Audio cards?

[Skeletor_118]

I'm currently trying to research building a PC and while looking at parts I stumbled across audio cards. What are they, exactly? Do I necessarily need one? I'm not an audiophile, but I do play a decent amount of music on my computer, and I do require good audio for gaming, as I use audio cues to help with my overall awareness. Should i get an audio card? And if so, do you guys have any suggestions? I've never built a PC so I'm still learning what to look for and what I do and don't need/want. Thank you for any help! 

[AndersT2]

A few years ago the onboard audio was terrible, so add-in Cards made a ton of sense.

Today it's much better for a audiophile to get an external USB DAC for better audio. The Onboard audio is become good enough for most uses, and it's only higher end Equipment that needs something more, and that is usually a headphoneamp for extra Power.

[Skeletor_118]

Just now, AndersT2 said:

A few years ago the onboard audio was terrible, so add-in Cards made a ton of sense.

Today it's much better for a audiophile to get an external USB DAC for better audio. The Onboard audio is become good enough for most uses, and it's only higher end Equipment that needs something more, and that is usually a headphoneamp for extra Power.

Alright thanks. I just use standard headphones, at least for now, so I think I should be good in that case.