I'm currently using the mobo embedded soundcard. I also have 5.1 speaker system. I think FSX supports this but I can't notice it. While considering buying a new soundcard one question comes to mind.Is an external soundcard fine or will it give some kind of problems that won't be the case with an internal soundcard?

Unless you're an audiophile with an expensive speaker system to match, the only question that comes to mind with today's mobos is why would anyone want to buy an expternal sound card? Cheers, - jahman.

Unless you're an audiophile with an expensive speaker system to match, the only question that comes to mind with today's mobos is why would anyone want to buy an expternal sound card? Cheers, - jahman.

Absolutely. And if you are an audiophile, you don't have to ask the differences! The benefit of having a discrete sound card or even a USB dongle, is that programs like Squawkbox, FS2Crew, etc can use the card independently from your embedded card and channel them through a headset.

I am using the USB route, work fine.

Absolutely. And if you're not an audiophile, you don't have to ask the differences! The benefit of having a discrete sound card or even a USB dongle, is that programs like Squawkbox, FS2Crew, etc can use the card independently from your embedded card and channel them through a headset.

Yes, indeed, and the USB sound dongles cost only a fraction of what those fancy sound cards go for. Cheers, - jahman.

Disagree with some of the above. Whilst I'm certainly not an audiophile, I'm not ignorant of it either. I decided to take a punt on the budget xonar DG, and was blown away at the difference between that and on-board sound, particularly through headphones. Google for some reviews, it's impressed about everyone who's tested it as well.

Disagree with some of the above. Whilst I'm certainly not an audiophile, I'm not ignorant of it either. I decided to take a punt on the budget xonar DG, and was blown away at the difference between that and on-board sound, particularly through headphones. Google for some reviews, it's impressed about everyone who's tested it as well.

I sold my X-fi Xtreme (originally $60) because I couldn't tell a difference between it and my on board sound in the things that mattered i.e. FSX. I ended up grabbing an X-Fi "THX" dongle at my local Best Buy. For $35 (or $25 for the Xonar DG) I tend to agree with you. The dongle I picked up is definitely underrated, though. I can plug it into my laptop and it's there that it makes all the difference in my headphones.

I also have a Xonar DG. Dirt cheap, ridiculous power for my headphones

Disagree with some of the above. Whilst I'm certainly not an audiophile, I'm not ignorant of it either. I decided to take a punt on the budget xonar DG, and was blown away at the difference between that and on-board sound, particularly through headphones. Google for some reviews, it's impressed about everyone who's tested it as well.

From what I could see this is an internal PCI card. I wan't to stay away from PCI card since they would disturb the airflow at the graphics card. That's why I asked about external soundcards.

From what I could see this is an internal PCI card. I wan't to stay away from PCI card since they would disturb the airflow at the graphics card. That's why I asked about external soundcards.

What case, mobo & GPU are we talking about?

From what I could see this is an internal PCI card. I wan't to stay away from PCI card since they would disturb the airflow at the graphics card. That's why I asked about external soundcards.

If you're using a single card in the top slot, it shouldn't really affect it at all. Either way I wasn't necessarily suggesting you buy the DG, rather just pointing out that there can be a major difference between onboard and dedicated sound processing. Some of the external jobs will no doubt be just as good, if more pricey.

What case, mobo & GPU are we talking about?

I have a MSI KA780G MOBO and NVIDIA GTS250 1 M videocard. I have a cheap case and don't know its designation. I have removed on side since the GPU overheated and the computer was turned of while playing Napoleon Total War.

I have a MSI KA780G MOBO and NVIDIA GTS250 1 M videocard. I have a cheap case and don't know its designation. I have removed on side since the GPU overheated and the computer was turned of while playing Napoleon Total War.

So forget the sound card... You need a case! Protect those parts in there.

I have a MSI KA780G MOBO and NVIDIA GTS250 1 M videocard. I have a cheap case and don't know its designation. I have removed on side since the GPU overheated and the computer was turned of while playing Napoleon Total War.

If the GPU overheats, try using MSI Afterburner or similar to set a custom fan profile, try to figure out if you have a ventilation problem with that case (remove the side panel and see if you have lower GPU temps without it. If you do, you need better ventilation. Add fans to the case or as Zach suggested, get a decent one)Your mobo has 3 PCI slots and the separation with the GPU is more than enough to have a PCI sound card if you want to

If the GPU overheats, try using MSI Afterburner or similar to set a custom fan profile, try to figure out if you have a ventilation problem with that case (remove the side panel and see if you have lower GPU temps without it. If you do, you need better ventilation. Add fans to the case or as Zach suggested, get a decent one)Your mobo has 3 PCI slots and the separation with the GPU is more than enough to have a PCI sound card if you want to

As I said I have removed one side panel and have been using the computer so for a while now. Without the side panel I can play Napoleon Total War and the temperatures are lower for all program. I have two fans. I only see two PCI card slots and if I place a card in any of them they come very close to the GPU fan which bothers me.Do you mean that it's a bad idea to have a side panel removed permanently?I have been looking at cases but there seems to be nothing god. In customer reviews there is always something bad pointed out. Also will a new case allow me to run the computer without overheating. Can it be as cool as my current with sidepanel removed?