Sound Cards

All computers that can play audio already have sound cards. However, not all PCs come equipped with sound cards that can produce the type of audio you want. If you use a computer as a home theater, music player, or gaming system, it is ideal to have the capability for 5.1 surround sound. 5.1 means there are five speakers and one subwoofer.

Sound cards send different audio signals to each of the five speakers, so the speakers all play a different portion of the overall sound. Rather than simply hearing the audio from a computer, a listener becomes immersed in whatever is playing. This intensifies the video gaming experience and enhances your enjoyment of music and movies.

Sound Card Features to Look for

If you plan on using a computer to record or play music, consider purchasing a sound card with MIDI. MIDI is a standard for connecting electronic musical instruments. Having MIDI is especially helpful to musicians who like to write and record their own songs. With the right software programs and a sound card with MIDI, it is possible for one musician to play five different instruments (one at a time) and then overlap the recordings together to make one song on the computer.

Other important sound card specifications include whether or not the card has a microphone plug, and the operating systems that can read the card. It is especially important to check this latter detail if you are using an older operating system. Some of the newer sound cards only work with newer operating systems. Here at Newegg, we have dozens of sound cards that can transform your computer into a state-of-the-art stereo system. Our electronics are sold at discounted prices, so you will find quality products at great values on our website.

Bestselling Sound Card Reviews:

Anonymous

2/27/2026 2:18:12 PM

my sound system woke up

“ gave color and depth to the sound in my computer system ”

Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600O Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS

DGTF

2/3/2026 7:15:19 AM

The best Gaming DAC

“ If you need an external sound card, this is the best, and the G8 is extremely portable and easy to move between pcs, consoles, and other devices. ”

Sound Blaster G8 Hi-Res Gaming USB DAC with Dual USB Audio Mixing and Fully Customizable Acoustic Engine and 10-Band Equalizer, for CONSOLE, MOBILE DEVICES AND PC

Patrick

1/20/2026 7:26:00 AM

Successfully replicates surround in headphones

“ This sound card is a game changer. ”

Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600O Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS

Michael H.

10/17/2025 8:58:14 AM

DAC and Volume

“ If your sound card failed, just plug it in to USB instead. ”

Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card, Super X-Fi, Multi-Channel, 7.1 Discrete Surround, Optical-in, Optical-out, Line-in, Mic-in, Headset-i (70SB181500000)

Roy B.

7/4/2025 9:03:30 AM

1st sound card I've bought in many yesrs

“ I have been building systems for ~40 years, but haven't had to buy a sound card for quite a while as the on-board sound usually meets my needs. ”

Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600O Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS

Jeffrey W.

3/29/2025 8:49:42 PM

Excellent sound card replacement

“ I brought this because my mother board sound card was dying and was unable to install an internal card due to my graphics card being mounted vertically in my case preventing access to the card slots. ”

Anonymous

1/24/2025 7:42:27 AM

Good sound quality

“ Works great on an old Windows 10 computer. ”

Weastlinks PCI-E 5.1 Sound Card Computer PCIE 5.1 Channel 3D Audio 6 Channels 3D Games Music Digital Sound Card PCI Express 5.1 CH 24Bit

steven j.

12/2/2024 8:39:16 PM

Sound card

“ A lot of people say sound cards are not needed today because of the sound thats already on the motherboard but if you want superior sound then what comes on your motherboard it is a must at least I think so ”

Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600O Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS

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Sound Card Features to Look for

Bestselling Sound Card Reviews: