Onboard audio or sound card

[Rillarri]

What is better, onboard audio or using a sound card. The MB is a current hd audio over a creative sound card?

[GG you got me]

Sound cards are better than onboard audio particularly at things like emulating surround sound etc.

[vesseblah]

Unless you're audiophile or the motherboard is missing some audio connector you really really need, you will not benefit from sound card one bit and it's wasted money.

Especially surround sound is wasted money since most gamers can't afford decent surround speakers. $200 set is not decent btw, at $2000 it's getting there.

[GG you got me]

Unless you're audiophile or the motherboard is missing some audio connector you really really need, you will not benefit from sound card one bit and it's wasted money.

Especially surround sound is wasted money since most gamers can't afford decent surround speakers. $200 set is not decent btw, at $2000 it's getting there.

Admittedly this post is correct. I had to finely hone my hearing over years of flying in screaming aircraft with insufficient hearing protection to really be able to call myself the kind of audiophile that can tell the difference between a sound card and on board sound. haa

[Sast]

It depends what you intend to do, if you play fps games such as BF3, a good sound card will greatly increase your sound quality and gaming experience. A good headset will also be required (or as mentioned, a good surround sound system).

It all depends what you want it for.

[lilbruz]

If you dont specifically go for special motherboards that take sound seriously, you will always be able to find better sound cards as plug in cards. But unless you need something uber-special, there are motherboards (like my now older Asus Rampage Extreme II) that has "built in sound" thats better than normal motherboards. Yes, I know its not exactly BUILT IN the motherboard (its a small external card, but it comes with the motherboard), but you can get those too