Questions about Sound Cards - Are they still relevant?

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Trailhog250

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Jan 7, 2013
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Hey guys, so I'm debating about whether or not I need a sound card. I know back in the day they were necessary, but now I'm on the fence about whether or not to buy one. I've been doing some research but there seems to be limited info on this matter.

I need to know if they actually provide true HD audio compared to the default motherboard sound provided. I recently bought this headset: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826158082

Should I invest in a decent sound card? Would speakers and headsets provide better audio if they were plugged into a true dedicated sound card? I've heard some people say that the audio on the motherboards are plenty good enough these days.

My specs are:
Windows 7 64 bit
Gigabyte Z77-UD3H
Intel i5-3570K
EVGA GTX 660
8 GB RAM

If I buy a soundcard I'm not really interested in spending over $50.. I've seen some sound cards start at $15 and go up over $200. How do relatively cheap sound cards match up against the more expensive ones?

If I buy one I would prefer it be a Creative Sound Blaster card. (I'm open to other suggestions too though)

Any advice or information would be appreciated.
 
Solution
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The issue with that question is that this is a highly subjective topic.
It really depends on how sensitive and/or audiophile you are.

I don´t know your motherboard and what sound chip is implemented but I had an Asrock Z68 motherboard a while ago and decided to use my old soundblaster with it because the sound quality was very poor and the volume was way too low.

If you want to buy one, I´d suggest the Sound Blaster Z. Got that one, too and it´s imo the best bang for the buck.
The next best step up would be an Asus Xonar (Phoebus) which would also be much more expensive.
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Som3one

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Jun 13, 2013
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The issue with that question is that this is a highly subjective topic.
It really depends on how sensitive and/or audiophile you are.

I don´t know your motherboard and what sound chip is implemented but I had an Asrock Z68 motherboard a while ago and decided to use my old soundblaster with it because the sound quality was very poor and the volume was way too low.

If you want to buy one, I´d suggest the Sound Blaster Z. Got that one, too and it´s imo the best bang for the buck.
The next best step up would be an Asus Xonar (Phoebus) which would also be much more expensive.
 
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4Ryan6

4Ryan6

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Apr 14, 2002
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I use a sound card specifically for gaming environmental audio positioning effects, when it comes to that type of discrete gaming sound card Creative is hands down the leader and as previously mentioned the Creative Sound Blaster Z is all you would need.

If you are an audiophile, stick to your living room stereo, no sound card can compete with an awesome home stereo system.
 
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Trailhog250

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Jan 7, 2013
23
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10,510
Hmm.. Looking at these 3 cards on Newegg atm:

$80 Sound Blaster Z http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102048
$52 Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Audio http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102017
$26 Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012

After some research and some decision making I think I'm going to give the Sound Blaster Audigy a try. I think for the price and what I expect from a sound card it would be more ideal for myself. Thanks for the help.
 
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