Anyone who understands some hardware will tell you that most users don't need it Buy a dedicated sound card for PC. But how do you define "multiple users"? If someone tells you this, it means that sound cards attached to motherboards are usually good enough not needing a dedicated, but how true is this? Are the dedicated sound cards expired? Let's see it.
Most of the time, and especially when we're talking about modern equipment, the fact is that with a compact sound card we will have enough. Anyway, these sound cards they tend to be distracted of all the raw materials included on the board (although many manufacturers say that they have integrated the input circuits to prevent this from happening) because the sound processor is close to other components, and this is increasing on older boards.
So the first tip is if you have an old motherboard (say 4-5 years or so earlier) yes you can see the big difference is to install a dedicated sound card, but if you have a modern sound board, then yes "most users" will suffice.
Benefits of a dedicated sound card
In addition to the obvious improvements in audio quality, which may not be obvious if you don't use speakers or chords, these are the advantages we would have to buy for a dedicated sound card compared to the one that comes with motherboards:
- Support for multiple audio channels: The original 5.1 and 7.1 audio channels provide multiple ports to incorporate the surround sound system, as well as headphones with direct sound.
- Add more and more sound ports: in a system that does not have it, for example.
- Decrease CPU usage: This is something that will be noticed a little, but in older programs it is something to consider, since audio processing is done with a sound card.
- Protection from interference: Dedicated sound cards have their own filing systems in order to avoid interruptions, they are more effective than even motherboards claim to put on them.
- The bass is straight and loud straightforward: For basic motherboards, their integrated sound cards are also basic. Dedicated installations will greatly improve the accuracy of the bass and the sound, as long as it is not visible (since it depends on the USB processor).
Factors to consider
- Audio channels: Audio channels are compatible with the number of speakers we can connect to, and are also related to many direct omni headset sets. More audio channels, more directions we can emulate or set, and the result is more direct sound. Two audio channels are the minimum required stereo sound.
- Bit depth (a little deeper): it has to do with the amount of sounds the system is capable of emitting. They usually come in eight to 24 categories, the latest figure is considered complete today, and 16 pieces are considered small today.
- SNR: Means signal to noise ratio, or rate-to-noise ratio Have you ever connected other speakers when suddenly a loud noise was heard? That buzz is "noise" on SNR. The higher the value is, the lower the buzzer will emit speakers or headphones when we don't play any sound.
- Sample Size: rated at KHz and their standard range from 44.1 to 192 KHz. Some audiophiles will tell you that their sound system has astronomical figures at this rate, but unless you have professional equipment, of course at 44/48 KHz you will have more than enough good sound quality.
So, is it worth buying a dedicated sound card?
As always, it depends on each one. If you have a modern PC and don't have a professional sound system, surely with a sound card attached to the board you will have more than enough to have good sound quality.
Now, if you're a spectator and have the right speakers and / or headphones, if you have an old PC or need multiple audio channels, then it's worth buying a dedicated sound card. You will notice the difference.
