Sound Card

[Isy]

Hey guys,
thinking of buying a sound card, never had one before. Been using onboard sound for years, but I have a bit of spare cash and want to drop it on a sound card. What kind of card would you recommend for a newcomer?

[Freakshow2599]

This is a great one for 79.99$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102024&cm_re=Creative_soundblaster-_-29-102-024-_-Product

This one is even better for 199.99$ Depending on how much money you want to spend
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102024&cm_re=Creative_soundblaster-_-29-102-024-_-Product

[Baron_Fel]

What about ASUS's Xonar cards?

[caveman26]

one thing to also think about if buying a new sound card is what speakers are you going to use

[Freakshow2599]

one thing to also think about if buying a new sound card is what speakers are you going to use

Yes, you need 5.1 surround sound speakers, OR a good 5.1 headset to completely enjoy a good sound card.

[Isy]

Probably don't have one. I'd need a 5.1 headset in that case (don't like speakers, microphone is essential).

[joemtnbike]

Probably don't have one. I'd need a 5.1 headset in that case (don't like speakers, microphone is essential).

Then you wont need a sound card. Use USB surround headset like the Logitech G35s

[WeAreLegion]

Yes, you need 7.1 surround sound speakers, OR a good Sennheiser headset to completely enjoy a good sound card.

Fixed that.

[darkkterror]

Probably don't have one. I'd need a 5.1 headset in that case (don't like speakers, microphone is essential).

I prefer to use 5.1 surround sound speakers and a headset for vent only. I don't like when the game sounds and vent come through the same set of speakers; the games makes vent hard to hear and I don't like muting the game. By having the game come through my 5.1 speakers and vent only come through my headset I can still enjoy the game's sounds AND hear vent clearly.

[GoDMiN]

Sound card still offer more than a USB headset does, especially for competitive players. A sound card is a must imo if you want to stay on the top of the score board in games like CSS, or other FPS games. If you're not playing FPS games sound isn't as important imo, so keep that in mind.

Anyway down to business, dpending on your budget one of these "GoDM1N kits of awesome sound card/headphone" would be a good way to spend your money on sound

$300
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102019

SENNHEISER HD555
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106392&Tpk=hd555




$200 (This is what I use)

Creative PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006

SENNHEISER HD555
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106392&Tpk=hd555





$150 ( lot of pro gamers use this setup)

Creative PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006

SENNHEISER PC151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106157&Tpk=PC151




$100

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102007

SENNHEISER PC151
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106157&Tpk=PC151

I prefer to use 5.1 surround sound speakers and a headset for vent only. I don't like when the game sounds and vent come through the same set of speakers; the games makes vent hard to hear and I don't like muting the game. By having the game come through my 5.1 speakers and vent only come through my headset I can still enjoy the game's sounds AND hear vent clearly.

You could just go in the options and turn the games master volume down :p until you find the balance you like.