Do i need a sound card?

[shaqxolotl]

Hi, I am just about to buy my computer and was wondering if i need a sound card?

This is my MoBo, - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=138_711_1183&products_id=17734

and this is my Gpu - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1170&products_id=16871

I will be using this headset too - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=116_4&products_id=11162

I will also not be using speakers, just the gaming headset which is 7.1!

Do i need a sound card for this setup/headset? I still want really clear sound and to be able to tell where my opponents are in games like BF3 and MW3! Will i get optimal sound that wond be to noticable with this headset and motherboard?

Thanks

 

[COLGeek]

No, you don't need an additional sound card. The on-board audio and USB drivers for the headset will be more than sufficient to meet your needs. Good luck!

 

[shaqxolotl]

No, you do need an additional sound card. The on-board audio and USB drivers for the headset will be more than sufficient to meet your needs. Good luck!

Are you sure? So you don't think that one of these http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211&products_id=13190 would be worth it in my case? There on-board audio is really that good or good enough for those games?

Thanks!

 

[gamerk316]

Depends. To me, not having a soundcard is like not playing a game with AA enabled. You can, but the game looks a lot worse without AA enabled. Same logic behind a soundcard really.

That being said, you can't use a soundcard with any USB audio device, so if you plan to use that headset, there is no point to using a soundcard.

 

[shaqxolotl]

Depends. To me, not having a soundcard is like not playing a game with AA enabled. You can, but the game looks a lot worse without AA enabled. Same logic behind a soundcard really.

That being said, you can't use a soundcard with any USB audio device, so if you plan to use that headset, there is no point to using a soundcard.

Thanks!

 

[madmonkeymusic]

I think it really comes down to your "ear",as most people don't hear a big difference and what kind of gaming you do most of the time. FPS will benefit from a separate card, though it won't give you an "edge" regarding sound placement (as in I heard him come up behind me) as much as it will just be more immersive. The surround will be a bit better with a real sound card and your lows (bass like explosions) and highs (more prominent on music than movies or gaming) will seem fuller. I switched to a x-fi from on board for music mostly and I can't say I hear a big difference on something like star craft 2 but when I am watching movies and listening to music there is a definitely an improvement.
If music isn't that important, then it depends on your budget and your rig. I think your typical gamer would benefit from sinking that money into more ram or a better GPU if budget is an issue.
sorry for the poor train fo thought, still need coffee

 

[madmonkeymusic]

sorry I just looked at your specs and your GPU does not need improvement. Depending on what else you are using, more ram or maybe a SSD boot drive might make a bigger impact.

 

[shaqxolotl]

Thank you every one for the help, I will only be playing games on my rig like FPS games so i guess i don't need one.

Thanks!

 

[shaqxolotl]

Thank you every one for the help, I will only be playing games on my rig like FPS games so i guess i don't need one.

Thanks!

 

[COLGeek]

To reiterate, you don't need an additional sound card. If you want one, it will improve overall performance (if you get tge right card), but in the OP's case, it isn't necessary at all. The OP will be using USB sound via a Logitech headset.

 

[shaqxolotl]

Best answer selected by shaqxolotl.