The best sound cards for PC gaming always make a difference in audio quality during gaming sessions. It not only enhances the fidelity of the sound but also deepens the base and creates better surround-sound effects when playing. As simple as it sounds, picking the right sound card for PC gaming can be complicated. With so many technical things to consider, it is critical to have guidance. To help gamers pick the right sound card for PC gaming in 2024, this guide delves into the best sound cards for PC gaming.
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Creative Sound Blaster Z SE
Best Entry-Level Sound Card For PC Gaming -
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy
Best Sound Card for Older Gaming PCs
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sound Card for PC Gaming in 2024
Gaming enthusiasts who want to improve their audio quality must consider some factors when purchasing a sound card.
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): Expressed in decibels, SNR defines what’s left when noise power is subtracted from signal power. It describes the clarity of sound from the card. The higher the SNR, the more precise the audio quality. The best sound card for a gaming PC should have at least 100Db SNR. The sound quality should be much higher, with sound cards delivering higher SNR ratings.
- Sampling Rate: It’s a measure of the accuracy of a sound card when reproducing higher frequencies. Since humans have a 20kHz hearing limit, the sampling rate increases in bits of 24kHz. Thus, it can be 24kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz, 384kHz, etc. The higher the sampling rate, the more accurate the sound card at higher frequencies.
- Bit Rate: Bit rate refers to the quality a sound card produces for recorded audio. Professionally, 24-bit is good enough for excellent sound quality. However, a sound card with a higher bit rate could result in much higher sound quality.
- Number of Channels: Many high-quality sound cards support 5.1-channel speakers. However, some can support 7.1 channels. But, in many cases, sound cards with 5.1 channels also support 7.1 surround sound. That means players should consider the number of channels a sound card supports before buying.
- Connectivity: Most basic sound cards have 3.5mm input/output jacks. These work perfectly well for speakers and microphones alike. However, the more advanced sound cards have RCA jacks, TOSLINK connections, and HDMI ports for improved sound quality. Therefore, the desired output should dictate the kind of connectors on a sound card.
- Audio Processor: Sound cards need built-in sound processors to deliver outstanding sound quality to external devices. Thus, many sound cards for PC gaming with manufacturer processors. But they may also have industry-leading technologies like Dolby Digital Live and DTS encoding for enhanced sound quality. That’s why checking out the available sound processors is critical.
Game Rant's picks for the best Sound Card for PC Gaming in 2024
Creative Sound Blaster AE-9
Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 is the best sound card for PC gaming, thanks to its ability to deliver pristine audio. It features the high-resolution ESS SABRE-class 9038 reference DAC with 32-bit 384kHz and 129dB DNR playback. Gamers should expect no playback losses.
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- Brand
- Creative
- Class-leading, built-in audio processors
- Features high-quality components
- Has a separate Audio Control Module
- Software for sound parameter adjustment
- Loss-less audio playback
- Expensive
- Non-multi-purpose
Both speaker and headphone users will love this sound card. Headphone users will find Xamp, Sound Blaster’s amplifier for headphones, great. Speaker users will appreciate it for the wide range of sound-processing technologies such as Acoustic Engine, DTS Connect Encoding, and Dolby Digital Live. The sound quality is unmatched on headphones and speakers alike. Besides audio output, Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 is incredibly good at sound recording. It includes CrystalVoice Technology, which enhances voice for clear in-game communication and recording. Users can customize all enhancements after installing the Sound Blaster Command software on their PCs.
This sound card lets gamers immerse themselves entirely in every game they play. It supports discrete 5.1 surround channels with the possibility of 7.1 virtual surround sound channels. Players can hear the in-game sound from virtually any direction, enhancing reaction time.
It features a handy Audio Control Module, which can sit on the desktop. Therefore, users can easily control features like Xamp by grabbing the device. Streamers and content creators can plug their accessories straight into the Audio Control Module.
Creative Sound BlasterX G6
While internal PC gaming sound cards seem the standard, players can avoid opening their machines by getting a dedicated USB external sound card. One such device is the Sound BlasterX G6. It has a convenient USB connector for users to plug in and start playing immediately.
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- Manufacturer
- Creative
- Type
- Sound card
- Color
- Black
- Brand
- Creative Labs
- Weight
- 5.08 ounces
- Dimensions
- 4.37 x 0.94 x 2.76 inches
- DAC
- oversampled multi-bit modulator
- Phone Output
- Yes
- Connectivity
- 1 x 1/8″ Line In/mini TOSLINK In Combo Jack, 1 x 1/8″ Line Out/mini TOSLINK Out Combo Jack, 1 x 1/8″ Headphone / Headset Jack, 1 x 1/8″ Ext. Mic-in Jack, 1 x micro USB port for PC/Mac
- Top-notch sound quality
- A plug-and-play device
- Great for PCs and consoles
- In-game voice communication enhancements
- Cables could be too short for some gamers
- Lacks a wall outlet adapter
Looks can be deceiving! Despite its small size, the Sound BlasterX G6 delivers incredible audio quality by completely overhauling basic sound from the motherboard and controllers. Not only is the in-game sound louder, but it is also more precise. For those looking to immerse themselves in all the video games they play, the sound card is capable of 7.1 surround virtualization. Users can expect enhanced in-game voice communication, especially where teamwork is needed.
Players get accurate cues, including gunshots, footsteps, voices, etc., which can make a difference between winning and losing a game. It also has a wide range of sound-enhancing technologies, including Sound Blaster’s proprietary enhancer and Dolby Digital decoding.
The team at the Creative Sound Lab seems to recognize the need for players to sometimes keep the sound to themselves. So, they haven’t left out gamers who prefer headphones to speakers. The inclusion of Xamp makes it possible to amplify individual audio channels for pristine sound fidelity.
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7
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- Manufacturer
- Creative
- Type
- PC sound card
- Brand
- Creative Labs
- Weight
- 1.6 pounds
- DAC
- 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC
- Dimensions
- 5.71 x 0.79 x 5.04 inches
- Connectivity
- ultra-low 1Ω headphone output
- Produces high-quality sound
- Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp
- Dedicated Quad-Core Processor for enhanced audio
- Sound Blaster?s Surround Virtualization Technology
- Impressive headphone output impedance
- The input audio might be low for some gamers
One of the functions of the best sound card for PC gaming is to enhance audio fidelity by a great deal. The Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 can deliver up to 127Db of sound while ensuring unrivaled dynamic noise reduction technology. Thus, users always get the best possible sound quality. Powered by a Sound Quad Core processor and the Ess SABRE-Class 9018 DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter), its sound quality would impress any gamer and audiophile. With the clean audio, players can hear minute in-game sound details like footsteps, gunshots, and the like.
Besides powering gaming speaker systems, the sound card can deliver powerful sound to all headphone users. Thanks to the Xamp, the Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 can separately power each earcup with 1Ω output. Additionally, the sound card can power headphones of up to 600Ω. With the Audio Control Module, users can easily control the audio volume and hook their headphones or microphone via the ¼” and 1/8” connectors.
This feature minimizes the time and effort required to reach the input/output connectors on the sound card.
The Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 supports discrete 5.1 surround sound. Its audio enhancers include DTS Connect Encoding, Dolby Digital Live, and Sound Blaster’s proprietary enhancers. Additionally, its Surround Virtualization Technology delivers up to 7.1 virtual surround sound on speakers and headphones alike.
ASUS XONAR SE
The more affordable ASUS XONAR SE is the best sound card for PC gaming, consistently delivering crystal clear sound. It utilizes the Realtek ALC1220X codec with a 116Db sound-to-noise ratio, one of the most advanced in the gaming sound card industry.
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- Manufacturer
- Asus
- Brand
- Asus
- Weight
- 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions
- 9.29 x 2.36 x 6.54 inches
- Amplifier
- Built-in 300ohm headphone amplifier
- Compatibility
- Windows 10
- Minimizes audio interference and distortion
- Has an intuitive, spacious interface
- Delivers immersive audio for gaming
- Low-volume output
- May have issues on Windows 10 or 11
The more affordable ASUS XONAR SE is the best sound card for PC gaming, consistently delivering crystal clear sound. It utilizes the Realtek ALC1220X codec with a 116Db sound-to-noise ratio, one of the most advanced in the gaming sound card industry. In the gaming world, it is not enough to have clear sound. The kind of bass users get from your speakers or headphones also matters. To ensure the sound card delivers a deep, well-defined bass, the manufacturers included a 300Ω headphone amplifier.
When it comes to having an immersive gaming experience, the ASUS XONAR SE should meet any gamer’s expectations. It has a dedicated 5.1 surround sound channel that enables users to get a unique audio experience from all directions. This feature puts the player right inside the game. Thanks to the ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology, there’s little or no audio interference and distortion.
Since gamers can hardly notice when the sound quality deteriorates, they enjoy consistent sound quality throughout the gaming session. The final but perhaps more important feature of the sound card is that it gives players absolute control via the Xonar Audio Center. This PC-installable software creates a spacious, intuitive interface where users can adjust the volume and other aspects of sound quality.
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus
Once installed, this best sound card for PC gaming delivers pristine sound quality, bringing the player into the game. It provides 122Db DNR, enabling users to hear footsteps, gunshots, and other in-game sounds with minimum distortion. Besides gaming, it’s great for music, movies, and online videos.
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- Manufacturer
- Creative
- Brand
- Creative Labs
- Weight
- 1.00 lbs
- Dimensions
- 5.71 x 0.79 x 5.04 inches
- Amplifier
- Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp
- Compatibility
- Headphones, PC
- DAC
- ESS SABRE32 Ultra
- Class-leading sound quality
- Ultra-low distortion and jitter
- Customizable RGB LEDs
- Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp
- Poor balancing at high volume
Once installed, this sound card for PC gaming delivers pristine sound quality, bringing the player into the game. It provides 122Db DNR, enabling users to hear footsteps, gunshots, and other in-game sounds with minimum distortion. Besides gaming, it’s great for music, movies, and online videos.
