Lena Torres
All motherboards on the market come with embedded sound cards, or onboard audio. However, since motherboards need to be small enough to fit into your tower, they have limited space for the sound card. This means that onboard audio is not able to produce the same quality of audio as a dedicated sound card. Dedicated sound cards have improved or added features, such as higher signal-to-noise ratios and lower harmonic distortion, which produce better sound quality. However, sound cards are not considered essential unless you are using your computer for audio manipulation or serious gaming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do all motherboards have onboard sound? | All motherboards on the market come with embedded sound cards, or onboard audio. |
| Pros of onboard audio | Cost-effective, no need to purchase a separate sound card. |
| Cons of onboard audio | Limited space for the sound card, which affects sound quality. |
| Pros of dedicated sound cards | Improved features such as higher signal-to-noise ratios, lower harmonic distortion, and better overall sound quality. |
| Cons of dedicated sound cards | Require additional equipment and cost to set up. |
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What You'll Learn
Onboard audio quality
Dedicated sound cards typically offer improved sound quality due to features such as higher signal-to-noise ratios, lower harmonic distortion, and higher sample rates. They also provide more audio ports and additional APIs. However, sound cards may not be a significant improvement over onboard audio for most users unless they are into serious gaming or audio editing.
The quality of onboard audio can be affected by EMI, as the onboard audio circuit is susceptible to interference. This can occur in SFF cases where the GPU and motherboard are in close proximity or in larger cases with vertical GPU mounts. One way to mitigate EMI issues is to use an external audio source, such as USB sound cards or external DAC and headphone amp stacks.
Additionally, reducing the volume in software for onboard audio chips can negatively impact sound quality by reducing bit depth. Using an external DAC and headphone amp allows for volume adjustments without compromising resolution. For wireless connectivity, using USB dongles or transmitters with wireless headphones can offer convenience without a significant loss in audio quality.
While onboard audio has improved, it may not satisfy those who are very particular about sound quality. In such cases, investing in professional, specialised audio equipment or a dedicated sound card may be more suitable.
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Dedicated sound cards
Sound cards come in two types: PCIe-based, which are best suited for desktops, and USB-powered, which are ideal for laptops and gaming consoles. The Creative Sound BlasterX G6, for example, is USB-powered and can be connected to an Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch.
However, to truly benefit from a dedicated sound card, you will need a good set of speakers or a nice headset. Additionally, electrical interference inside a computer case and modern motherboards can diminish the benefits of a dedicated sound card.
Some highly-rated dedicated sound cards include the Asus Xonar SE, priced at $45, and the Creative Sound Blaster, priced at $30.
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Interference issues
One of the main causes of interference is the close proximity of other components on the motherboard. Onboard audio chipsets are often surrounded by other chipsets, which can cause interference and affect sound quality. This is a particular problem with integrated sound cards, where the rear outputs may experience significant interference due to their proximity to other components. In such cases, using front connectors can help reduce interference as they are further away from other components.
Another factor that can contribute to interference is the type of connection used. Some users have reported issues with front-panel 3.5mm headphone jacks, where only one channel plays or there is static and buzzing. In some cases, the issue may be specific to certain headphones or speakers, as different models may have varying levels of susceptibility to interference. Additionally, certain actions, such as scrolling a web page or moving the mouse, can induce noise and interference with onboard audio.
To address interference issues, there are several options to consider. One solution is to invest in a dedicated sound card, which can provide improved sound quality and reduced interference. External USB sound cards, for example, are known to effectively remove interference issues. Additionally, optical output is recommended as it is less susceptible to interference from other onboard chipsets. If purchasing a sound card is not feasible, ensuring proper grounding and internal grounding of the motherboard is crucial to mitigate interference.
It is worth noting that interference issues are not limited to onboard sound alone. External speakers and headphones can also experience interference when connected to the motherboard. Upgrading to higher-quality speakers or headphones can sometimes help alleviate these issues and provide a better overall audio experience.
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Cost implications
All motherboards on the market come with embedded sound cards, or onboard audio. However, the quality of the audio is not as good as that of a dedicated sound card due to the limited space available on the motherboard.
Dedicated sound cards have improved features that enhance sound quality, such as higher signal-to-noise ratios, lower harmonic distortion, and additional APIs. These additional features come at a cost, as you need to purchase not only the sound card but also additional equipment to get the most out of it.
On the other hand, onboard audio is a more cost-effective option as it is already included in the motherboard, saving you the cost of purchasing a separate sound card. You also save money on new speakers or an expensive headset, as you can use the onboard audio with your existing setup.
For most users, the onboard audio provided by the motherboard is sufficient for their needs. However, if you are an extreme gamer, audio professional, or musician, a dedicated sound card may be worth the investment. These users require the additional features and improved sound quality that a dedicated sound card can provide.
Additionally, it's important to consider the power requirements of your audio devices. Onboard audio may not be able to power audiophile-level headphones or more powerful headphones, and you may need to consider external solutions, such as USB-powered options or headphone amps with their own power supply.
In summary, the cost implications of motherboards with and without onboard sound depend on the specific use case and requirements of the user. For basic audio needs, the onboard audio included in the motherboard is a cost-effective solution. For more advanced audio requirements, a dedicated sound card may be necessary, but it comes with additional costs for the card and any supplementary equipment needed to utilise its full potential.
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Audio formats
All motherboards on the market come with embedded sound cards, or onboard audio. However, onboard audio is limited by the amount of space available on the motherboard, and therefore cannot produce the same quality of audio as a dedicated sound card. Dedicated sound cards have added features such as higher signal-to-noise ratios, lower harmonic distortion, and higher sample rates and resolutions, which improve sound quality.
Audio comes in two formats: analog and digital. Computers are digital systems, which means that they can only produce or manipulate sound in a digital format. However, in the real world, all audio is found or created in an analog format. Speakers are analog devices and expect an analog signal. Therefore, a motherboard must convert the digital signal to an analog one through a codec, or coder/decoder, which is a chip responsible for converting analog audio signals into digital signals, and vice versa.
The number of analog connectors on a motherboard depends on the number of audio channels it has. The most common number of channels is two, which will have pink, blue, and green jacks. Motherboards with four or six channels may not have black and orange jacks, and in this case, the blue jack is used for both line in and rear speakers out, and the pink jack is used for both mic in and center/subwoofer speakers out. Motherboards with eight channels will have six connectors.
Digital connection, also known as SPDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format), can be found in two varieties: coaxial (using a mono RCA connector) or optical (using a connector called Toslink). This connection allows users to connect their sound card to home theatre receivers and digital speakers. Digital speakers have a digital-to-analog converter inside that converts the digital signal received into an analog one. Digital connections provide some advantages compared to analog connections, such as higher audio quality due to a better codec.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all motherboards on the market come with embedded sound cards, or onboard audio.
Onboard audio is cost-effective as you save money on the sound card and speakers or a headset. You can listen to music or play games without needing to purchase additional equipment.
Onboard audio may produce lower sound quality than a dedicated sound card due to limited space on the motherboard. Issues such as interference noise, low volume, and poor signal-to-noise ratio, stereo separation, and frequency response may occur.
Dedicated sound cards offer improved features and better sound quality. They are beneficial for extreme gaming or hardcore audio editing. However, they require additional equipment and may not provide a noticeable improvement for most users.
