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:

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

Jeremy P.

1/13/2026 10:20:36 AM

Great quality and price!

“ Great sound card for the price! ”

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2 Upgradable Hi-res PCI-e Sound Card with 5.1 Discrete and Virtual Surround, Scout Mode, SmartComms Kit for PC

Anonymous

12/16/2025 10:15:33 AM

First sound blaster in 15 years... wow!

“ I bought the sound card because my onboard sound was no longer being recognized by windows. ”

Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC with Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp, Up to 122dB SNR, RGB Lighting System

Justin V.

11/6/2025 10:36:08 AM

I forgot how good a dedicated sound card could sound

“ Its been quite a while since I had a dedicated sound card. ”

Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC with Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-amp, Up to 122dB SNR, RGB Lighting System

Michael F.

6/17/2025 9:21:18 AM

greatly improved sound

“ setup was very easy and even my cheesy computer speakers sound much better. ”

Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)

Anonymous

4/26/2025 12:04:53 PM

Great Sound Card

“ A perfect sound card for gaming or just watching video's. ”

Jeffrey W.

3/29/2025 8:49:42 PM

Excellent sound card replacement

“ This little device was easy to connect and use having noticeably better sound quality than the original mother board audio before it developed issues. ”

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)

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