Sound card or onboard?

[AznKwaiJai]

I have a http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16829102023 X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz because my original onboard didn't have optical and I didn't have any pci spot left. I recently upgraded to a GA-MA790X-UD4P mobo which does have an optical output. Is the onboard on the new mobo better?

Alot of people on newegg complained about this card, but only one person who used it as an optical out gave it a good review. Also I take newegg review with a grain of salt.

 

[TC91]

Optical is the same whether its from the onboard sound or the soundcard since its digital. If you have no other uses for that card other than for optical, then I would go with onboard. If you are using headphones or analog connectors then the soundcard should sound better, but let your ears be the judge of that.

 

[AznKwaiJai]

Thanks. You have been very informative.