Is a sound card needed?

[Hydrogen1803]

I was just wondering if I need a sound card for my first build. Also, if I don't need one, are there benefits of things like better audio quality? Also, could you guys please recommend some? All help is appreciated, thank you all very much.

My build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fPQvJx

[alexhelvetica]

The only thing a sound card will do is waste your PCIe lanes!

 

Not worth it!

[squirtle4287]

The integrate ALC1150 will be fine unless your (non-gaming company) headset/phones are over $100. Then id recommend Asus Xonar DGX. Cheap and increases quality. 

[Amazingasian]

Unless you're doing work that requires extremely outstanding audio that absolutely cannot have anything wrong with it or doing extremely competitive gaming then no, a sound card isn't worth it.

[Tech_Dreamer]

not needed as i assume the z97 gigabyte versions are equiped with quality onboard ones, for normal & extensive listening folks that is more than enough, not worth the extra hassle for better audio

[Enderman]

The only thing a sound card will do is waste your PCIe lanes!

 

Not worth it!

no, it actually reduces EMI by a lot

but unless he's using studio grade equipment or a very sensitive microphon, onboard audio is enough

[Guest Kloaked]

My opinion below:

 

Unless you're doing work that requires extremely outstanding audio that absolutely cannot have anything wrong with it or doing extremely competitive gaming then no, a sound card isn't worth it.

 

It still won't even do anything for you really, even then. There's nothing magical about them unless you're on-board audio is garbage to begin with.

 

 

no, it actually reduces EMI by a lot

but unless he's using studio grade equipment or a very sensitive microphon, onboard audio is enough

 

Anyone using studio grade equipment or a microphone like that will be using an external mixer/interface anyways.

[Enderman]

Anyone using studio grade equipment or a microphone like that will be using an external mixer/interface anyways.

well the modmic 4.0 is really sensitive and gets a lot of EMI from onboard audio, a sound card fixed it for me

and its not even studio grade equipment

[Guest Kloaked]

well the modmic 4.0 is really sensitive and gets a lot of EMI from onboard audio, a sound card fixed it for me

and its not even studio grade equipment

 

Thought you were referring to actual recording mics.

 

That's neat though. Thanks for the info.

[johnt]

The only thing a sound card will do is waste your PCIe lanes!

Not worth it!

I agree even though they are likely pcie 2.0 anyway.

[alexhelvetica]

no, it actually reduces EMI by a lot

but unless he's using studio grade equipment or a very sensitive microphon, onboard audio is enough

True