SHOULD I GET A SOUNDCARD ?

[davidinsarasota]

I have ordered a new pc with a badaxe mobo. It has Sigmatel 9274D on board audio. I am also getting the Logitec Z5500 speakers. Should I get a soundcard?

I watch a lot of DVD's, but don't really listen to music that much through the pc. I have a Creative Zen Micro and Microphoto that I sometimes get a chance to listen to all day at work. I may try some gaming with the new rig.

If so, which card do you recommend? I cant make much sense of the specs.

This looks like a good deal:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102007

thanks

 

[shata]

It may be a good deal, but from what ive read its shitty card cause the CPU still does the work for sound processing. I mean really why do you buy a soundcard when your cpu still needs to do the work.

This one is muchhhh better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102011

 

[davidinsarasota]

Thanks Shata, good point, I just changed my mind.

 

[McParty]

I just received this today from Newegg! Can't beat the price after rebate!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102005

 

[davidinsarasota]

Dang! Good deal thanks

 

[McParty]

No problem! I'm installing mine tomorrow!

You might want to look at this string, specially if you have headphone and mic hookups on the front or top pf your case like mine does.

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/card-hook-case-built-ftopict222037.html

 

[quickpaw]

I have a X-Fi card. It's sort of a mixed bag of nuts with it. On the plus side, it sounds great...much better than the Soundblaster Live! that I moved from. My speakers do benefit from the extra power it delievers too.

On the bad side...I've heard of some crackling issues when it's combined with some NForce4 motherboards (I currently have a one, but I see no probs).

But...I would say if you have some good speakers, treat yourself to the X-Fi cards....if your low on cash, don't go any lower than a Audigy 4 card. Your ears will thank you ^_^.

 

[wingless]

AuzenTech XPlosion 7.1 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829156001

That card is easily worth your money if you dont want to go X-Fi. Its the best you can get for the money.

HT OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829271001

This card has the same chipset and is equally badass. If you go with Windows Vista one of those cards actually doesnt have drivers for it yet but I forget which one. Those cards are highly recommended by audiophiles.