[Amtrak]

I have a fair amount of knowledge regarding most other computer components and whatnot. That being said, I know practically nothing about sound cards. I've lurked a bit here, but still have trouble following along with all the sound lingo and generally have not been able to answer my own questions.

I have been planning a new build for some time now. However, as is usually the case, I got a little carried away by my excitement and the cost for all the parts I was looking at was beginning to push my budget. As a result, I have had to reconsider my choices and so far have scaled back a fair amount while still being satisfied. One thing I am still unsure about, though, is whether or not I should keep a sound card in the build.

I plan on building a gaming rig for $1500-2000 max (that's with all the hardware and software). Obviously, I will be gaming a fair amount on it, as well as listening to music. I will probably end up with a 2.1 or 3.1 Logitech sound system to go with the computer. The card I was looking at was the X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro Series card that can be had for about $100.

Now, on to my main question - my apologies if this question is so stupid that you find it insulting. I read a short little blurb in PC Gamer or PC Magazine that seemed to suggest that a sound card may help improve framerates in some games by offloading the audio crunching from the CPU. Again, I'm sorry if this sounds dumb. Can a sound card improve some games' framerates, and if so, would it only be noticable on an ultra-budget system? I imagine the stub article was a bit exaggerated. Also, based on the short bit of how I plan to use this computer, should I even bother investing in a sound card?

[patriotdb23]

Nice job researching that because it's absolutely true how sound cards can increase the frame rates of games. Reading that you're going to be spending over $1,000 big ones on this pc though I do say that wouldn't be my main reason for getting a sound card. I would be looking into one for yourself just for the fact that they improve the sound quality tremendously.

-The X-Fi card you mentioned is what I would go with it's pretty much the lates and greatest for not spending a ridiculous amount so good luck building that puppy!!

[kevleviathan]

Also check out the Asus Xonar DX, although it won't be quite as good as the X-fi for gaming.

[jiggamanjb]

These days I doubt you are going to see any frame rate improvement by going to a stand alone sound card, ok, maybe 1 fps, maybe. CPUs are so powerful now using them to process the sound isn't a heavy task for them. Now, quality is a different story. You should get a better quality sound from a stand alone card. I notice that in games, onboard audio can sometimes sound like you downloaded it from napster back in the day rather than sounding like the CD. Onboard audio has made some great leaps in quality though, so I would maybe say see what it sound like, and if you think maybe it's not crisp enough for you get a sound card.

[wa77ss]

Sound card is a good buy IMO for the price range you are in.

However, if investing in a sound card, its also good to buy quality speakers and or headphones.

Just about any creative cards are a good improvement over onboard sound. My favorite bang for buck card is the xtreme gamer. Does a very good job at a reasonable price. In fact I would say the fatility card is overkill if your going with a 3.1 logitech speaker system.


klipsch is also another solid brand to look at in terms of speakers and things. A lot of people that game like headphone/sound card better because it gives a clearer sound during gameplay (especially if you get the 5.1 headphones).

[Mr.Guvernment]

Originally Posted by kevleviathan

Also check out the Asus Xonar DX, although it won't be quite as good as the X-fi for gaming.

why?

from what i heard the Xonar eats creative alive?

personally i dont like creative any more, sure some cards are "okay" but i just dont like them for lock they had on the market and selling old rebadged as new and providing crappy drivers, with other makers now.. creative isn't your only options

and as said, with dual core + cpu's now, the FPS improvement is less of a factor now.

[kevleviathan]

Creative has done a top notch job optimizing their hardware and drivers to give best gaming performance and low CPU utilization. The Xonar will probably not be able to beat Creative in that arena, but it should come pretty close and will have better audio quality to boot.
Now EVERYTHING else about Creative's drivers are crap. lol.

[Amtrak]

Originally Posted by jiggamanjb

These days I doubt you are going to see any frame rate improvement by going to a stand alone sound card, ok, maybe 1 fps, maybe. CPUs are so powerful now using them to process the sound isn't a heavy task for them.

I figured so much. As I said in my first post, the effects of a sound card on gaming seemed exaggerated in that article, and I didn't think there'd be any effect with most modern processors, especially once overclocked.

I also don't see myself shifting away from a 3.1 sound setup. Keeping that in mind (and also that I know nothing of sound cards ), what are some reasonably priced sound cards that come highly recommended? There was a comment that the Fatal1ty I was interested in may be more than I need, as well as a few comments about other brands.

I'll be purchasing as much as possible over Newegg, so links there would be a plus.

Thanks for all the input so far, you guys are a tremendous help.

[Sir Barton]

If you want quality sound, stay away from computer speakers. Using simple terms, they all suck. If you want some good powered monitors look into the Audioengine A2s or A5s. Good speakers with onboard sound will sound better than crappy speakers with a separate sound card. In the audiophile world...more money is spent on speakers than the source. If you want the absolute best sound for your computer, get yourself a Xonar DX, a stereo amplifier, some good bookshelves, and a sub. You can always purchase the components separately. I would look into some of the Klipsch Reference series, Paradigm Monitor series, Infinty Primus, Insignia (dirt cheap and sound great!), Monitor Audio, Audioengine...quite a few quality ones out there. Logitech and Klipsch computer speakers dont stand a chance. If room is limited, look into the Audioengines being they are powered speakers. If you have the room for an amplifier or receiver, then some good bookshelves will suit you fine . The amplifier on mine is the little silver box you see in the picture. Its a Trends Audio TA-10.1 t-amp. Its only 5 watts per channel, but the high sensitivity Klipsch RB-81s up there jam just as good as they would with 100W going to them. The higher the sensitivity your speakers, the less power it takes to drive them. Most of the Klipsches are over 90dB at 1W/m. Meaning they put out at least 90dB of sound with 1W of power from 1 meter away. The RB-81s are 97dB .

[Mr.Guvernment]

*drewll*

[tomballard2]

Originally Posted by Sir Barton

If you want quality sound, stay away from computer speakers. Using simple terms, they all suck.[/IMG]

I have onboard sound feeding a woo audio headphone amplifier and a nice pair of headphones. I guess I could buy a xifi, but I really just liked keeping the inside of the box a lot cleaner without it. Only slot is being used by the graphics card. That's the first time I've ever done that.

Personally, I'm sick of creative cards. Tired of 5.1 speakers being all over the damn place. Not chick-friendly, you know? I've owned a million of 'em and I'm glad to be done with them. Use SoundMax on-board audio.

Edit: Oh, yeah, and not having to put up with Creative's MASSIVE BUNCH O' SOFTWARE CRAPOLA anymore -- pretty nice.

[Amtrak]

So what's so bad about Creative's drivers?

[iamcanadian7]

Numerous things, vista support, various game support to be very unspecific.

I had a god awful time trying to get my creative x-fi working in Vista. Never did get it working 100% and have since gave up and gone over to Asus and haven't looked back. The sound quality is noticably better especially with music. That would be my suggestion.