Sound Cards?

Whats the point with sound cards.


I know that its meant to make sound better... But does it?


I've got a computer, dont listen to much music on it, and when i do i dont see what could be improved.


I expect on my new build i will just have an onboard sound but i'd just like to know why people buy it and what it does?

Sound Cards?
Integrated sound works just fine for most people and most applications BUT if you want to use multiple speaker configurations or do more with sound than just listen a dedicated sound card can increase these abilities. I have a Turtle Beach sound card and it has options like: digital output (so I can push digital sound to another peripheral) switchable port (in or out), configurable ports (so I can make them do multiple jobs) and more options to configure or shape the sound. It has been such a phenomenal card and works so well that I have moved it into my new computers as I upgraded and continue to use it 6 years later!
Reply:Sound cards will give you a more better experience. It can support better 5.1 surround sound and other experiences. I have noticed with a sound card, bass is better heard, and improves quality overall. That's on basic software programs. But if you play any newer games, you can hear footsteps better and hear a lot more better quality sound than you did before.
Reply:Some sound cards do all of the hard work right on the card, thus letting your CPU free for other stuff.





And there is even a sound difference on the high sound cards, but for basic stuff onboard sound is fine.
Reply:Well, to get any sound what-so-ever... you need one. Most integrated sound cards just aren't as good as PCI.





If you don't game, listen to music, or record music, there would be no point to upgrading.





Reasons I upgraded mine are for more inputs (I used to record music), better sound, more outputs. I have a 5.1 surround sound system so the upgrade was necessary. Sound definitely gets better with better cards. Of course it's all for nothing if you don't have decent speakers too.
Reply:For most users if your motherboard has on board sound that will be good enough. Sound cards are for those of us who either don't have on board sound, or are really into sound, be it with movies, or music. You also need to go out and buy expensive speakers, or you will be hard pressed to notice the difference. Personally even with good speakers, and a good sound card I am hard pressed to notice a difference, but that is just my ears. I know those who say they can hear every single solitary note played when listening to music on good equipment.
Reply:Its not really for the quality of the sound, it depends how much speakers it can handle. 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 dolby digital and 7.1. Generally you'll need a sound card for older computers since they may not support high end speakers. Some sound cards can improve sounds for gaming. Some sound cards have a input plug where you can connect a joystick or a piano keyboard. It is basically to expand and can do more with sound. This is key for disk jockies and people who need good equipment to edit music and vise-versa.