on board sound

[too afraid]

looking to buy a new pc, is there much difference in on board sound and sound blaster 5.1....i don't game just listen occasionally to music,pc is in a bedroom,not in a large room,will the quality of the speakers make a difference to the on board sound,what does on board sound mean?
yes i know quite alot of questions but please help......
thanks in advance...

[pentachris]

On board sound means you don't need a separate sound card - all the sound circuitry is on the mainboard.

Most modern mainboards with onboard sound use the AC97 codec. It's fine for most casual users.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

... but it is hooked up to my Home Entertainment Center that is a 5.1 system. The sound this way is FAR superior to a simple set of pc speakers but is NOT true 5.1 sound.

5.1 refers to something similar in effect to surround sound (4 channel) plus a 5th center speaker for midrange frequencies like our voices and the ".1" I assume, is to refer to the subwoofer that comes with these systems for rich bass and bass drum 'chest felt' thumps.

To have a true 5.1 system sound the music/sound needs to be encoded correctly to gain the full benefits. Take for example the DVD movies, like action films such as Jurassic Park and other futuristics like Terminator etc. The animals/rockets etc. that run/fly right by you sound exactly like they just ran/flew right by and the percussion of dinosaur feet/bomb blasts is really felt. No "stereo" can do that. Onboard sound is strictly stereo as far as I know at present. Don't get me wrong, stereo can be excellent but it will never be surround sound.

If you are into music or serious DVD watcher, go for the 5.1 card. You will not be dissappointed. But realise you will need a whole array of speakers and the ability to spread them throughout the room for the full effect. Right now, my 5.1 is just spread wide against one wall for a "panoramic" sound. Until I get some little shelves for the extension speakers that is... :) :cool:

PS: You could go with onboard for now if budgeted and get a better card later if you happen to want/get hooked on 5.1 later.

PPS: Just recently heard that Pink Floyd has re-released 'Dark Side Of The Moon' a remastered mix in 5.1 sound on CD. RUN don't walk to your nearest/favorite music store :D

[too afraid]

Thanks for that,very helpful........