Member Avatar for funkey100

Hey guys!

I'm selecting the parts for my new gaming desktop and I don't know too much about audio. I'm using the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard and I don't know if I should buy a Asus Xonar DG 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card. I tried looking at the audio specs of both but I don't understand too much about it. So is it worth it and what are the differences?

Thanks

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As recommended, trying the motherboard audio first is a sensible starting point. Below is a short, practical evaluation checklist and a compact explanation of when a separate sound card actually makes a noticeable difference for a gaming desktop.

  • Update the motherboard audio drivers and set the OS playback device to its highest available quality setting.
  • Use the same uncompressed or high-bitrate tracks for comparison (one bass-heavy, one detailed acoustic, one complex game/ambience track). Keep perceived volume the same between tests so loudness doesn’t bias the result.
  • Listen for audible hiss, hum, or distortion with no signal and at high playback levels. Check clarity, dynamics and stereo imaging during music and in-game effects.
  • If recording or real-time low-latency processing matters later, test with the audio API/driver you plan to use to check latency and driver stability.

When an add-in card or external interface is worthwhile:

  • You plan to drive high-impedance, demanding headphones or passive studio monitors without a separate amp.
  • You need better microphone preamps, true low-latency ASIO-style drivers, or superior analog outputs for recording/monitoring.
  • You get a measurable improvement in noise floor, channel separation or dynamic headroom with your actual speakers/headphones — not just on paper.

Practical setup tips: if a separate card is installed, disable the onboard device in BIOS to avoid driver conflicts. For most gaming-only builds with midrange speakers or headphones and no recording needs (as noted), the onboard solution will be perfectly adequate. Upgrading later to a modest DAC/headphone amp or a USB audio interface often gives more audible benefit than buying a low-end add-in card up front.

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Member Avatar for rubberman

The onboard audio is HD with S/PDIF (optical) output support as well as Dolby Surround Sound. It should do nicely. My system uses an Intel mobo with HD onboard audio as well, and it works very nicely - driving a pair of Bose speakers. My advice is to use the onboard audio and see if it is good enough. Most add-in boards may have a few additional bells and whistles, but unless you really need those things, or the onboard audio proves less than you want in terms of capability and/or quality, don't bother with the extra expense.

The one time an external board may be required is if you need Midi support in order to interface with other audio devices (keyboards, synthesizers, etc).

Member Avatar for funkey100

Yeah, since it comes integrated with Surround Sound and has good quality, I think it'll be enough. I won't be doing any audio editing so I'll stick with the onboard one. Thanks!

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