Best used soundcard? Onboard audio jacks for motherboard stopped working

[anoor9000]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm looking to spend about $30 max on a soundcard. My front audio jacks have a really odd problem with the microphone input, and my rear jacks have now completely failed. My options are buy a USB soundcard or a internal PCIe soundcard.

 

Ive been looking on ebay and these look promising: https://www.ebay.com/itm/373594685926

 

Anything I should look out for?

 

Thanks

[SupaKomputa]

Yeah it should be good.

It's old though.

[Tech87]

I was going to suggest the creative sound blaster cards. They used to be well known back in the day.

It's been a really really long time since I used a soundcard though, and Im not sure if they're still relevant.

I do see some positive videos about them though, so that's promising.

[Tigerleon]

1 minute ago, Tech87 said:

I was going to suggest the creative sound blaster cards. They used to be well known back in the day.

It's been a really really long time since I used a soundcard though, and Im not sure if they're still relevant.

I do see some positive videos about them though, so that's promising.

Trust me they are. As long as you don't have a problem with an internal only solution. The AE-9 I use is great.

[Tech87]

I actually have an old soundblaster card.

I wonder if it's still relevant and could be used today.

If it's cool, I'll DM you @Tigerleon

[mariushm]

Make sure you have drivers for Windows 10 with Creative cards. Some don't have drivers and that's why they sell cheap.

 

[Ariolander]

You might be better off with one of Creative's USB sound cards. Some of those older PCI ones don't have good Windows 10 drivers.

The Sound BlasterX G1 is a good option if you want a nice headphone amp built in or something like the Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 at $20 is another good option. Obviously doesn't work if you want to use 5.1 surround but for regular speakers/headphones the USB cards will have better driver support.

[weez]

18 minutes ago, Ariolander said:

You might be better off with one of Creative's USB sound cards. Some of those older PCI ones don't have good Windows 10 drivers.

The Sound BlasterX G1 is a good option if you want a nice headphone amp built in or something like the Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 at $20 is another good option. Obviously doesn't work if you want to use 5.1 surround but for regular speakers/headphones the USB cards will have better driver support.

 

Agree with this 100%. $25-$20usd new if you want new. Old Astro Mixamps are good too and can be found for good prices used. Nothing wrong with using an older PCIe card. Its just usb is simpler and less can go wrong and is way more convenient imo

[anoor9000]

I ended up just getting the Sound Blaster Play 3. You all are right, much simpler in the end. Thanks everyone!