New build: Soundcard pointless?

[Sakkath]

Hi,
I'm just about to build a new system (mainly for games playing and programming) based on the Conroe E6600, 2GB RAM, 8800 GTS and probably the Gigabyte 965P-DS3 M/B (not interested in SLI and had multiple bad experiences with MSI motherboards).

My question is about the soundcard. I have happily coped with onboard sound up until now, and I really can't see that it's worth spending $110 (~7% of the value of the new system) on an X-Fi soundcard (which seems to be the only one recommended).

Is it really that much better sound than the onboard chip? Or does it really offload that much CPU power?

I'd appreciate the advice, as I'm strugglung to see why anyone would want to buy a soundcard nowadays unless they're a real music buff, or really into sound editing/processing.

Thanks,

Sakk

[Fozzik]

It depends on the app. Onboard sound these days is getting better and better...but depending on the amount of fancy processing that a particular game or other app uses, it could make a signficant difference.

Why do I only recommend the X-Fi? Because as far as I know there is no other soundcard that carries almost universal first-hand support from all developers, and that has the kind of crazy processing power that the X-Fi does.

Will it have an effect on performance in some games? Yep. Is it enough to justify the investment? *shrug* That's your call.

As far as sound quality goes, unless you are an audio person who is doing really fancy stuff and has a highly trained ear, I don't think most people would be able to tell the difference between onboard HD audio and a soundcard. If you are using a fancy surround setup, then maybe...but otherwise I think performance is really the reason to get a soundcard, not quality.

[Sakkath]

Thanks for your input Fozz.

I certainly agree the X-Fi seems way ahead of other offerings in the market. I typically use headphones or TFT speakers and am happy with that (maybe too many loud concerts stops me appreciating the finer subtleties of a good setup!)

Any ideas on quantifying the benefit to processing power that the X-Fi will give me over the onboard sound? I'm mulling over the idea of putting the $110 towards upgrading to the E6700, or 8800 GTX, or a decent water-cooling setup to overclock the E6600, and wondering if that wouldn't give a better bang for buck to my processing power?

[Julianr]

Oooh oooh, let me weigh in my 2 cents!

You absolutely do not need to be a sound expert to hear the difference between onboard and an x-fi. However, like the rest of your computer components. Your sound will only be as good as your worst component. No point getting a good soundcard and using TFT speakers with it. If you get a good soundcard, getting some good headphones is the cheapest way to get the benefit. I can guarantee if you spend the same amount on a pair of headphones, you will definitely notice the difference. That is, unless you really are deaf!;) I wrote a long thread on some different headphones if you decide to go that way.

I've tried watercooling before and for me it wasnt worth the hassle. I'm getting a good after market aircooler with my 6600. The performance difference is negligible and trust me, its a lot less pain in the butt.

If I were you and didnt want to spend the money on sound, I'd probably get the better video card if you were running at a real high resolution. If not, I'd just bank it or have a night on the town! :D

Thanks for your input Fozz.

I certainly agree the X-Fi seems way ahead of other offerings in the market. I typically use headphones or TFT speakers and am happy with that (maybe too many loud concerts stops me appreciating the finer subtleties of a good setup!)

Any ideas on quantifying the benefit to processing power that the X-Fi will give me over the onboard sound? I'm mulling over the idea of putting the $110 towards upgrading to the E6700, or 8800 GTX, or a decent water-cooling setup to overclock the E6600, and wondering if that wouldn't give a better bang for buck to my processing power?

[Sakkath]

Thanks Julian

I'm running dual 1280x1024 TFTs, but usually only play games on 1 rather than have them span.

I was half contemplating buying a widescreen TFT (like the 24" dell) and using that alongside one of my 19" 1280x1024. Maybe that would make it worth getting a GTX.

I have some good headphones (SpeedLink Medusa SL-8793 5.1 ProGamer), but they're too big and actually give me neck-ache wearing them! So I use a little gaming headset or the TFT speakers. I'll do a search and see what headphones you recommended.