A sound card (also known as an audio card) is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs. Typical uses of sound cards include providing the audio component for multimedia applications such as music composition, editing video or audio, presentation, education, and entertainment (games). Many computers have sound capabilities built in, while others require additional expansion cards to provide for audio capability.
Things to look for when buying a Sound Card:
Interface
Ensure that you have the available connection on the computer. Sound cards are available as both PCI and ISA.
PCI - Today, most cards available are PCI; if you plan on using your sound card for such things as playing games and watching DVD movies, it is recommended you at least get a PCI sound card.
ISA - Today, ISA cards are relatively cheap sound cards, which allow users that may not have as much money to have sound on the computer. In addition to being a cheap sound card, purchasing an ISA sound card will keep an additional free PCI slot available.
In addition to verifying your computer has the available connections, it is also important to look to see if your computer has a sound card that is built onto the Motherboard. Verify that this sound card can be disabled or will be disabled when the new sound card is installed. Additional information about on-board audio can be found in document CH000261.
After determining the available connection on the sound card, it is also important to look at the available connections on the card. When purchasing a sound card it is important that it has the available connections on the card.
o Available speaker connections - For computer gamers it may be important that the card has two available speaker connections. One connection for the front speakers and the other for the rear speakers. Users who do not plan on using four speakers or utilizing this technology will only need one speaker connection to connect the set of two speakers to.
o Midi port / Game port - The midi port will allow a user to connect a Midi keyboard; however, it is more commonly used as a game port, allowing users to connect game paddles and joysticks to the card.
o Microphone connection - Today, generally a standard with all sound cards, it's important to verify your sound card includes a Microphone connection.
Full-duplex
Today, generally included with most sound cards, FullDuplex allows for sound cards playing and recording sound at the same time. This feature is most commonly used to do voice communication over the Internet or speakerphone.
Today, 3-D Acceleration is used and found in computer games. Below is a listing of the three 3-D acceleration found today.
DirectSound 3D Microsoft's DirectSound3D software API included with DirectX. When compared to other available 3D standards.
EAX Creative Labs Environmental Audio Extensions that creates very realistic and believable sound effects based in the environment of a game.
A3D Originally developed by Aureal, A3D is a software API developed for additional 3D acceleration without using Microsofts API code. Unfortunately, on June 6, 2000, Aureal went off-line because of bankruptcy.
Some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer sound card include:
Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.
Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The price range can vary depending upon the sound card purchased and the available options with that sound card. Below is a listing of some examples of prices you are likely to see when purchasing a sound card.
| Sound Card | Expect to pay $20.00 to $300.00* |
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