SoundCard vs. RAM

[iPC]

Hi, I want to upgrade my PC and I'm wondering whether I should buy a sound card or a better kit of RAM. Im thinking 8 Channel ASUS RAID Strix DLX if I get a soundcard and CORSAIR Dominator Platinum 2*16GB 3000Mhz. BTW Here are my system Specs. 6700K@4.7GHZ, 16GB 2400MHZ HyperX RAM, MSI GAMING X 08G GTX 1080, Corsair H115i, Samsung 850 EVO, and Toshiba Red 1TB HDD.

[79wjd]

Why do you need a sound card? 

 

Also, there's literally no reason to "upgrade" your RAM. I'd just add another 16gb kit if you need more. 

[swordsman247]

Just now, iPC said:

Hi, I want to upgrade my PC and I'm wondering whether I should buy a sound card or a better kit of RAM. Im thinking 8 Channel ASUS RAID Strix DLX if I get a soundcard and CORSAIR Dominator Platinum 2*16GB 3000Mhz. BTW Here are my system Specs. 6700K@4.7GHZ, 16GB 2400MHZ HyperX RAM, MSI GAMING X 08G GTX 1080, Corsair H115i, Samsung 850 EVO, and Toshiba Red 1TB HDD.

Probably the ram, most modern mobos have good sound now.

[Bananasplit_00]

you dont need either tbh, there is no real reson to upgrade your ram, just get more if you need it and a sound card is usiually not needed, most motherboards already have good built in sound so you would be happier with the cash spent on ice cream or something tbh

[knightslugger]

the 600MHz bump on RAM speed you'd only notice on a bench score or perhaps rendering a MASSIVE file. Unless you have very niche requirements for sound, i say go buy some junk silver coins if money is burning a hole in your pocket.

[Mark Valjavec]

The answer is simple: DO NOT UPGRADE YOUR PC. You dont need either of these. You already have enough Ram, since it WILL NOT perform any better if you get additional 16GB. Sound card isnt necessary at all because modern MOBOs have good quality audio built in. If you want to upgrade anything, maybe try to make your setup LOOK better

[iPC]

Do you know the impedance of qc25s? and thx

[paradigm249]

unless your using more than 16gb or running alot of vms, you dont have to buy more ram

[That Phil]

I'd say soundcard if you create, mix or record your own music.
I'd say RAM if you use Photoshop, ADOBE Premiere or any such programs and render HUGE files.

If none of these apply to you, then you'd not need to upgrade either of those. I'd say buy another SSD or such.

[79wjd]

23 minutes ago, iPC said:

Do you know the impedance of qc25s? and thx

Nothing that you'd need a soundcard for. 

[Coaxialgamer]

Neither is really needed unless you need the ram for productivity , but most motherboards have good sound nowadays. If you really need better sound , get an external DAC

[TetraSky]

So, do you do photo/video editing? If not, you really won't benefit at all from having more RAM right now. 16GB is more than enough.

 

As for the soundcard, why? If you're hellbent on getting one for no real reason, I suggest you get an external one instead. (DAC)

[DreamcastFan]

Soundcards are great if you want Dolby Headphone at the hardware level and a built-in powerful amp, that's why I have my Xonar Essence.

 

But, they're a luxury, if you don't have high impedance and very high quality headphones it's just a waste over good onboard.

 

If you already have 16GB RAM you probably don't need more. If I am building a new PC a soundcard would be very low on my priorities list, performance or SSD storage first.

[iPC]

What is a hardware upgrade that you think will boost performance most for around 200$? System specs are above.

[79wjd]

9 minutes ago, iPC said:

What is a hardware upgrade that you think will boost performance most for around 200$? System specs are above.

Nothing. Just because you have some extra money doesn't mean you need to upgrade....