Is a top of the line sound card necessary?

fudgamfudgam Upstate New York
edited November 2003 in Hardware
I plan on just using some 5.1 headphones when I use my computer for gaming, so is a kick-a** sound card really necessary? I know I will need a card that will support 5.1 obviously but I wouldnt think that a sound card would push itself to the limits with just headphones. I like my sound to be really loud and with headphones noone else needs to hear it(My room is on the first floor). If someone comes over I'll rig up my stereo somehow. So what does everybody elses think about this?

Comments

  • TheBaronTheBaron Austin, TX
    edited November 2003
    well a top of the line soundcard is never really necessary. however, make sure if you dont buy one, then you at least have soundstorm audio. otherwise, i'd invest in an audigy
  • Mt_GoatMt_Goat Head Cheezy Knob Pflugerville (north of Austin) Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    Ditto above post!

    If you have Soudstorm you are ok, otherwise you may need something.
  • fudgamfudgam Upstate New York
    edited November 2003
    Im assuming soundstorm is onboard audio that supports 5.1. I am gonna buy and NF7-s motherboard, I dont think they have that.
  • fudgamfudgam Upstate New York
    edited November 2003
    The description says 6-channel. Does that imply 5.1?
  • JimboraeJimborae Newbury, Berks, UK New
    edited November 2003
    yes it does :)
  • fudgamfudgam Upstate New York
    edited November 2003
    Whoops, it does have it :). I guess I wont be getting a sound card then :). Thanks guys
  • Mt_GoatMt_Goat Head Cheezy Knob Pflugerville (north of Austin) Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    Just make sure you use the latest drivers which made great sound even better! ;)
  • MrWyndMrWynd
    edited November 2003
    i've gotten improved performance in games with my audigy and hardware sound enabled. not all games have shown improvement. and for some reason BF1942 has worse performance with hardware enabled.

    I also get better scores in 3dmark in the tests with sound on than with my onboard sound (ABIT TH7II)
  • Mt_GoatMt_Goat Head Cheezy Knob Pflugerville (north of Austin) Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    MrWynd

    With the NF7-S and Nvidia's Soundstorm audio it is the opposite. I have seen it and you can ask Thrax about his experience also.
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