, get a proper soundcard for sure - especially if you listen to music! I went from on-board to a 20 quid SB Live and the difference was noticeable. I then went up to an X-Fi and that was better still.

Ken Boon · 9 Mar 2006 at 09:58

Cheer guys. Reckon I'll get myself an X-Fi Xtreme Music then

Edit - it will be compatible with Medusas I presume?

Spyhop · 9 Mar 2006 at 12:40

Hussman · 9 Mar 2006 at 13:45

I have the 5.1 headphones.

Give you a great advantage in some games, especially first-person-shooters.

You can really tell where the enemies are coming from, go for it !