Creative Soundcard v AC97

[Syd]

Have recentley been considering an upgrade to some 100 pound 2.1 speakers, however after reading a reply I am now thinking whether or not AC97 is up to the job of driving either the Harmon Kardon soundsticks or logitech thx 2.1 system, am I better off getting an Audigy 4 or XFI music card, or does it not make that much difference with a 2.1 system. I do like decent quality music and mainly play WOW so nice ambience is important, I also use a USB plantronics H/set........Any advice guys and girls?????

[kalniel]

Yes, it is worth upgrading to an audigy 4.

Not only is the sound quality better (with any dedicated sound card it will be louder, clearer and have more channels probably than onboard), but it will also use less CPU to drive the sound when you are playing.

[shaithis]

Yup. Definatly upgrade!

Either an Audigy (2 or 4) if your on a budget or go X-Fi if you are feeling flush. IMO, there isn't a huge amount between them, especially if your using a Plantronics headset (good headsets but not up to the likes of Seenheisser and co).

[aphex]

I just got the Audigy 4 from that PCworld offer and compared to my onboard sound there is a very noticable difference in quality. The onboard sound sounds like its a bit muffled now :/

But yeah get an upgrade

[noTHINGface]

Im also there with the 'upgrade' people. I did this a couple of months ago and havent looked back since.

[Syd]

Thanks guys, now its time to find out who does the cheapest Audigy card