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Sound Cards

About Sound Cards

Sound cards are an essential component within your computer for processing audio files. It helps to throw out sound through the built-in or external speakers in the computer. In any computer device, the speakers are plugged directly into the soundcard.           

It’s been 20 years since the computer entered the market. These devices were like putting a typewriter, calculator, television and Atari all in one device. With all these properties, these devices are also needed to produce sound. For a long time, the sound was produced by the onboard source on the motherboard. However, over time, these computers have started getting complex. It thus needed a complex card to perform specific functions. This is why we can say that these cards are born out of the need for time. Initially, these cards were simple, with about 8 bit or 11 kHz sound capacity. Today technology has advanced hence we can find a wide range of options in the market.

Types of sound cards available in the market

Today the market is seeing an influx of these cards for different uses. Of all these different types, not all are in the form of a card. A PCI card is a simple sound device that’s plugged into the motherboard of a desktop PC. While a laptop comes with a different configuration, today, you can find PCMCIA cards for laptops that you can plug into the laptop’s card slot. Such devices are termed external sound cards. Moving ahead, there are USB and Firewire sound devices. These devices are also externally plugged into the computer or a laptop. Here are some of the most commonly found and used types of sound chips or devices available in the market on this date. 

The motherboard sound chips

At the time of the introduction of the cards, they were expensive add-ons. At those times, the price of these cards was somewhere in hundreds of dollars. Later the popularity of computers lowered the price of the main course as well as the accessories. Likewise, technology became more and more compact. The same way these cards become condensed. Today they are amiable in a single small chip. Today they are built-in the motherboards. However, optionally there are slots for additional sound chips. This built-in card resulted in lowering the price of the machine. These cards are responsible for offering basic sounds in any machine you buy.

Standard sound cards for PC

This is an expansion card connected to one of the slots on the computer’s motherboard. Unlike a motherboard sound card, the standard sound card does not rely on the computer processor to perform any calculation to produce sound. As a result of independent working, a standard card gives improved performance. This is the reason why gamers around the globe appreciate these cards. Some standard sound cards also have additional features that a built-in card lacks. Some of the best features are the 24-bit recording and multiple channel surround sound you enjoy in 3D movies. Today the technology is advanced, and there are special cards available for gaming and movies.

The USB sound adapter (External sound adapter)

This is a small box that contains all the features of a standard sound card. You can connect these cards with a computer using a USB cable or a FireWire port. These adapters often have features that are not present in standard cards. Some of these features include additional input and output slots and physically accessible volume control keys. A USB sound adapter is much easier to manage and is portable. Unlike a standard sound card, these adapters can easily be reconnected from one computer to another. Likewise, you can easily upgrade your laptop sound system using a USB adapter and a FireWire for connection. 

Core features of an audio card

Today the market offers a variety of sound chips. Each type of card serves differently. Some cards are best for common use, while others are specifically designed for advanced sounds like 3D or 4D. The price of a sound card depends on the performance and the preferred use of these devices. It means that a sound card for a low profile home theatre is different from a gaming, professional or high-performance HDMI card. Moreover, all these cards come with different types of connecting ports. For instance, a gaming card will feature a front breakout box that fits in a 5.25” front bay allowing the easy connection. But a simple home theatre card will be much different than this.

Tips on how to buy Sound Cards online in the UAE

The sounds cards are an essential part of any computing device these days. At high volume, a quality sound card will deliver a higher quality of audio. Meanwhile, a soundcard also offers more connection options to link with speakers and other external devices or breakout boxes. Being important in many ways, finding a suitable sound card is of great importance. However, with so many options available online, sound card shopping becomes tricky. Things become even more complex when you do not know the difference between a common USB sound card and a 7.1 surround sound card for a PC. This is why we would like to share some tips on how to search for the best sound cards to buy online.

  • Know your needs – As said earlier, every card is different from the other. Therefore, it is important to know what type suits your needs. Hence, know the model of the card you will need. Also, check what is compatible with the computer hardware specifications and operating system installed.
  • Look for the brand – Finding a trusted brand is of core importance, specifically when making a major investment. It is thus recommended to look for reliable and known brands while buying a computer or accessories online.
  • Look at the price – As mentioned earlier, the price of a carveries with the features. It is thus important to know your budget and look for an affordable card. Here at Shops.ae, you can look for the products while setting your budget limitations.
  • Read product description – Once you can find a branded product within your budget, read the details. Go to the product description section and read all the specifications about the model, make, warranty etc., related to the card you chose.
  • Read buying policies – It’s better to be safe than sorry. Online shopping offers you the convenience of the trial of a product. If in case of any issue with the product, you can return or exchange it. However, there are some rules you need to know and follow before booking an order.

Everyone knows that a sound card is a necessity for every computer device. A sound card comes in handy, from listening to an MP3 file to making a skype call or video conferencing. Hence finding the right card to help you enjoy a clear voice from the sender is of great importance. However, to make a healthy buying decision, it important is to invest in a high-quality product even if it charges an extra few bucks. Investing once will save you from a lot of hassle and waste of time and money.

Question & Answer

Why buy a sound card?

A sound card is the only device that can offer you audio effects not offered by integrated or standard audio cards. At high volume, a quality soundcard can deliver clear sound. A sound card is a major device that enables your sound-related accessories like headphones, speakers etc. When an internal sound card offers basic features, an external card serves you with advanced quality of sound. Hence becoming important for the music players, gamers etc.

What sound card should I get?

It depends on the activities you perform and the related needs of the sound. However, this year’s hot seller cards include; ASUS PCI-Express x1 Sound Card XONAR ESSENCE STX II and Creative Sound Blaster X ZxR – Best Soundcard for gaming. While other on the list are; Creative Sound blaster AE5 Gaming Soundcard, ASUS STRIX SOAR Sound Card and Sound Blaster Z PCI-E Gaming Sound Card.

A USB sound card or internal, which one should I buy?

Many users claim that an internal sound card is better for common day to day sound needs. However, if you are the one who deals with music production or is involved in gaming activities, an external card can be the choice. However, many recommend external cards over internal ones due to their ease of installation. Plus, an external or USB card is easy to carry, lightweight, durable, and enhances sound performance. These are the reasons why many prefer having a USB card for occasional use.

Where to buy creative sound cards?

Here at Shops.ae you can find more than 500 brands selling different types of sound cards online in the UAE. Some brands names are; creative, HyperX, Asus, Choetech, Evga, and Yamaha. Here on our retail search engine, you can explore products according to brand or price preferences. You are thus making it possible for you to get hands-on, branded products within your budget. At shops, you can also enjoy the ease of exploring products from stores like Micro less, Virgin Megastore, and Jumbo Electronics.

No matter what your computer-related needs are, we at Shops.ae have a solution for all. Here we have the world’s best manufacturers and suppliers offering genuine products at the price you can ever imagine of. All you need to do is take some time and find the best suitable products based on your individual preferences and needs.

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