Sound card test 2023

Stereo sound, but the enjoyment is missing? You just can't hear the cheap rattling from your speakers anymore and are thinking about simply replacing them? Maybe that doesn't have to be the case, because often it's enough to install a new sound card in your device and thus be able to enjoy a completely new sound experience. 

Here you will find an overview of the best sound cards 2023 - with us in the sound card comparison! Find out about the new sound cards 2023 and find the right sound card for you and your needs.

Sound card test: The best sound cards at a glance

In this article you will find everything you need to know about the current sound cards. In this section we present the best current internal sound cards with all the important information about the small components. Let us inform you about the special properties of the different sound cards.

The big sound card guide: Everything you should know!

Your questions will be answered here and you can find out all the facts worth knowing in this section. We explain all product details to you and try to give you a complete overview of the current sound cards 2021.

What is a sound card and what do I need it for?

A sound card is a flexible plug-in PC card, similar to a memory card. With this card you can manage your audio settings. Sound cards not only convert analog into digital audio signals, they process them, compress them and also store them. Sound cards are now standard in all PCs, notebooks and Tablets installed- these are called onboard or internal sound cards. 

However, the integrated sound cards are usually not completely convincing with their sound and the only remedy here is to replace the internal sound card with a powerful external sound card. By using an external sound card, you will get to know completely new worlds of sound, because even professional DJs rely on these small components when they want to improve their sound.

How much does a sound card cost me?

Of course, it is also the case with the sound cards that you can also spend a lot of money here, as with all components in the PC area. The only question is whether this is reflected in the quality that the sound card can deliver. We don't think so, and a sound card for around 20 euros is usually completely sufficient for the "normal" user. However, you can also buy a sound card for around 200 euros, but we advise against it (unless you are a professional DJ and earn your living with the sound).

When does buying a sound card make sense?

In principle, upgrading an existing PC or notebook with a new, powerful sound card makes sense in most cases. The manufacturers of the PCs and notebooks like to use slightly inferior sound cards as standard equipment, and so the sound experience here is usually not very good. So it can be very worthwhile to upgrade your existing system with a new, powerful sound card.

Important technical terms explained!

Here you can find out what the various terms around the topic "sound cards" mean.

Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)

With an A/D converter it is possible to convert analog signals into digital ones. This requires various steps (coding, sampling, quantification).

Digital/analog converter (DAC)

The D/A converter is exactly the opposite of the A/D converter. Here, digital signals are converted into analog signals

impedance

Impedance, also called “impedance” refers to the resistance of a circuit of an electronic component or system when exposed to alternating current.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Electromagnetic Interference is the generic term for the sum of Electromagnetic Emissions (EME), Electromagnetic Interference and Electromagnetic Interference Susceptibility (EMS).

sampling rate

The sampling rate, also known as "sampling rate", indicates how often the A/D converter samples the incoming signal.

Signal/Noise Ratio (SNR)

In Germany, the signal/noise ratio is also known as the “signal-to-noise ratio”, “signal-to-noise ratio” or “signal-to-noise ratio”. The SNT indicates the technical quality of a signal that is superimposed by a noise signal.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is also called "dynamic", "dynamic range" or "dynamic range". This is used to indicate the quotient of the minimum and maximum of a physical function or quantity in general, technical or mathematical terms.

Frequency range or frequency response The frequency range describes the relationship between the input and output signal of a linear time-invariant system (LZI system) in relation to amplitude (peak value, oscillation width) and phase. Frequency response is a multidimensional function of frequency.

Input/Output (I/O)

JEvery computer must have an input and output in order to be able to communicate. The hardware required for this is referred to as peripheral devices. Input devices are, for example, the mouse, the touchpad or the keyboard, the most important output device is the screen or monitor.

Buy a sound card? You should consider this before you buy!

In the technical terms, I have already briefly explained the sampling rate to you. This is also particularly important when buying a new sound card and you should definitely pay attention to it. If you want to enjoy good sound, then go for a sound card with a high sampling rate. This is given in kHz and the higher the kHz value, the better the high frequencies are transmitted.

The sampling depth is also important. This is specified in bit or bit rate. The higher the resolution of the sound card, the finer you can perceive small differences in volume. Pay special attention to the connections on your new sound card. What connections are available on your PC? Are these identical to those on the favorite sound card? 

Fortunately, the cables in the sound card structure are kept in different colors, so that almost nothing can go wrong during installation. The sound chip is also very important for a good listening experience. There are always better, more powerful models and this not only has a positive effect on the quality of the sound, it also helps you to save electricity. 

Once you have found your new sound card, be sure to take a look at the included software before you buy it. Can you work with this one? This is essential if you want to get the most out of your new sound card.

Install internal sound card? That's how it's done!

So that you can easily install your new sound card, here are a few step-by-step instructions. Of course, the "installation" of an external sound card is very easy, because it is simply connected to the PC or laptop via USB and the sound is already playing. You then have to do a little more with the internal sound cards.

Step 1: First you open it with a screwdriver Housing your PC. Of course you have to unplug the computer first. Once you have done that, look for several white stripes on the mainboard. Where you see the white stripes is the serial BUS PCI, into which you plug in your sound card with a PCI or PCIe connection.

Step 2: Once you've done that, you're almost done installing your sound card. Now all you have to do is make sure that no cable has accidentally come loose. When you have checked everything, you can now screw the housing back on.

Step 3: You have now successfully installed your sound card. If you have installed a new sound card, you must still remove the old sound card in the BIOS and set the new one. Finally, all you have to do is select your sound card as the default audio device in the control panel and then you're done!

Sound card test: our conclusion

Have you also been dissatisfied with the sound of your computer for a long time? Your laptop sounds like a tin bucket and since then you may have always thought that your speakers are just not the best. However, it can also be that your sound card is simply an inferior one (this is the case with most notebooks). The external sound cards in particular are ideal for upgrading your computer quickly and easily. 

For the internal sound cards, you will then need some more precise basic knowledge in order to connect the sound card correctly. Benefit from a whole new sound experience and decide today for crystal-clear sound from your speakers. You are sure to find the right model for you in our large sound card comparison. Have fun with your new sound!

Video instructions: Install sound card