Speakers & Soundcards

What is a soundcard? A sound card is the component within your computer that processes audio files in order to provide sound through the computer speakers. Speakers plug directly into the soundcard at the rear of the computer. The soundcard can be an individual PCI or PCI-E card or installed on the motherboard. (Integrated or Onboard Audio) What is Integrated Audio? Almost all modern computers come with some basic form of audio integrated into the motherboard. Audio processors have been widespread on motherboards since the middle of the 1990s and are easily the most common way people experience audio on their PC. Integrated controllers are readily used due to their inexpensive nature, good sound quality for less-discerning users and ease of use. Integrated solutions offer good sound quality but it is lagging behind what is available on dedicated sound cards. On paper the onboard soundcards offer impressive sound qualities. However due to the audio processors and associated wiring being built into the motherboard interference can be common. This is due to motherboards featuring tens of thousands of wires packed very closely...