Best Computer Internal Sound Cards in 2022

Last update: December 26, 2022

Can I replace Realtek HD Audio?

If you want to replace Realtek HD Audio, you can do so by downloading and installing a new audio driver. Many audio drivers are available for free online. Simply choose the one that is compatible with your operating system and audio card.

Do computers have sound cards?

Computers have sound cards in order to generate sound. The sound is generated by the computer's processor and sent to the sound card, which then converts it into an electrical signal that can be amplified and sent to speakers.

Do motherboards have built in sound cards?

No, motherboards do not have built in sound cards. Sound cards are typically expansion cards that are installed in a computer.

Do people still use sound cards?

Sound cards are physical hardware devices that are installed inside a computer. The sound card converts digital data into an analog signal that can be output to speakers or headphones. While most computers now come with built-in sound cards, some people still choose to purchase and install separate sound cards. There are a few reasons for this, including the desire for higher-quality sound or the need for specific features that are not available on built-in sound cards.


EVGA Nu Audio Card, 712-P1-AN01-KR, Lifelike Audio, PCIe, RGB LED, Designed with Audio Note Review:


The decision to buy this sound card was purely impulsive and slightly dangerous. Since it is EVGA's first sound card, there aren't any reviews. Previous It was a really good card, especially with new OPamps, that I had for about 7 years with my Asus Essence ST card. However, the time has come to replace my outdated system, and the new motherboard lacks a PCI slot. With the exception of the DAC's inability to adequately charge my HD580, I utilized Topping Dx3 Pro for about a month and was mostly satisfied. I started looking for sound cards based on the AK4493 chip because I liked its sound, but I eventually settled on the new EVGA Nu Audio.When I first held the card, I was impressed by its robust construction. I set it up on my computer and turned it on, which is when my card difficulties began. The EVGA website provided drivers for Win7 x64, but after installation, the card was unable to activate and remained unrecognized in Device Manager. Numerous installation-deinstallation cycles and reboots were unsuccessful in initializing the card. Funny to say, but I eventually installed Win10 drivers, however I had to disable the motherboard's integrated USB 3.0 controller. The action wasn't obvious. The card is now operational, but I am unable to switch to 32 bit sound and some parameters are lost. It is best to leave it alone as long as it continues to function and no new drivers are available.Sound quality is the primary consideration in sound card reviews (obviously). First, I discovered that the 600 Ohm headphone support is just for testing, as the HD580's 300 Ohm impedance cannot produce loud enough sound. For me, it was the card's initial issue, but it could be fixed. The installation of APO Equalizer and changing the Preamp filter to 8 Db addressed the issue. Second, I anticipated a fantastic result from a $250 sound card, but I was disappointed. The sound was accurate and decent, but it wasn't thrilling enough to make me want to revisit music albums, watch movies from my collection again, or play a game. But we persist and look for simple solutions. I chose the Burson V5i OPamp from earlier trials with swappable OPamps since it is a very good OPamp that can significantly alter the sound quality of a media device. I was able to enjoy the well made card and its design before the OP275 was swapped out for a more respectable OPamp because I'm a radiotechnician by further education. I can now claim that these measures have had a wow-effect due to the extraordinary change in sound quality! Even with HD580, which are monitor sound headphones, the bass is powerful and deep. Bright, crystal-clear highs don't zap the brain. However, they are not as good as they were on Dx3 Pro. Overall, the audio is clear, detailed, and well-balanced.Pros in brief include: excellent sound quality (with V5i). Cons include the cost (with V5i), a poor amp for 300 Ohm headphones, coitus during installation, and driver issues (so far).Maybe after getting new drivers and buying new headphones, I'll update this information.



Sound Card for the Raspberry Pi with inbuilt microphone Review:


I truly need and want this product to work, but I haven't experienced complete success yet. Yes, it plays. From recollection, wav files retain excellent audio quality, but I haven't yet been able to get it to record from the line-in connectors.Revision: I was able to get in touch with Matt at AudioInjector through their website at forum.audioinjector.net, and he was incredibly helpful. He gave me suggestions for what to try and eventually sent me a replacement board that worked well right out of the box.This device might be the only one for the RPi that features both an ADC and a DAC. The DAC is all that the majority of cheap USB audio adapters have. I needed a means to capture vinyl sounds using the Raspberry Pi. (Why would I want to do that?) It certainly works great for this. The sound is amazing in the resulting.wav file since I am feeding the AudioInjector from a moving-magnet, RIAA equalized preamp connected to my turntable, which has a Shure M97xe cartridge. Although some setup is required, you learn a lot in the process, and all the information is available on the forum. For advice on how to get the most of this device, pay particular attention to the Setup and Installation topic and the Dumping Vinyl thread.This is a must-have for Raspberry Pi users due to the excellent product, outstanding customer service, and very low pricing.



Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp Review:


Since the release of the original SB 2.0 in 1991, I have only occasionally purchased Turtle Beach cards, most recently in 1993. I first fell in love with SoundFonts on the Awe32. Early on, I produced a lot of music in Adlib (ROL), which I then translated to MIDI using General MIDI SoundFonts. I used to experiment with the noises you could create with different packs for hours after downloading them. SoundFont compatibility has been declining over the last few Sound Blaster generations, starting with the X-Fi. My most recent Sound Blaster, the Z, did not at all support SoundFonts. To 99.9% of the population, this wouldn't be a big problem, but it was a little heartbreaking for me. For playing my old MIDI music, I was forced to use the Windows MIDI mapper, which is quite terrible.So I conducted some research, and what do you know? The Audigy RX new, which is essentially the Audigy 5, is still available and supports SoundFont in its entirety. Actually, it contains TWO internal MIDI synthesizers. As soon as I got it, I yanked out my Sound Blaster Z, put this bad boy in, and discovered the exact same 8MB SoundFont set I used to use back in the day. For the first time in more than 10 years, I was able to play my old MIDI music in all of its magnificent quality.I got two of them, one to use right away and the other to store in case this one ever stops working and SoundFonts are no longer supported by anything. What is the state of the globe these days?I just have one little criticism: I wish the backplate had a more matte texture or that the jacks on the back were color-coded. Even with a light, it is nearly impossible to see the symbols on the metal due to how dazzling it is. I'll probably get a 5.1 surround A/V receiver and connect it to the digital audio connector, which resembles the sort found on the majority of home A/V equipment.It's a shame that sound cards are becoming obsolete in modern culture. If they want anything better than on-board, the majority of folks will use the USB interface. Digital audio workstation (DAW) software with VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins for instrument sounds is replacing MIDI. Although SoundFonts essentially did that, other manufacturers never adopted the technology either because it was proprietary or for some other reason. Oh well.Anyhow, this sound card was able to satisfy a very specific need that I'm confident the majority of readers won't have. Since it is a Creative product, you may run EAX effects in games or for fun, plus it has outstanding DACs. This sound card would offload sound processing from your CPU if the program you're using supports it, although on modern systems, I doubt it would affect game frame rates by more than.0001 FPS.A karaoke program is just one of the many humorous gimmicks in the software. In fact, practically every effect accessible for input (dual microphones) and output (EAX effects) has the ability to adjust the pitch, suggesting that this card was built specifically with karaoke in mind. You also receive the typical Sound Blaster / EAX goodies, such as the 20 distinct reverb, echo, and sound staging settings (bathroom, living room, cathedral, etc.).Purchase sound cards. Support this quirky pastime. Purchase sound cards that still support SoundFont and MIDI. Purchase these, and then connect the greatest headphones and speakers you can. Demand the highest audio quality you can. Avoid using USB, Bluetooth, and other devices that just increase delay and reduce sound quality.Overall: 5/5, fantastic value, and includes all the capabilities you could possibly need—and a few more—in a sound card!



Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp Review:


