On-Board Audio v. Sound Cards

Matthew Share

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Oct 7, 2013
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Hello!
I have a little room for an upgrade, and I was thinking about upgrading the sound on my desktop. I have a MSI Z87 GD65, Beats Studio (I know, the community hates them, but it was a gift) , and some shitty dell speakers that came with those old pre-build desktops. I also have a Sony ZSS4IP speakers, but in order to use it, I need to buy monitor mounts, since the speaker is too big, and will block the screen. I am a frequent gamer (at least 20 hours a week), and somewhat of an audiophile.... I have a couple options, and about $200 budget.

1) Buy a Creative Sound Blaster Zx, a Monitor mount, and use my Sony's ($183)

2) Buy Bose Companion 2 Series III Speakers, and a Creative Sound Blaster Z System Builder Version. ($177)

3) Forget the sound card, and just get new headphones and speakers. Not really my ideal choice, but I will donate it to my parents or something if I need to.

I've been researching, and there are many controversy, some saying that my GD65 on board audio is better and others said it doesn't even compare to a $40 card. (source)
Thanks in advance!

Edit 1: I have got an Amazon gift card, so my upgrades got to be from there. Thanks again.
 
Audio is a very tricky thing, since everyone has his/her own opinion on this one and is very subjective.

My advice would be: try with onboard first. If you don't like it, get a discrete soundcard. I actually prefer my Xonar D2 to onboard realtek 1150, especially with quality hifi headphones. No buzzing, no static, better dynamics.
 

Matthew Share

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Oct 7, 2013
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I used my on board audio for the past year, and I have no problem with it what so ever, even the shitty speakers sounds great, but I am for anything that can give me more.
 

HWlover

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Feb 1, 2015
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Solution

Matthew Share

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Oct 7, 2013
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10,520


It was a mistake to say that. What I mean is that I have no problems with my sound. But I've heard better sound on my friend's desktop, that's why I'm considering an upgrade. But Thank You though.