Sound Cards

Unless your motherboard comes with in built sound, more than likely you will want to have sound on your computer. There is a very large variety of sound cards you can get, each performing quite differently and with various prices.

If you want an excellent sound card that will truly give you the best audio experience ever, then there is no doubt, you have to get the Creative Sound Blaster Live. This card is comparable to what Hollywood studios use for sound editing. There are two drawbacks to it though. For one, the price tag ... you're looking at a 150 to 200 dollar sound card (ouch!). Second, this card is not fully compatible with joysticks. Although this is a problem that is being resolved, it's something to consider if you plan on playing games which use joysticks as the main controlling device (flight Simulators for example). You may also opt to get the Creative Sound Blaster Live "Value!". This card runs for around 80 to 120 dollars, and it doesn't have incompatibility with game controlling devices. Note that both of these cards are PCI.

Next up, you can spend around 50 to 100 dollars for another good card, which will deliver you great sound, yet not with the full live surround 3d audio power of the two above cards. There is a very wide range of cards that fit this description, and my advice is, stick with the brand name Creative (and make sure you get a PCI card!).

Finally you can opt to get the bargain cards. This is a perfect solution if you really don't care about sound, and all you really need is to hear some beeps and warning sounds. In this case, go ahead and choose an ISA card. You can pay as little as 10 dollars for these, but like I mentioned, don't expect quality sound.

As for the brand names, it's a good idea to stick with Creative. Out of all the sound cards I've used, Creative has always been the easiest to install (almost 100% plug and play!) and the most compatible with applications. You can get one of the "Sound Blaster" compatible cards, but you risk going through terrible installation problems. You've been warned.

Next Page: Modems