Since the release of the original SB 2.0 in 1991, I have only occasionally purchased Turtle Beach cards, most recently in 1993. I first fell in love with SoundFonts on the Awe32. Early on, I produced a lot of music in Adlib (ROL), which I then translated to MIDI using General MIDI SoundFonts. I used to experiment with the noises you could create with different packs for hours after downloading them. SoundFont compatibility has been declining over the last few Sound Blaster generations, starting with the X-Fi. My most recent Sound Blaster, the Z, did not at all support SoundFonts. To 99.9% of the population, this wouldn't be a big problem, but it was a little heartbreaking for me. For playing my old MIDI music, I was forced to use the Windows MIDI mapper, which is quite terrible.So I conducted some research, and what do you know? The Audigy RX new, which is essentially the Audigy 5, is still available and supports SoundFont in its entirety. Actually, it contains TWO internal MIDI synthesizers. As soon as I got it, I yanked out my Sound Blaster Z, put this bad boy in, and discovered the exact same 8MB SoundFont set I used to use back in the day. For the first time in more than 10 years, I was able to play my old MIDI music in all of its magnificent quality.I got two of them, one to use right away and the other to store in case this one ever stops working and SoundFonts are no longer supported by anything. What is the state of the globe these days?I just have one little criticism: I wish the backplate had a more matte texture or that the jacks on the back were color-coded. Even with a light, it is nearly impossible to see the symbols on the metal due to how dazzling it is. I'll probably get a 5.1 surround A/V receiver and connect it to the digital audio connector, which resembles the sort found on the majority of home A/V equipment.It's a shame that sound cards are becoming obsolete in modern culture. If they want anything better than on-board, the majority of folks will use the USB interface. Digital audio workstation (DAW) software with VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins for instrument sounds is replacing MIDI. Although SoundFonts essentially did that, other manufacturers never adopted the technology either because it was proprietary or for some other reason. Oh well.Anyhow, this sound card was able to satisfy a very specific need that I'm confident the majority of readers won't have. Since it is a Creative product, you may run EAX effects in games or for fun, plus it has outstanding DACs. This sound card would offload sound processing from your CPU if the program you're using supports it, although on modern systems, I doubt it would affect game frame rates by more than.0001 FPS.A karaoke program is just one of the many humorous gimmicks in the software. In fact, practically every effect accessible for input (dual microphones) and output (EAX effects) has the ability to adjust the pitch, suggesting that this card was built specifically with karaoke in mind. You also receive the typical Sound Blaster / EAX goodies, such as the 20 distinct reverb, echo, and sound staging settings (bathroom, living room, cathedral, etc.).Purchase sound cards. Support this quirky pastime. Purchase sound cards that still support SoundFont and MIDI. Purchase these, and then connect the greatest headphones and speakers you can. Demand the highest audio quality you can. Avoid using USB, Bluetooth, and other devices that just increase delay and reduce sound quality.Overall: 5/5, fantastic value, and includes all the capabilities you could possibly need—and a few more—in a sound card!



Pimoroni pHAT DAC 24-bit/192KHz Sound Card for Raspberry Pi Zero / A+ / B+ / Raspberry Pi 2 Model B Review:


It's assembled, according to the description, and fits the Pi Zero W nicely. Be not deceived. The board's headers are NOT soldered to it. They are not "assembled," as you must do that yourself. Aside from that, I've observed that the sound quality is much, much worse. I purchased this item with the intention of using it in a tabletop arcade system, however given the sound quality of this specific model, I may reconsider. I'm not sure if it's because of the limits of the Pi Zero or something else.Additionally, neither board amplifies the audio output jack in any way. You will need a separate amp to drive amplified speakers if you plan to utilize them.



Creative 70SB174000000 Sound BlasterX AE-5 Hi-Resolution PCIe Gaming Sound Card Review:


