Sound cards

The sound card improves sound quality compared to the built-in audio chip on the motherboard, adds more outputs, or solves noise issues. Here you will find internal PCIe cards for desktop computers and external USB and USB-C sound cards – from small headphone adapters to models with amplifiers for demanding headphones.

How to choose

• Internal or external. The internal card is installed in a PCIe slot on the motherboard and is for permanent use in a desktop computer. The external one connects via USB and works with laptops, consoles, and any computer without opening it.
• The channels. Stereo (2.0) is sufficient for headphones and regular speakers. 5.1 and 7.1 are for surround sound systems and for virtual surround in games.
• The headphone amplifier. High-impedance headphones sound quiet and poor from a regular output. The card with a built-in amplifier drives them properly.
• The inputs. If you are recording voice or instruments, check if there is a good microphone input and what the connectors are.
• The software. The manufacturer's program allows for equalizer, effects, and profiles for games, music, and movies.
• The digital outputs. The optical output is convenient for connecting to a receiver or soundbar without loss of quality. Check if the card has one if you plan to use it.

What to watch out for

• For an internal card, check if there is a free PCIe slot that is not blocked by the graphics card.
• Older PCI cards do not fit into modern motherboards without such a slot.
• Small USB adapters are convenient but do not provide significantly better sound than a good card.
• Some USB-C adapters only work with devices that output analog or digital sound through the port.

Compatibility

External USB sound cards work with Windows, and many models also with macOS and consoles, without drivers or with a driver from the manufacturer. Internal PCIe cards require a free slot on the motherboard. If you are choosing a card for headphones, check their impedance and the power of the amplifier. In 5.1 and 7.1 systems, the speakers must have analog inputs for each channel or a digital input. For better system expansions, also check the other PC components.