Sound card worth it?

Cat_J · 26 Jan 2015 at 19:12

I've been think for a few weeks about getting a sound card, I don't want to have a good gaming rig only to miss out on a quality audio experience.

Back in the day when I had an E6600 I also had a Creative X-Fi, on XP this was great but when I moved to 7 I got rid for driver issues, then had a Asus Xonar but also had a Logitech sound system with its own DACs and there seemed no point in using 3.5mm jack any more.

Now I'm back to normal Hi-fi speakers with 3.5mm jack and headphones. I remember the X-fi making a seemingly huge difference on 2 speakers and headphones. From peoples experience is that still the case, will it be worth getting a sound card again?

I have an Asus P8P67 PRO with Realtek onboard.

Thanks

stulid · 26 Jan 2015 at 20:18

If you have spare cash then do it.

I had a Creative Soundblaster Z and it was a night+day difference over the Realtek ALC 1150 codec I had on a board.

It was not only was louder, clearer etc, but it could just drive my speakers to better a volume without falling apart.

varkanoid · 26 Jan 2015 at 20:32

The Asus soundcards are still as good today just dont use the Asus drivers!
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/

Should never use Realtek onboard sound its just not good enough for gaming.

Cat_J · 26 Jan 2015 at 21:24

What about the Audigy Fx compared to the Xonar DGX 5.1. I assume creative have decided to improve their support? I don't know why Asus are so useless with their drivers, my old Xonar had issues.

I'm gonna order one, just gotta pick one.

PapaLazaru · 26 Jan 2015 at 21:36

DG and the unified drivers.

stulid · 26 Jan 2015 at 21:37

I have had zero issues when I owned the Soundblaster Z with Win7 or 8.1

Do try and at least get a full fat Soundblaster Z -
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-088-CL&groupid=701&catid=11

Cat_J · 26 Jan 2015 at 22:06

I take it then you feel the extra price represents a worthwhile upgrade over the DG or Fx?

PapaLazaru · 26 Jan 2015 at 22:07

Cat_J said:
I take it then you feel the extra price represents a worthwhile upgrade over the DG or Fx?

Depends entirely what you are plugging into it.

Cat_J · 26 Jan 2015 at 22:09

I have 2 nice KEF bookself speakers (circa £450) and a good cambridge audio amp. Headset could probably be upgraded (plantronics gamecom http://www.plantronics.com/uk/product/gamecom-377)

Does the EM shield on the retail actually have an effect (sitting directly above 2 GTX680s)

Marsman · 26 Jan 2015 at 22:37

As you are using speakers and headset, SB Z might be a better choice than the cheaper cards. It has headphone and speaker output on the card itself. Other cards at this budget or cheaper have one stereo output for speakers or headphones. To use both you either need a switcher or use front audio on a PC case.

As for the shield, I'm not sure how much a difference they do make. They are probably effective enough up to a point, but they are aren't some impenetrable EMI barrier.

Cat_J · 26 Jan 2015 at 22:43

I just went and ordered this: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-087-CL

foster grant · 27 Jan 2015 at 00:19

I've had my Soundblaster Z for a while now and no issues at all....unlike the Asus cards I have had in the past

FredFlint · 27 Jan 2015 at 17:31

I have a Sound Blaster ZX and the only thing I don’t like is the red LED's. Ended up putting some black tape over them.

Evian · 27 Jan 2015 at 20:56

FredFlint said:
I have a Sound Blaster ZX and the only thing I don’t like is the red LED's. Ended up putting some black tape over them.

I cut mines off with Scissors above the soldering, They were infuriating when I was trying to watch a movie / TV show at night.

Cat_J · 28 Jan 2015 at 00:12

Well my PC is illuminated anyway so shouldn't make much difference. If not i'll tape them.

Andi-C · 28 Jan 2015 at 09:24

When I had the Zx I taped up the window & covered the end with a cut out rubber strip, I still got a glow of the light but with out the Blackpool illuminations ! Great card for gaming & I see OCUK have dropped the price for the full fat Z...

Cat_J · 28 Jan 2015 at 21:59

Arrive and installed today. Only just watching family guy while eating tea but its great. I never knew there was a bass guitar in the intro... Ha.

Looking forward to properly testing it.