Audigy2 ZS Platinum vs. Onboard VIA VT1708S High Definition

[shrike37]

I currently have an Audigy2 ZS Platinum sound card. I'm going to be upgrading my computer since the current one is dieing. The motherboard I am looking at, Asus M4A77TD, has built in audio. It is called "VIA VT1708S High Definition Audio 8-Channel CODEC."

I was just wondering if onboard audio has progressed any in the last 4 years. Will I still need my Audigy2 ZS, or is the onboard audio just as good?

[DUSNOETOS]

While it is undeniable that on-board sound has come along way... I would still think the Audigy would serve you better.

But in the end it all depends on what you use your computer for. For casual use the MB sound would be sufficient. But if your a Gamer you would probably be happier with the Audigy.

[mjw21a]

Let's put it this way. The integrated sound in my current mainboard sounds great, however I found that installing my current Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme (cheapy card) still produced slightly better sound, particlarly in games. It's not a big difference, but it is noticeable.

On the other hand, I had fewer software/driver issues when using onboard audio.

[johan851]

It depends on your system and what you do with it. It used to be the case that the Audigy was way better than onboard, but it might not be that big of a difference now, especially if you have pretty basic speakers. I say try both out and see which one you like better.

The Audigy is definitely a better choice if you have surround and want to use EAX in games.

[mjw21a]

If money isn't such an issue though I'd check out the Asus Xonar range of cards.... Their EAX emulation tends to work better than the real thing under Vista and 7.....

[Redstone]

Just get the new system and test drive the onboard sound. If your computer is cutting edge then I bet you'll be fine until games catch up with your system. If you are not happy then start shopping for a card. Im using realtek onboard sound with a recently purchased set up and cant complain... for now.

[johan851]

Im using realtek onboard sound with a recently purchased set up and cant complain... for now.
Onboard sound has come a long way. For most people it's going to be just fine, and it has the added benefits of being super cheap and very painless to install and use.