should I install sound card for performance

[judgeschmales]

Hi ,I was just wondering if u people think installing a sound card will help with performance.

specs
gateway gt4016
amd 3700+
2 gigs 1 gb corsair, 2 x 512 sticks
xfx7600 gt xxx
onboard realtek audio 7.1
stock pwr supply

Right now I play 1024 x 768 high to med setting 50-99 fps but sometimes under heavy combat and arty can get a little choppy.I plan on upgrading my pwr supply if I get a sound card.Any suggestions on a particular sound card and pwr supply would be greatly appreciated.I would like to spend 50-100 dollars on a sound card,if I do get one.

[Nadokings]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

well i asume you have on-board sound.
On-board sound these days i wouldnt bother by buying a new sound card its just a waste of money.
How much FPS are you currently getting?

[Stormy{CAN}]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

I tested my onboard (Realtek ALC850) a while ago because someone had said that it had come along way, and I can honestly say that it is complete and absolute garbage. It didn't matter what settings I tried (and I tried all combinations), and the sound was crap.

The only one's that say onboard is good enough are those that have never heard the difference a decent sound card makes.

judgeschmales for you price range look at something like an Audigy 2 (Value or zs) or an Audigy 4 non Pro. Another possiblity is the new X-Fi XtremeGamer that looks to be the same specs as the XtremeMusic, minus the fancy connectors.

[Trevortt]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

On-board can have a sligjht decrease in performance. It really depends on if your getting a decent top end sound card or a crappy one. If your to buy say a creative XFI card, you may see a upped fps of 10 to 15 fps more.

[N2K]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

X-Fi FTW!!

I will never go back to onboard.

[Nadokings]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

I tested my onboard (Realtek ALC850) a while ago because someone had said that it had come along way, and I can honestly say that it is complete and absolute garbage. It didn't matter what settings I tried (and I tried all combinations), and the sound was crap.

The only one's that say onboard is good enough are those that have never heard the difference a decent sound card makes.

judgeschmales for you price range look at something like an Audigy 2 (Value or zs) or an Audigy 4 non Pro. Another possiblity is the new X-Fi XtremeGamer that looks to be the same specs as the XtremeMusic, minus the fancy connectors.

you are very retarded
ASUS released an On-Board sound card with 24-bit support, equivelent to the Sound Blaster 24-Bit cards, Sound cards are a waste of money if you know what your buying in a mobo.

[solofowaffles]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

althugh a extra sound card can release pressure off the cpu.

[Nadokings]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

althugh a extra sound card can release pressure off the cpu.

thats a negative, SC's and CPU have almost nothin in common, CPU's and VC's do however.
And ya buying a sound card will increase the fps and it will sound better, but on boards are getting pretty d@m good these days.
sorry for the flaming

[TooL]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

I have a similar system and I have the same issues. I seriously doubt a sound card is going to help here. I'd suggest saving for a new CPU and video card.

[Stormy{CAN}]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

you are very retarded
ASUS released an On-Board sound card with 24-bit support, equivelent to the Sound Blaster 24-Bit cards, Sound cards are a waste of money if you know what your buying in a mobo.

And thank you for proving my point. If the ASUS you're referring to is the one I think I have seen, then it is the equivalent of the Soundblaster Live 24 bit, which is a garbage card to begin with. If it is that then it may or may not have better sound (purely subjective), but it will have the same performance as the SB Live 24 bit card, which is no performance benefit at all as everything is done in software, just like all onboard audio. Also 24 bit support means jacksh*t unless the source is in 24 bit. What was the last game you saw that used 24 bit sound?

P.S. Thanks for informing me that I am retarded, didn't know that.

[Ralfie_s]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

I have to run my game in software sound because when I use hardware it lags like a son-of-a-b*tch. It's a soundblaster live 24 bit card heh..

..-_-

[Nadokings]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

And thank you for proving my point. If the ASUS you're referring to is the one I think I have seen, then it is the equivalent of the Soundblaster Live 24 bit, which is a garbage card to begin with. If it is that then it may or may not have better sound (purely subjective), but it will have the same performance as the SB Live 24 bit card, which is no performance benefit at all as everything is done in software, just like all onboard audio. Also 24 bit support means jacksh*t unless the source is in 24 bit. What was the last game you saw that used 24 bit sound?

P.S. Thanks for informing me that I am retarded, didn't know that.

ya np.
i just dont care about how my game sounds, i think it sounds just fine.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: should I install sound card for performance

Don't buy a soundcard for a "performance increase". You're only going to be dissapointed. Buy a soundcard primarly because of the better sound, but also because the flexibility (break-out boxes are WONDERFUL), and because they may add to your input options.

But only if you will appreciate that stuff. If not, save your money stick with onboard and software! That $60 you'd spent on (for example) a refurbished Audigy 2zs (that I'm thrilled with, by the way) would be much better spend on an upgraded gpu. There's the best route for your "performance increase".