Do we really need a sound card ?

[Guest Dominique]

It may sound (pun not intended) strange not to have a sound card on a new game-oriented computer. It seems however that the newest motherboards have AC 97 5.1 6 channels integrated chips of very good standing. So does a card really help the cpu to cope (gnawing you a few fps) and then is useful or is is a waste of money if you don't use your rig for "Computer Assisted Music"? :-violinDominique

[Guest ccgr]

If you don't mind the slight FPS loss, use the onboard sound. I see no point in speaning extra money for features you won't use.

[wsieffert 0]

I agree with ccgr. It all depends on the quality of the on-board chip. I am using a CMedia 8738 on a Soyo Dragon+ and it is a very good chip. I also have very good quality speakers to go along with it.

[Guest]

If you read this article you will see using the audio chipset on theAsus NForce2 motherboard will actually improve performance!http://www6.tomshardware.com/game/20030405/index.htmlFaxCap

[Guest georgi55]

For now I try to seperate everything from Mabo including Network, sound, IEEE1394 (ilink/fireware), and so on.The reason being is that way I can buy a cheap $50 mabo whenever I want to upghrade my CPU.Otherwise everytime I want to upgrade to new brand CPU that won't fit in my current MaboI will have to look for mabo that has everything I need and it will cost me over $100.