I should start by stating that I am in no way an authentic audiophile or sound engineer. I simply enjoy good-sounding music and can distinguish between boring and engaging sounds.I was immediately struck by how lovely the card seems in person. While some cards have attractive aesthetics, most look very plain when their PCB is revealed. In my opinion, this is the best option. The integrated hardware is adequate; nothing remarkable; drivers are installed automatically; more information may be found on their website. To power this card, you must have an extra molex power cable handy to plug into it. The other connector is for RGB, which I presently do not use but which is excellent for individuals who enjoy illuminating their builds. With one exception, the front audio connector connections are good (will mention below). As anticipated, the back connections appear to be of great quality and are durable.The Sound Blaster Connect 2 application was easy to use once the card was configured. The straightforward EQ is one of my favorite characteristics. The Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro headphones I now use have a slightly harsh high end. I reduced the top end by -6db using the EQ. They now seem a lot smoother to me. You may also save several EQ settings for different configurations or preferences on top of that. Moving the sliders from 0 to 100 clearly reveals the sound blaster effects options (such as surround simulation, crystalizer, bass, vocal, and smart volume), which all function quite well. They can be be customized and saved for a variety of devices. One thing to keep in mind is that the EQ and sound effect upgrades will be skipped if you choose the direct headphone or direct stereo output choices in the software, which will provide the best possible, unfiltered sound to your device. Purists who want the greatest replication of recordings on expensive gear typically do this. On ordinary listening devices, most individuals won't be able to tell the difference.The discrete headphone amp, which is one of the additional capabilities advertised on this card, is excellent for anyone who wants the benefits of the DAC/amp without having to set up a separate device on their desk. With regular phones powering them, my headphones sound nice, but they never get so loud or have such a dramatic sound. When connected to this card, they become extremely dynamic and have the ability to be ear-shatteringly loud while remaining audible. Your brain will rumble just from the bass. But I've discovered that there is a distinction between the rear headphone connector and the front panel connector, which is a conventional headphone port. Both sound fantastic, but the rear connector is more protected and ultimately sounds louder and cleaner (in my opinion). This might be the case because the headphone amplifier sounds better coming from the rear port, but it will force you to awkwardly plug your headphones into the back of your computer.I use a Klipsch 2.1 speaker system for my desktop. Regardless of the audio processing capabilities of your PC, they sound very decent, but with this card, they sound MUCH better. With this little arrangement, I can now shake the entire space as well as rooms close. The outcome of this immediately amazed me, and I've been jamming all of my prior songs to them as though it were the first time I've ever heard music. With stronger speakers and speaker amps, I suppose you could really push some high-quality audio, especially considering how much less expensive this card is than mid-tier and upper-tier DACs.Some issues with the card include: -Audio playback may cease when switching between the interface's audio outputs (for example, switching from headphones to a desktop speaker during playback), which may necessitate restarting the audio source.-I experienced problems with the rear input connector, but I was able to get by with the front panel input with my microphone (an Antlion Mod Mic 5.0).-For me, the input audio is pretty quiet. I have the input gain set to the maximum, so my voice is picked up at a normal loudness.- The main problem is that, in order to really take advantage of what this card can do for your PC, you will probably need to start spending more money on better speakers and headphones. But you already knew that was what you wanted, right?With the few complaints I have, this is a solid 4.5 overall, but I raised the rating to a 5 because it is unquestionably an improvement over a 4. This is a wonderful place to start for the price if you haven't already delved into improved audio processing. Once everything is set up, you'll realize right away what you've been missing.



ASUS XONAR DG Headphone Amp & PCI 5.1 Audio Card Review:


Best Sound Card by far for the money. Without a doubt. Buy this if you're looking for a sound card that costs less than $50.I have a degree in computer science, work as a network engineer, and have been constructing computers since I was 10 years old. (Therefore, I can spot a quality product when I see one, especially given the price.)If you like, you can decide to accept my credentials. I am aware that this card is "online," but the important thing to note is that it has an excellent Signal to Noise level, a built-in amplifier, and a superb chipset to any "on-board" audio. I personally replaced a very good motherboard's audio (Asus Z87-Pro) with this card.You will benefit from this in a few ways:1) If you often tinker with the settings in teamspeak, gaming, ventrilo, skype, etc. because your headset's microphone is too quiet... This card will almost certainly help you resolve this problem. It worked for all of my too-quiet headsets and microphones.2) This card will enhance the audio quality of any headset, from the most affordable 7.1 headset to the most costly one available (Over on board audio).3) Although the amplifier is not overly powerful, it is sufficient to provide a cleaner signal at a lower "volume" level, improving sound quality and making precise directed sounds considerably more perceptible. (Example: In an FPS game, the footsteps of your foe, or the subtleties in the music, etc.)The card is PCI-E. The Slot needs to be around 1" wide for this to fit. It won't fit in a PCI slot, but if you require it, this PCI version is a few dollars less expensive and performs the same function: http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-XONAR-Headphone-Audio-Card/dp/B0045JHJSS5) The outputs on this card DO provide TRUE 5.1 surround sound. It features separate analog outputs for your Sub(s), Side speakers, and another analog output for your Front speakers (and rear speakers would go on this) (3 in total).6) Should you decide to use or require SPDIF (Digital Fiber Optic Audio Out), the card includes that feature.7) This card has front-to-rear and rear-to-front jack detection that is automatic. Even my on-board audio needed me to click "ok" when I connected a microphone or headset to the front socket; however, this card detects this automatically, so you don't need to take any action. Quite practical.8) The Xonar DGX Audio Center software that comes with this card is AMAZING and includes features like: Volume, Smart Volume, Mute, DSP Modes (HF and GX), Audio Channels (2 Channels to 8 Channels), Sample Rate (Up to PCM 96 KHz), Analog Out Options (Headphones, Speaker Options/Configuration, etc.), SPDIF Out Options, and Dolby Headphone Simulation of 5.1 and/or 7.1. (and it WORKS lol). It includes a mixer. It includes built-in Effects. It has "FlexBass" pre-set and Karaoke Settings built in (why, I don't know). With the amplifier and frequency you set it at, a cross over basically increases your bass levels. It has AEC (Accoustics Echo Cancellation), which enables you to use a microphone and cancel out background noise when your desktop speakers are on. VocalFX (as the name suggests, vocal options) are available. — For VOIP, for example, 3D Games VoiceEX, Local VoiceEX (Skype, etc) - The bathroom, the hallway, etc. Default, Monster, Cartoon, Male, Female (Changes your voice to those things) — "Magic Voice"9) Ignore the CD that comes with it; instead, find the Card on the Asus website and download the driver and software there. When you have finished installing the single setup.exe/rar (compressed) file, you are ready to configure the aforementioned Xonar DGX Audio Center.I've posted a review of the card on YouTube, under the user name ikoslog, which stands for Gizmo Gallery. But there are MANY evaluations of this card online, and the vast majority of them are excellently positive.Finally, whether your vehicle has on-board audio. or any issues with the headset. Or perhaps there's a bothersome noise you can't get out of your speakers — Purchase the card. Again, it is by far the finest for the money. Contrary to several reviews, the software (latest) from the website works right away without any problems and is comparable to $50–100 cards (this is on Win 8.1 Pro 64 Bit).Be careful,



