Sound card or no?

[ssoza21]

Hi all, just a quick question. I recently got an Asus A7N8X deluxe motherboard. It has onboard Soundstorm audio, my question is would having a sound card or not make a difference in system performance? Thanks.

[HAL9000]

No... I would run it with the onboard sound, if you like it, great, if not, then consider upgrading to a new card.

[ssoza21]

It sounds great, but how about performance? Does it use up a lot of resources?

[Force Flow]

You would be using resources no matter which way you go. If you're content with it, then don't worry about it.

[Nuclear Krusader]

If you are a gamer tho, you should consider getting an Audigy 2.

I have never been fond of onboard *anything*.

[RJ]

If the onboard sound is a chip, then it doesn't use more ressources than a sound card (as they're about the same).

If the onboard sound is just a codec (such as AC97) then yes, it is using CPU ressources to create the sound. If you need performance i.e. for demanding games, then a sound card would be better.

RJ

[reboot]

The Soundstorm Dobly 5.1 chip on that board ranks right up there with an Audigy. Save your money, and use the onboard sound.

[uniquezhu]

I have a sound blaster PCI 128,I don't know if it is better than the on board Soundstorm audio or not,shall I replace it into the on board one ?

[reboot]

Nope, the Soundstorm is far better than the old SB128.

[brassman]

The Soundstorm is very good. Save your money for a another upgrade, memory, etc.