Do i need a soundcard and if so Best sound card under $50

leinad1022

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Apr 13, 2011
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I have a pair of the Bose QC2 headphones that I bought for $300 back in the day.

I just built my new computer and so far I've been using the built in soundcard. I haven't noticed any noticeable background noise and it definately powers my headphones to a loud enough level. What I'm trying to figure out is what will I gain with an external sound card? Will it virtualize surround sound better? Will it have more noticeable depth and better bass response? And if so what's a good card under 50. I'd also like a card with a built in eq for all of windows if that's possible.

I use my computer mainly for games and music.
 

the_crippler

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Jun 14, 2010
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Sound is very subjective, so it's hard to quantify if you "need" a sound card. Personally, I find sound to be very important, but in my 20+ years of gaming and building rigs, I haven't bought a sound card since the days when they weren't built into motherboards (SoundBlaster FTW!) My surround-sound speakers have worked just fine with my last several motherboards, as does my current headset.

Now, with the risk of angering the same people who want to say that MP3s sound like crap and I'm an idiot for not noticing, I'd say - if your games and music sound fine to you now, you more than likely don't need an after-market sound card.
 

random stalker

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Feb 3, 2013
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well, well, well...

>What I'm trying to figure out is what will I gain with an external sound card?

Noticeably better sound, more options and if you play games a few fps too

>Will it virtualize surround sound better?

In case you buy SB card - these are made especially for gaming.

>Will it have more noticeable depth and better bass response?

Yes. And a lot more - mids and highs will get a massive boost.

>And if so what's a good card under 50?

depends on your preferences>
http://www.overclock.net/t/1014902/ocns-most-recommended-audio-products#

PS: Since you already shelled out $300 for some headphones, you should try to get at least decent sound out of them. There is really no point of getting any headphones above $50 if you wish to stay with onboard audio :)

@leinad1022> Just out of sheer curiosity - why are you against something you haven't even tried?