New Head set - Do I need a new sound card?

dorx

Reputable
Mar 26, 2014
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Greetings! I've recently acquired a Sennheiser G4me Zero. I'm quite the rookie regarding sound, so I got it without considering a sound card to go with it.

I currently got a Z87-Deluxe motherboard, which seems to do fine in many ways, but I'm not sure how it supports my new headset. I'm not satisfied with the volume on my microphone, and I'm not sure how much of the 7.1 sound experience I'm able to enjoy with the on-board sound. I also got Windows 8.1. Thought I'd mention that as well as there seem to be some issues with W8 and sound cards.

I really lack the knowledge to distinguish a good sound card from a bad one. Know nothing about what speccs to look for or if a head set can have 7.1 sound at all. So any input would be appreciated!