thought i would start this discussion like forum on what people think about soundcards, i know if u would have been putting together a higher end build a few years ago a soundcard would almost be a given, but now so many headsets come with usb hook up instead of the standard 3.5 mm jack, also on some higher end board the onboard sound is becoming almost as good as dedicated soundcards. so to put this in question like format for what im curious about people's opinions of, here it goes:
1. do soundcards have a future for non-audiophiles, common users, pc gamers?
2. is there still an actual use for it in new mid to high end builds?
3. Would u use a soundcard if u were building an mid to high end build?
1. No, as these types of users act in a satisficing manner when it comes to sound quality. They either don't care, or usually don't see the value in the nuances better source equipment (or even a better headphone) adds to their experience.
USB headsets and onboard sound cards will never use parts that are as good or better than dedicated cards. But generally their headphones and/or speakers don't pick up on these differences.
2. Yes, dependend upon your use. However, then still I see it as some kind of middle market; those who produce music or video related stuff would rather turn to more professional solutions than say your average Asus soundcard. But those consumers who appreciate good sound quality but are on a budget or those avid movie watchers who seek an all-in-one solution with an HTPC may turn to these alternatives, dedicated soundcards.
3. Yes, as I appreciate good sound quality and use other products that can benefit from a better source. Although, alternatively dedicated amps are also very attractive, where a decent all-round portable one could replace my on the go and at home listening experience.
hmm, i really wasnt thinking about onbboard vs sound card cuz of course that will win easily, i was thinking more along the lines of usb hookup vs sound card, since it appears to me that more and more headset are coming with usb hookup instead of the dual 3.5 jack
even for non audiophile use a good quality soundcard is nice to have(especially in gaming), that is like asking is onboard integrated graphics chips better than a 7970. i've had plenty of instances where usb audio driven devices crash in games/audio production and dj'n.. i prefer dedicated sound cards not only for clarity but dedicated stability. an integrated audio chip or usb audio can deliver quality sound but stress and have issues when many sounds(voices) are playing at once.
I would never ever ever buy a USB headset nor would I use the onboard sound. Sound should sound good. I know standards vary massively from person to person but I think most people who buy crappy gaming headsets don't know what real good sound is because they've never experienced it. Even if specifically soundcards disappeared there is a huge amount of USB and Firewire audio interfaces especially for the professional market, but they obviously work fine for listening at home too. But no I don't think soundcards will disappear either.
1. - Honestly, I'd say "no". I can't imagine soundcards having much future when a) there's a massive rise in mobile computing - tablets, smartphones, laptops taking he place of desktops in terms of use-time; b) most people settle with utter rubbish 2.1 speaker systems or 5$ soupcan "headsets" (and that includes the ridiculously overpriced "usb pro gaming true surround 7.1 headsets" too) - in other words - they don't have high enough standards nor the playback tech to even get any true benefit from high grade soundcards.
2. - Depends what you use the system for, and what are you listening to. Do you have a good speaker set-up / good headphones? Will you play music / games / movies? If it is just a coding-computer, or if you just stick your ipod noseplugs in it, then there's no need for spending money on a soundcard. If you have something decent and you plan to actually listen to things on the computer, then yes, get a soundcard.
3. - I definitely would (and have), but then I am somewhat of an audiophile (as if that wasn't obvious by now). Preferably something with a 6in jack and some amplification capabilities. Especially for a high-end build, soundcard would be right up there with gpu and cpu, priority-wise.