Question about new computer specs

BobMoyer wrote on 5/9/2016, 8:15 PM

In the market for a new computer and I noticed on the websites (B&H in particular), various specs are listed (CPU, chipsets, graphics card, etc) but no mention is made in regards to the sound card. I currently render everything in 5.1/Dolby Pro (VegasPro 13) but the sound output in not listed. Is the sound now integrated on the motherboard?

Bob

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 5/9/2016, 10:33 PM

I've been shopping motherboards for a few months and i'd say at least 95% of them have 5.1 analog and SPDIF built in. It may be rather crappy, but it's there. Do keep in mind that the quality of the sound card will have absolutely zero effect on the ability or quality of the rendered audio in the output file. Rendering audio is a purely internal CPU function and can even be done on a PC with no audio capabilities at all. It's only when you try to play back that output file that the quality of the sound hardware matters.

About 80% of the motherboards i've looked at have on-board Intel graphics too, making use of the graphics capabilities of the i5/i7 chips.

BobMoyer wrote on 5/10/2016, 12:59 PM

Thank you for that information. I wondered about the lack of a sound card listed in the various specs.

Bob

PeterDuke wrote on 5/11/2016, 1:13 AM

"It may be rather crappy"

I would clarify that as higher noise level compared to good USB external sound interfaces. The higher noise level may still be acceptable, depending on what you are doing, and the background noise level in your media source.