So I managed to secure a reasonable computer to play SC2 with (3ghz dual core something, 7900gs video card, 2 gigs of ram) for $20 but it came without a soundcard, integrated or otherwise.

As such, I'm looking to get a sound card to complete my bare bones SC2 rig. The rig isn't amazing by any means so I'm not looking to shell out a lot of cash for a rig that I probably won't be keeping for all that long before I consider upgrading to something better. I don't need anything fancy, just need some sound. Any recommendations?

cgrinker

United States3824 Posts

May 04 2010 20:41 GMT

What does it have open for slots in the back? Once you figure out what you can put in it (PCI, etc) go buy whatever 15 dollar card can do that.

Everything is about the same at that range. Just make sure it fits the form factor of your case or you are going to be busting out the hack saw.

BroOd

Austin10833 Posts

May 04 2010 20:42 GMT

http://www.newegg.com/store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=57&Tpk=sound card

You can select your price range on the left.

T.O.P.

Hong Kong4685 Posts

May 04 2010 20:45 GMT

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.22475

2 dollars

Random()

Kyrgyz Republic1462 Posts

May 04 2010 20:46 GMT

Just go to your favorite computer parts site and search for sound card. I guess any of them would do, most likely all of the cheapish ones are based on the same chipset.

If you don't want a random no-name card, try Sound Blaster Audigy SE. It costs about $25-30, but has hardware support for mixing/EAX effects and whatnot, it also sounds noticeably better than the cheap generic cards (provided you have a decent set of speakers).

rotinegg

United States1719 Posts

May 04 2010 20:46 GMT

http://reviews.cnet.com/sound-cards/creative-sound-blaster-audigy/4505-9334_7-31156120.html
they used to sell this @ $80, but as soon as i snagged one, creative stopped producing these units. The ones on sale now are all used, and start at around $300 0_0 I bought it 5 years ago and i must say it has been quite a delight

edit: oops i thought it was a laptop

QuickStriker

United States3694 Posts

May 04 2010 20:48 GMT

Wait a minute... you got...

On May 05 2010 05:30 Phyre wrote:
3ghz dual core something, 7900gs video card, 2 gigs of ram for $20

?!?!?! And yet you want a cheap cheap soundcard that's like the price of those 3 put together that you got for 20 dollars?!?!

Well I'm just shocked you got a dual core, video card and 2GB ram for 20 dollars.... mind telling me where and how??

And your best bet is brood's advice of newegg, they have a wide selection there..

Graham

Canada1259 Posts

May 04 2010 20:52 GMT

On May 05 2010 05:48 QuickStriker wrote:
Well I'm just shocked you got a dual core, video card and 2GB ram for 20 dollars.... mind telling me where and how??

Was about to ask myself.
(I'm thinking from a friend/Craiglist or something but would love to know regardless).

Phyre

United States1288 Posts

May 05 2010 02:46 GMT

Haha, yeah I probably should have added that. They were getting rid of some of the older computers at my workplace and I managed to snag one for $20. It was sold that cheap because the IT guy that was in charge of selling them said he couldn't in good conscience sell it for more knowing he could give no servicing or guarantees beyond "it worked when I sold it to you." So in theory it could just stop working tomorrow and there is nothing he could do for me. He would have given them away for free but corporate said he had to sell it for something. That said it was still an amazing deal in my opinion.

I was looking through Newegg already but just wanted to make sure there weren't some brands to avoid or look for, certain pitfalls to watch out for, etc. I sort of figured it didn't make too much of a difference at the price range I'm looking at, but I just wanted to double check with TL.

Thanks!

Bosu

United States3247 Posts

May 05 2010 03:04 GMT

#10

I misunderstood post. Edited this one to delete the stupidity I wrote.

semantics

10040 Posts

May 05 2010 04:25 GMT

#11

On May 05 2010 05:46 rotinegg wrote:
http://reviews.cnet.com/sound-cards/creative-sound-blaster-audigy/4505-9334_7-31156120.html
they used to sell this @ $80, but as soon as i snagged one, creative stopped producing these units. The ones on sale now are all used, and start at around $300 0_0 I bought it 5 years ago and i must say it has been quite a delight

edit: oops i thought it was a laptop

Lol waste of money, sound cards are for professionals pretty much now, you can get pretty high quality sound from onboard motherboards. If he was spending 80 dollars i would recommended him to get a new motherboard, if hes lucky he has a LGA 775 and it will be easy. Anyways he can pick up a cheap one probably for around 10-30 bucks and it will be just fine.

semantics

10040 Posts

May 05 2010 04:31 GMT

#12

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829111003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829118105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102012

these are all older models but well liked, as long as you're not running windows 7 i'm sure drivers will be just fine.

You could easily go cheaper but ionno too much about sounds cards when it gets that cheap, i don't build in bulk so i never had to resort to that kind of cost saving measure, but if you read reviews on newegg i suggest you make it so you only read reviews from users that bought it from newegg, there are junk reviews from kids and from trolls this is usually more of a problem when it gets to graphics cards and hdd's etc lower cost items are usually reviewed by oem type ppl that buy in bulk but may not necessarily bought it from newegg.

other words if you read reviews on newegg take it by a grain of salt.

Leechiez

United States44 Posts

May 05 2010 05:11 GMT

#13

Can't go wrong with a Soundblaster Audigy 7.1. $50.

Phyre

United States1288 Posts

May 05 2010 15:48 GMT

#14

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

Funny coincidence, one of the cards semantics linked to is made by Turtle Beach and my mom just got a job there. Maybe I can get a discount. lol