Onboard Audio vs dedicated sound card

[Gamevet]

I don't really agree with that kedawa, and that really doesn't count Gamevet. The again, I guess I should have elaborated on this in my first post. If you're going to use a digital output where the sound processing is being done by an external DAC then by all means, a there is no difference between an onboard sound card and a dedicated card. However, if you're using HDMI or digital coaxial then you're still subject to possible interference. If you're using TOSlink (AKA Fiber Optic) then interference is not an issue. The largest issue with onboard sound cards are shitty DACs (Digital to Analog Converters). The second is interference from other components on the system board. If you're using analog outputs and have some half decent speakers you're most certainly going to hear the difference between a decent dedicated card and ANY onboard card.

If you really want to keep the Physx card and have better sound I would suggest an external sound device like the Extigy form Creative. However, a better option would be TOSlink to a good surround receiver with some good speakers.

Unless you're getting some uber powerful soundcard, it's not an issue on today's (decent) motherboards.

My old LGA775 board has a Realtek ALC888S HD audio chipset that works very well, even with line out and it also supports S/SDIF. I don't run my sound through my video cards. I run it directly from the audio outputs of my PC board, even when I'm using 2.1 surround (line-out) on my desktop.

http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/p...n=4&ProdID=141