Are sound cards necessary?

Kaabi · 12-26-2005, 07:05 PM

I don't see the reason for expensive sound cards, I think regular speakers are good enough. I've never been a big fan of sound, I'm into the graphics, that is what is important. Has anyone spent money on buying sound cards? I don't think I would ever do that.

**Lyte** · 12-26-2005, 07:16 PM

Yeah, I've spent 'round $100 on a good sound card. If you play a lot of games, listen to music, have surround sound speaker system, you'll find the quality of the sound is much better with a (decent) sound card.

I play a few games (e.g. W.o.W. and Call of Duty 2) that has some great music and sound effects. Being able to enjoy these effects to their fullest enhances the gaming experience!

ED

Snowbird · 12-30-2005, 12:58 PM

I agree! If you spend alot of time on the computer, like me! I do some IC stuff on my home pc and it's nice to be able to listen to music or talk radio and if a good tune comes on, I want to turn it up and just ENJOY!

McDaddy · 12-31-2005, 10:22 AM

ok there are some things to think about when buying a sound card. it depends on what your mother board is capable of and what you need to do with a sound card. My mother board has 8ch. support for my sound built in, but a also have an audiogy card. now it is the origional audiogy card, but it does have "EAX". eax is kinda hard to explain so you would just have to hear it. but to sum it up, unless you are going to play a lot of games, or do things that are sound intensive you dont need a a high dollar sound card, but i will say that if you are going to play a game like "FEAR" in the dark, good sound can make a big differance

bytewiz · 01-01-2006, 04:18 PM

i have bene using portable speakers on my mp3 cd player to get the desired result. i don't game but i do wonder what a sound card might add to my movies enjoyment.

joey · 01-12-2006, 09:43 AM

Most $10 sound cards won't make a difference to your average PC user. Mainly audophiles like the audigy series cards, and other more expensive sound cards. Most cheap sound cards only support up to 2.1 speakers, but you can buy sound cards now that support up to 7.2 speakers!

(in the case of 2.1 vs 7.2, the first number means how many sattelite speakers there are in the sound system, and the second number refers to the number of subwoofers used.)

dgridley · 01-12-2006, 11:34 AM

If you're into playing games or listening to music, a good sound card can make all the difference in your experience..