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Are You Tired of Subpar Audio Quality? Upgrade to a Sound Card Today!
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are a music lover, a gamer or someone who needs high-quality audio output, you would understand the importance of having a good sound card. Audio quality is often overlooked, but it is a critical aspect of the overall user experience.
In this blog post, we will explore everything related to sound cards. We will discuss the benefits of a sound card, the different types of sound cards available, how to install a sound card, and provide a top ten list of the best sound cards available in 2021.
Benefits of a Sound Card
A sound card is a piece of computer hardware responsible for processing audio signals. Almost every computer today has a built-in sound card, but these are often low-quality and fail to produce the desired output. Upgrading to a dedicated sound card has several benefits:
- Improved Sound Quality: A dedicated sound card delivers high-quality sound with improved clarity, detail, and depth. It can support high-quality digital audio files and output sound that is closer to what the artist intended.
- Reduced System Load: When you use a built-in sound card, the CPU processes all the audio files. This can put undue stress on your computer, and your system may slow down. Upgrading to a dedicated sound card offloads this workload, freeing up your CPU and improving the overall system performance.
- Enhanced Gaming Experience: Gaming is an experience that reaches out to all your senses, including sound. A sound card can provide a more immersive gaming experience by delivering sound effects, music, and dialogue with better fidelity, clarity and accuracy
- Potential for Customization: Sound cards come with software that allows you to customize your soundscape further. You can adjust the frequencies, apply equalizers, and add spacial effects to your audio output.
Types of Sound Cards
Sound cards come in different types, with varying specifications and features. Here are the most commonly available types of sound cards:
| Sound Card | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| USB Sound Card | A dedicated sound card connected via USB. It can support max 7.1ch output and has limited processing power. | Users with laptops or modern audio systems |
| PCI Sound Card | Internal sound card that plugs into a PCI slot. It has better audio processing and supports low latency. | Users with desktop computers who require stable and high-quality audio output |
| PCIe Sound Card | Similar to a PCI sound card, the PCIe sound card connects to a PCIe slot on the motherboard. | Users with modern motherboards that support PCIe |
| External Sound Card | A sound card that connects to a computer through an external port. It can support 7.1ch output and has more processing power than a USB card. | Users with desktops and laptops who require high-quality audio processing and customization, game streamers, and music producers. |
How to Install a Sound Card
Installing a sound card is a straightforward process, and you can do it on your own. Before installing, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment:
- The sound card you want to install
- A screwdriver
- Antistatic wrist strap
- The sound card driver software
Here are the steps to install a sound card:
- Open your computer case and locate the empty PCI or PCIe slot where you want to install your card.
- Remove the metal plate that covers the slot.
- Put on an antistatic wrist strap to prevent static electricity from damaging your computer components.
- Carefully insert the sound card into the empty slot, and screw it securely onto the computer case.
- Turn on your computer, and it will detect the new hardware and prompt you to install the drivers. Insert the driver CD that comes with your new sound card and follow the installation instructions. If your new sound card didn’t come with a driver CD, then you can always download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
- Restart your computer, and you’re done!
Top 10 Sound Cards in 2021
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of a sound card and the different types, it’s time to check out the top 10 sound cards in 2021. We’ve sorted these based on the latest user reviews and specifications.
- ASUS XONAR SE
Price: $39.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 5.1-channel surround sound
User reviews: 4.3/5 - Creative Sound Blaster Audigy RX
Price: $69.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 7.1-channel surround sound, EAX 3.0, Karaoke mode
User reviews: 4.2/5 - StarTech.com 7.1 USB Audio Adapter External Sound Card
Price: $49.99
Specifications: USB 2.0 interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 7.1-channel surround sound
User reviews: 4.6/5 - Creative Sound Blaster Z
Price: $149.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 5.1-channel surround sound, EAX 5.0, CrystalVoice technology
User reviews: 4.3/5 - Asus Essence STX II
Price: $299.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 7.1-channel surround sound, audiophile-grade components, swappable op-amp sockets
User reviews: 4.5/5 - EVGA NU Audio Card
Price: $249.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 384kHz/32-bit Hi-Res audio, 7.1-channel surround sound, audiophile-grade components, RGB lighting
User reviews: 4.3/5 - Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus
Price: $149.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 7.1-channel surround sound, RGB lighting, customizable Aurora lighting
User reviews: 4.5/5 - ASUS Essence STX II 7.1
Price: $369.99
Specifications: PCI-E interface, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio, 7.1-channel surround sound, audiophile-grade components, swappable op-amp sockets, asynchronous USB audio
User reviews: 4.6/5 - Creative Sound BlasterX G6
Price: $149.99
Specifications: USB and optical interfaced, 130dB DNR, Dolby Digital decoding, 7.1 discrete surround sound, customizable RGB lighting
User reviews: 4.7/5
Upgrade Your Audio Experience Today!
In conclusion, if you are tired of subpar audio quality, upgrading to a sound card is an excellent option. A sound card is an easy way to enhance your music-listening, gaming, and movie-watching experience. We hope that this article has been informative, and you can now select the best sound card that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do sound cards improve audio quality?
Yes, a dedicated sound card delivers high-quality sound with improved clarity, detail and depth. It can support high-quality digital audio files and output sound that is closer to what the artist intended.
What types of sound cards are available?
Sound cards come in different types, with varying specifications and features. The most commonly available types of sound cards are USB sound cards, PCI sound cards, PCIe sound cards, and external sound cards.
How do I install a sound card?
Installing a sound card is a straightforward process that you can do on your own. First, open your computer case and locate the empty PCI or PCIe slot where you want to install your card. Remove the metal plate that covers the slot and insert the sound card carefully. Screw it securely onto the computer case and install the sound card driver software.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a sound card?
The benefits of upgrading to a sound card include improved sound quality, reduced system load, enhanced gaming experience, and potential for customization.
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