The sound card creates a symphony of lights and sound using the customizable RGB LED strip to spice up every gaming session. It can produce different light patterns in up to 16.8 million colors. All a user needs to do is activate it via the handy Sound Blaster Command interface.
Like other Creative Sound Lab products, it features proprietary audio processing and enhancement via the Sound Blaster Command software. Thus, gamers can customize the sound for accurate in-game cues, more precise vocals, and unmatched bass boosts.
Additionally, the sound card supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for precise audio delivery to external 5.1 surround sound speakers. It also has 7.1 virtual surround sound capability, further enhancing the immersive gaming experience.
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE
Available at a budget-friendly price, the Creative Sound Blaster Z SE, surprisingly, delivers desirable sound quality. With a 116Db Dynamic Noise Reduction and 24-bit per 192kHz output, it provides high-resolution sound without depleting budgets. It has the propensity to create immersive gaming environments via 5.1 speaker systems and 7.1 virtual surround sound. Once a gaming session begins, users will forget about everything else and focus only on winning.
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- Manufacturer
- Creative
- Brand
- Creative Labs
- Weight
- 12.3 ounces
- Dimensions
- 4.37 x 0.94 x 2.76 inches
- Amplifier
- 600Ω Headphones Amp
- Type
- Sound Card
- Wonderful in-game performance
- Features an 11-band equalizer
- Includes a high-quality mic
- Allows for separate headphone amplification
- Headphone output gain can be too high
- Ineffective Scout Mode preset
Available at a budget-friendly price, the Creative Sound Blaster Z SE, surprisingly, delivers desirable sound quality. With a 116Db Dynamic Noise Reduction and 24-bit per 192kHz output, it provides high-resolution sound without depleting budgets. It has the propensity to create immersive gaming environments via 5.1 speaker systems and 7.1 virtual surround sound. Once a gaming session begins, users will forget about everything else and focus only on winning.
Users can adjust settings via the Sound Blaster Command software to take complete control of their in-game sound. For example, they can select proprietary SBX Gaming Profiles with pre-tuned and optimized game-specific sound. There’s also the option to adjust the equalizer. For those who want to switch between headphones and speakers while a game is in session, there’s a built-in feature to do so quickly.
In those times when members of a gaming team must communicate with each other, the built-in mic should do the trick. It delivers crystal clear sound and reduces the tonality of the voice, ensuring the clarity of every spoken word. Gamers can talk to each other without echoes or the interference of ambient noise. Besides gaming, it’s perfect for video conferencing and work-from-home situations.
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy
Gamers with older PCs may find it challenging to get the perfect sound card to meet their needs. Designed for Windows 8, Windows Vista SP1 or higher, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows 7, or Windows 10, the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy should work on any older PC.
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- Manufacturer
- Creative
- Brand
- Creative Labs
- Weight
- 6.40 ounces
- Dimensions
- 5.43 x 4.76 x 0.71 inches
- Amplifier
- Headphone Amp
- Compatibility
- Windows, Windows 10
- DAC
- 24-bit 192kHz DAC (Playback)
- Easy to install
- Great 5.1 surround sound
- 600 ohm headphone amp for high sound performance
- A loud, built-in amplifier
- Prone to interference
Gamers with older PCs may find it challenging to get the perfect sound card to meet their needs. Designed for Windows 8, Windows Vista SP1 or higher, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows 7, or Windows 10, the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy should work on any older PC.
But that it is based on more outdated operating systems doesn’t mean that the sound card performs less effectively. It can deliver 106Db SNR, ensuring the highest possible audio quality during gaming sessions. However, it is also great for movies and music.
It features an enhanced chipset that can effectively process Creative Sound Lab’s Environmental Audio Extensions (EAX). EAX is a set of presents that help improve audio quality. Users only need to select a preset to get their desired sound. Like other Creative sound cards, the Blaster Audigy features a built-in headphone amplifier. Thus, it works with a wide range of headphones from the most basic to studio-grade 600Ω devices.
Additionally, users can easily customize their in-game audio via the intuitive Audigy FX Control Panel. To control the level of immersion, all they must do is adjust the sliders upwards or downwards. The sound card works best with 5.1 channel surround sound speakers, even though it can deliver 7.1 virtual surround sound. Therefore, it draws users into the action, making them feel part of the gaming experience.
FAQ
Q: Which is the best sound card for PC gaming?
The best audio card for PC gaming is one that can deliver the highest quality of sound to enhance each player’s experience. Besides crystal clear sound, it can provide immersive surround sound. Whether using speakers or headphones, users can hear minute details like gunshots, footsteps, etc.
Q: Is a USB sound card great for PC gaming?
A USB sound card is great for PC gaming since it is easy to install. Unlike internal sound cards that require installation via PCI-e, a USB sound card only requires plugging in each time. Thus, it works well with PCs, tablets, gaming consoles, etc.
Q: Do I need a sound card for PC gaming?
Yes and no. Yes, if the built-in sound card isn’t giving you the kind of audio quality you need. However, if your PC has good sound quality, there’s no need to install a separate sound card. The built-in device should continue serving you well.
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