Question Sound Card

[SillyGooseStuff]

I'm looking for some info on if a sound card is really needed.

I'm building a new PC and some new speakers (thinking maybe even a soundbar like razer leviathan v2 x) sound like a good idea.

I'd like to stay under $200 for speakers (or a soundbar) and the same for a sound card if it's needed, but not sure it really is.

Motherboard:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/fG...ifi-atx-lga1700-motherboard-prime-z790-a-wifi

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

looking for some info on if a sound card is really needed

the onboard audio of any decent class board is all that's needed these days for video or gaming output.

if you're doing serious recording/mixing/production then you may consider a professional grade soundcard but most nicer motherboards, and even graphics cards, have very high quality audio processors built-in.
Dolby surround and nicer customization options are pretty much basic these days.

whether going through HDMI, Optical, or 3.5mm you should have no problem with getting good surround sound or stereo output without the use of a dedicated soundcard.

 

[SillyGooseStuff]

the onboard audio of any decent class board is all that's needed these days for video or gaming output.

if you're doing serious recording/mixing/production then you may consider a professional grade soundcard but most nicer motherboards, and even graphics cards, have very high quality audio processors built-in.
Dolby surround and nicer customization options are pretty much basic these days.

whether going through HDMI, Optical, or 3.5mm you should have no problem with getting good surround sound or stereo output without the use of a dedicated soundcard.

About as much as I could have asked for in a response. Much appreciated!

 

[geofelt]

Try onboard sound first.
If you are truly picky you have the option to install a sound card later.

 

[Paperdoc]

You say, "speakers (or a soundbar)". To me that sounds like 2-channel stereo, with or without a subwoofer, and not likely 3.1 or 5.1 Surround Sound. So I'm guessing you do not expect to achieve nth degree sound excellence. For just good-to-damn good sound, the mobo audio system will do nicely, as JohnBonhamsGhost says.

A related item, indirectly linked. Because of the design of video cards, most nowadays have their own sound chip on them just so they can feed sound to your MONITOR through the HDMI cable, IF your monitor has speakers installed. JohnBonhamsGhost referred to that. IF you plan to use such a sound system, almost always that type has NO Surround Sound ability - only common 2-channel stereo. So again you cannot get fancy advanced audio from that sound system, and simpler speakers would do well.