Do I need a sound card?

[Disgustipated]

I'm not up on new sound card technology, but quick look on newegg didn't show many sound cards. Are these not necessary anymore? They had very few to select from.

I've been using on board sound since I built this computer 1 1/2 years ago. But I find some older games like Baldur's Gate 2 you can't use the environmental audio (I think you need EAX for that to work). And I feel I should get better sound quality from my computer for games and music. Any recommendations? Should I stick with on board sound?

The cards I looked at on newegg had some bad feedback in the feedback section, and I have no idea what to buy if anything. I'd be using it for Windows 7 64bit and mainly for gaming and music.

 

[Maniacal]

Afaik most decent motherboards have a decent sound card integrated into them. I have a Sound Blaster Audigy 4 or something, dunno if it really makes a difference as I am not an audiophile.

No idea about EAX, I never really turn it on as I've never ever remembered to look up what the hell it is. (Always been a big beef of mine with options menus in games, they don't usually explain WTH each option is).

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

onboard sound is pretty good these days. really the soundcards i think are more for audiophiles (think thousand-dollar audio setups) or people who record professionally or somethin'. though i'm considering getting one 'cos my onboard sound lacks stereo mix.

 

[Maniacal]

There are a few cheap sound cards I've seen that should work well enough if the on-board one doesn't cut it (or doesn't work or exist at all). I don't have a clue what makes one good or not though.

For example:
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=56330&vpn=XONAR DG&manufacture=ASUS

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=17424&vpn=30SB057000000&manufacture=Creative Labs

 

[Mise]

I can't remember the last time I bought a sound card, ethernet card, usb controller, or any other crap like that. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[GenMarshall]

I normally think a dedicated sound card would be more geared to the sound and music enthusiasts or some who works with a lot of sound or music in their line of work.

 

[Zelig]

I can't remember the last time I bought a sound card, ethernet card, usb controller, or any other crap like that. I wouldn't worry about it.

I just bought usb brackets and a card, I have like 20 usb devices.

 

[Maniacal]

I normally think a dedicated sound card would be more geared to the sound and music enthusiasts or some who works with a lot of sound or music in their line of work.

They probably won't be buying the under $40 cards. It also does give a slight boost to CPU performance because then the CPU doesn't need to run all the sound stuff like it does with the integrated ones, but afaik its not significant enoguh to bother with unless your integrated soundcard doesn't work properly.