Quick sound card stuff

[moosey]

I have a turtle beach santa cruz right now and I use it into the speakers on my stereo (2).
I was wondering how this card, set up in this way, would compare to something like a SB Audigy 2 Zs with a DSP. What benefits do I get with the DSP on the sound card? (because I do play games)
Also, how would both compare to something like the built in audio on a DFI LanParty NF4 Ultra board? (which i'm considering getting)
Thanks

 

[elecrzy]

first, all sound cards have DSP. second, only Creative cards have full hardware support for EAX(surround sound/FX for games), which means lower cpu load/faster fps. third, the sound quality of onboard sound is crap compared to a discrete sound card because its not equipped with a high quality digital-to-analog converter. Since you're gaming, use an Audigy 2-class card paired up with some nice speakers(Klipsch or something)

In general:
Noobs will be happy with onboard sound
Gamers: onboard sound/Audigy2
Audio folk:Audigy2/Envy or output to a dedicated receiver

 

[karlreading]

I have a audigy 1 platinum EX, and even though theres all these fancy, 24bit onbaord audios, i would never swap my card out for onboard sound ( exception bieng nv soundstorm, but thats gone now, never to return )
karlos

 

[moosey]

how's my TB Santa Cruz stack up against the newer $60-$70 Audigy cards?

 

[elecrzy]

you should be fine with the santa cruz since it supports EAX, etc.
http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/soundcards/santacruz/specs.asp