audigy2 vs onboard.

[y0bailey]

I am running out of PCI slots and I'm wondering if my audigy2 can get the boot.

My mobo in sig is running the MCP51 southbridge, realtek alc883 audio codec. how much worse is this than an audigy 2 (standard).

i mainly game and use the computer as a HTPC

[schnikies79]

What kinda speakers are you running is the main question. If you're just running a set up standard desktop speakers or headphones, the onboard will do just fine. Sure the SB card will save a few cycles, but in the scheme of things it's really not that much.

Even if you are running a nice sound setup, many onboard sound options are pretty good right now, even for Dolby 5.1 and such. I would personally try out the onboard and see what you think, if you can't hear the difference, then why?

[Mr. Roboto]

Yeah, what kind of speakers you're using is a big factor.