Is a good sound card very important for a gaming computer?
Question:
1. Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio [Included in Price]
2. Integrated Sound Blaster®Audigy™ HD Software Edition [add $25
3. Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeMusic (D) Sound Card [add $100
Answer:
If you don't intend to record any audio, the Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio will be just fine.
I don't think a sound card is very important as I only think it affects the sound quality in the game. Personally, I think you should just get the Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio. And also, most of the aspects of a gaming computer should go into storage space, graphics card, and processor.
Sound cards are important, but i wouldn't invest in one. Try first upgading your ram, the get a GFX card.
Well, I wouldn't say that it's VERY important, but the difference is significant. The sound circuitry design is better in good quality PCI cards, than with built-in sound cards. Also, the built-in sound cards use those crappy C-Media or Realtek chips and they don't provide the same number of input/output jacks as a PCI sound card.
(Avoid PCI sound cards which use C-Media and Realtek chips.)
Creative's Sound Blaster Live! & Audigy sound cards use good sound chips. Though, you should buy the card from a place with a good return policy. Some people have reported that their Creative sound card has static in the background during play back. (Check Creative's forum on their web site.) I don't know what causes it, but my Creative sound card runs fine.
My Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 sound card uses less CPU time than the crappy C-Media sound card in my motherboard and the sound quality is better.
I'm using realtek 8.1 high definition surround sound chip and I'm clearly noticing the sound difference as when i have all 13 speakers plugged in and turned on surround sound mode it does create an awesome gaming experience
but never the less on the scale of importance (10 being very important ) its about a4
Sound cards are very important in gaming. Having poor sound can really ruin a game and for most games, especially mmofps games like Battlefield:2 or Counterstrike, the quality of sound can give you a suprising advantage or disadvantage. People wonder how they get caught off guard in these kind of games and that is why. That said, from the choices you have here, I would say that the Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ Xtreme Sound card would be the best choice if you are a serious gamer who wants any advantage you can get. I wouldn't trust integrated sound because if you spend a little more money you can get a card that will give much better sound. Whatever you choose make sure you do your research before you buy. You may even choose to stick with the integrated card that is included in the price and buy a different card later which is okay too.
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