post_break

I know nothing about sound cards, Im the kind of guy that thinks onboard audio is fine just the way it is and well I know now I need a sound card. The onboard on my brand new mobo sucks. There is noise, it cuts out once in a blue moon, ect. I just want an opinion on what I should look for in a sound card. Im on a very low budget and I probably wont get one in a month or so but lets say I had $100, what would any of my audio pimps suggest? You guys steered me twords the 6600GT and Im loving it, I know you guys can do it again. I didnt exactly know where to put this so I hope you dont mind me putting it in here. Well its 3:30 in the morning so good night!

__________________

Rob

All I've got to say is get the Audigy 2 ZS or the Audigy 2 ZS Gamer's Edition (only difference is the extra games). I've got it and it's easily adaptable to 3.1, 5.1, and 7.1 surround sound. Granted, there's not a lot out there offered in 7.1, but Creative Labs includes a 7.1 sampler disc with it and you won't be disappointed!

LINK to regular version

LINK to Gamer version (plus $50 mail-in rebate making the card only $64.00 after rebate)

Rob

__________________

Cyno01

Second the audigy 2ZS gamer. Worth it just for the included games (though they are a bit old now). And it sounds great with my 5.1 setup

__________________

post_break

Thanks guys, I look into that card. Im not sure if I will have $100 just lying around anytime soon though. I like the color.

__________________

godfoot

If you are not really a serious audio nut, you could easily save yourself some money by getting a SoundBlaster Live 5.1 (any variety, I have the +mp3 one) card or the 7.1 variety as well.
If you really hate Creatives drivers like I do, then you can still get a quality card such as the:

Turtle Beach Catalina 7.1 (Retail) $49.99
Turtle Beach Catalina 7.1 (OEM) $45.99

Or if you don't mind Creative's driver issues (not everyone has problems with them), you could try:

Creative SB Live 24bit 7.1 (OEM) $29.00

__________________

koolgreen

I third the Audigy 2 ZS. Great sound card. Easy to install, and doesn't have many problems. I had a problem with the control center software, but that's because I was having problems with the WIN (windows installer service) So all in all it's a kick @$$ card, and if you buy it you won't regret it. Also Creative is also good on making new drivers.( like the new XP 64 drivers)

__________________

4rm4g3dd0n

godfoot, i agree with you on creatives drivers they suck. they dont play nice with windows, and they just dont play nice in general. i still use creative cards though cause their hardware is still the best out there, especially the audigy series...

__________________

godfoot

Yeah, their cards are good no disputing that (especially if the kX Audio Project drivers will work for you).
I just put those others out there in case post_break isn't a true audio nut as they will save him some money and still have 7.1 channel capability.
That said, if I had the money I wouldn't buy any of those listed (but I would also be spending upwards of $500 for the card I REALLY want).

__________________

post_break

I dont really want to spend all that much money. I mean $50 is a little high for me. I just want crisp sound without noise, my onboard has horrible noise. I dont even have computer speakers, Im running my speakers through just the video input of a big radio.

__________________

Highperf15

Quote: Originally Posted by post_break I dont really want to spend all that much money. I mean $50 is a little high for me. I just want crisp sound without noise, my onboard has horrible noise. I dont even have computer speakers, Im running my speakers through just the video input of a big radio.

Hell, get what I got.......the Audgy LS for $30............and that's at Walmart.........heh

__________________

Fred_G

Have you tried updating your drivers for your motherboard? My current board with onboard sound worked great for a while, then in certain games the sound would break up. A driver update fixed the problem for me.

Might be worth a shot, and it is free.

Good luck.

E

__________________

post_break

Well theres a small problem in that, there are only one set of drivers for my motherboard so far... which stinks. That sounds good highperf! Just the ticket.

__________________

Cyno01

Yeah, any card would work, i think me and Rob were reccomending the 2ZS gamer because of the value of the included games.

__________________

THRiLL KiLL

i was like you.... onboard sound was fine for me...

i have a fast computer.... and yet i was having slowdowns in my games... the source was the onboard soundcard... i upgraded to a soundblaster audigy.... and things got a ton better...

when buying a card stick with creative labs... they have the best driver support... and they have the game manufactures support ( games are made with thier cards in mind)


the only time i would tell you not to upgrade is if you have a nforce chipset.... nividia has one of the best soundcards on the market....


also if you go generic... go on newegg.com and read the reviews b4 you buy

__________________

lobey

Just got my Audigy Gamer Edition from Feded today, and I can definitely say that it is way better than the onboard sound of my Gigabyte board. Definitely upgrade off of the onboard sound, even if it is just a Sound Blaster from Walmart like mentioned before. You won't regret it.

Seikatsu

You really aren't going to find a decent sound card for under $50 Unless you want one that has your CPU do its work for it. (Envy24, etc.)

For sound cards, only one Creative Labs is good enough.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102178


$71.00 maybe be sound pricey for a sound card, just remember... you get what you pay for, and nothing more.

So pay for it cash, or pay for it in grievances.