What would be the difference of an integrated sound card and a PCI one?

For surround sound. Usually integrated sound cards have only two ports for speakers and one for the microphone. Is there anything special, extra from buying another sound card? Aside from being able to use 7.1 surround sound.

What would be the difference of an integrated sound card and a PCI one?
Using a PCI sound card will not make your computer faster or use less RAM, if that's what you're wondering. If you buy a really good sound card, like some of the Creative Audigy cards for example, you'll get better sound quality and surround sound. Unless you're planning to use it for a Home Theatre PC however, I wouldn't bother.
Reply:An integrated sound card is a sound card that is installed on you motherboard already. A PCI sound card is a sound card u buy for stores and u plug it inside motherboard. IS the same actually unless u want high quality sound
Reply:For one thing, with PCI, you can update in the future. And replace it if it breaks. if the onboard one breaks, the whole motherboard has to be replaced.
Reply:An integrated sound card is just chips built right onto the motherboard, and not really a card at all.





A PCI sound card is just that: an add-on card that fits in a PCI expansion slot.





You can find onboard sound that supports 7.1, it just depends on the motherboard. Usually one of the advantages of a PCI sound card is better noise isolation.