My headphones are SENNHEISER HD555, is onboard good enough?

[Z Overlord]

Is that enough to drive them? Any things I should know about?

[Jamdude]

What motherboard do you have?

[Z Overlord]

What motherboard do you have?

 

Asus Z77 Sabertooth

 

I also have an Asus Xonar Essence STX laying around but I hear sound cards cause more problems than they're worth and probably won't be using it in future rigs

[Jamdude]

Asus Z77 Sabertooth

 

I also have an Asus Xonar Essence STX laying around but I hear sound cards cause more problems than they're worth and probably won't be using it in future rigs

Your onboard audio will be enough to handle those headphones, no need for the sound card.

[JAKEBAB]

onboard will be fine for them unless u are getting noise if u are make sure u plug directly into the back to see if it solves your problem also if its just laying around i guess just use it.

[dylandylandylan]

It will be enough to drive your headphones no problem, the only thing I can think of that might affect you would be interference, or crackling when using onboard audio. I haven't noticed this problem in any consumer/enthusiast motherboards in a while though, and after a quick search on the internet, the Asus Sabertooth should be fine. 

[Theo]

If you already have the stx you might as well use it.

And see for yourself if it makes a difference

[CwGoh]

Just try with and without the STX since you have it lying around.