Check out Julien's website on How to Build Gaming Computers for more information on building your own gaming PC.
Do You Need a Sound Card?
If you want to buy a sound card, you should ask yourself whether you really need one. The motherboards of today come equipped with great on-board sound. Some motherboards even have support for 5.1 surround sound and come with a range of audio optical ports. So if you plan on using your computer to listen to music, play games, or any other basic things to do with sound, you should definitely consider staying with on-board sound.
On the other hand, there are two good reasons why you would want to buy a sound card:
Producing: If you're producing music you'll need a high quality sound card for the very best sound quality. Your sound card will probably need some extra ports/connections that on-board sound doesn't provide.
Gaming: If you want the very best gaming experience possible, that means having the very best sound. So you'll want a sound card to do this. You can probably pick up a decent sound card for gaming at 100 bucks or less.
Surround Sound
An important factor in choosing your sound card is the sound standards that it supports. Most high-end sound cards support what is called EAX and 5.1 surround sound. This means you can hook up to 5 speakers to your sound card for a great 3D sound experience. Some cards even support the newer 7.1 surround sound.
Special Features
If you need some particular type of feature on your sound card, make sure you take this into account. Music producers will have the most needs, such as multi-channel support, MIDI support, good signal to noise ratio, and plenty of connectivity options if needed. Gamers won't need to be so picky with their sound card, surround sound is probably their largest concern.
Finally, if you're buying a high-end sound card, make sure your computer will be able to take advantage of it. There's no point having a great sound card if your CPU can't handle it. This is an important point to consider before going out and buying your sound card.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Biz Card Scanner - Buying A Business Card Scanner? Useful Guide!
- Cash Back Card - Buy to Save!
- Cash Back Card: Buy to Save!
- Cash Back Credit Cards: Let Your Credit Cards Pay You
- Should You Buy A Used Card
- Sound Card Buyer's Guide
- Working Of Credit Cards And Credit Card Processing Software
- Different Types of Rewards Credit Cards
Control and monitoring of multiple devices via computer interface
By: James Agajo | 02/12/2009Control and monitoring of multiple devices via computer interface realises control of devices using real-time technolgy
Which School of Thought – Desktop or Netbook?
By: Ritchie Smythe | 02/12/2009School has just started and with the amount of studying that every student has to do, most parents opt to purchase computers for their children to facilitate school work and provide access to a more varied range of educational tools.
Microsoft Windows Registry Cleaner Tips To Keep Your Computer Error Free
By: Tanner Hemingway | 02/12/2009Why would you want to use a Microsoft Windows registry cleaner? Simply because you want to keep the errors in your registry to a minimum.
Advantage for R4i
By: culverdoves | 02/12/2009Video game consoles are some of the most excellent technology advances that we can find today.
Intelligent AIT-5 Data Tape Cartridges Introduced By Sony
By: Tape4backup | 02/12/2009The smooth tape surface of AIT-5 data tape ensures low error rate and fast reading/recording of data. R-MIC chip holds the user definable data, search map and the system log as well.
R4 Dsi Features
By: murphyward | 02/12/2009Some people are interested in purchasing R4 card but are not able to due to some reasons. It is a well known fact that many people are not aware about R4i or R4 Dsi? First of all we should try to know what R4 card is and how it is used.
Buy Cheap Computers Online For Meeting Budgeted Office Needs
By: Jame Huggs | 02/12/2009During the times of recession, economical and industrial sectors are affected to a great extent. This is the major reason as why most of the organizations as well as people prefer cheap products today.
Things You Should Know About Laptop Screen Repair
By: Batista Hayden | 02/12/2009Without computers, life would have been a lot number of years back. And now that we are so dependent on these machines that a small glitch can make it all topsy-turvy. Over usage of laptops lead to damages and this is when you need to get in touch with a laptop screen repair expert.
Required Parts to Building a Gaming Pc
By: Julien David | 07/02/2007 | HardwareIf you are new to building your own custom gaming computer, this article will introduce you to the main components that make up a gaming PC. These components will be the guts of your gaming machine.
Safety Tips to Building a Computer
By: Julien David | 07/02/2007 | HardwareThere are some important precautions you should take into account when building a computer to ensure the safety of you and your computer parts. This article gives you some helpful tips on building your computer in the safest way possible.
Sound Card Buyer's Guide
By: Julien David | 07/02/2007 | HardwareTakes a look at why you would need to buy a sound card, and explains the important factors to consider when buying one.
Choosing the Best Monitor for Gaming
By: Julien David | 07/02/2007 | HardwareAre you looking to a buy a monitor for gaming? This article explains what to look out for when choosing the best monitor for gaming.
Noise Cancelling Headphones Will Save your Ears
By: Julien David | 08/10/2006 | ElectronicsThis article explains what noise cancelling headphones are, and the benefits associated with using them instead of standard headphones.
Advantages of Ergonomic Keyboards
By: Julien David | 17/09/2006 | HardwareErgonomic keyboards are specially designed computer keyboards with an aim to reduce stress on your wrists and forearms while typing. This article looks into the advantages of buying an ergonomic keyboard.
Custom Gaming Computers: Why Build your Own?
By: Julien David | 06/09/2006 | HardwareTakes a look at the advantages of building your own custom gaming computer.