SHINESTAR PCIe Sound Card, 5.1 Internal Sound Card for PC Windows 10 with Low Profile Bracket, 3D Stereo PCI-e Audio Card, CMI8738 Chip 32/64 Bit Sound Card PCI Express Adapter Review:


I have a few brand-new HP desktop PCs with built-in audio that is unstable (known issue that is discussed in forums and is driving people crazy). Yes, I could have returned the PCs, but before realizing this, I had already set up everything, loaded the necessary software, etc. I turned off the onboard audio and put these cheap cards; thus far, everything has worked flawlessly and all of the earlier audio issues have vanished.The only significant detail is that Windows 10 did not allow me to use the auto-setup, which launches when you insert the CD. I had to execute the setup.exe file within the Win10 folder on the CD, and it worked just perfectly.This seems like a good option if you need to replace your onboard audio system on a budget and with reliability (so far:).


Do you need an internal sound card?

If you're a gamer, music producer, or just someone who wants better audio on their computer, then you might be wondering if you need an internal sound card. The answer is: it depends. If you're using basic, built-in audio, then you probably don't need an internal sound card. But if you're looking for better quality audio, or if you need certain audio features, then an internal sound card can be a great upgrade. Here are some things to consider when deciding if you need an internal sound card.

Does Windows 10 need Realtek audio drivers?

In short, the answer is no. Windows 10 has its own built-in audio drivers that are compatible with most sound cards and audio devices. However, if you have a sound card or audio device that is not compatible with the default drivers, you may need to install Realtek audio drivers.

How can I improve the sound quality on my computer?

To improve the sound quality on your computer, you can try a few things. One is to adjust the sound settings in your computer's control panel. This can help to boost the overall volume and make the sound clearer. Another option is to install new speakers or upgrade your existing ones. This can make a big difference in the quality of the sound. Finally, you can also try installing a sound card or audio interface. This can help to improve the sound quality by providing a better connection between your computer and your speakers.

How do I know if sound card is not working?

How many types of sound cards are there?

A sound card is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals. A typical sound card has a microphone input jack, a line-in jack, a line-out jack, and a speaker-out jack. Some sound cards also have a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive interface. There are two main types of sound cards: internal and external. Internal sound cards are installed inside the computer, while external sound cards are connected to the computer via a USB or Firewire port. The most common type of sound card is the integrated sound card

Is internal sound card better than external?

There are a few things to consider when thinking about whether an internal or external sound card is better for you. Internal sound cards are typically going to be cheaper, but they also may not offer as many features as an external sound card. If you are looking for better sound quality, an external sound card is going to be the way to go. Another thing to consider is whether you need portability. If you are going to be traveling with your computer, an external sound card is going to be much easier to take with you.