Audio and desktop PCs have a long history of not playing well together. Most PCs get okay audio, but your average desktop doesn't have great sound-system tuning, which leaves you having to do the heavy lifting yourself. If you're running the latest audio drivers for your sound system, you might need to look into a hardware solution for your audio issues, especially if you know your soundbar, speakers, or headset should be getting better sound.

There are a couple of options for hardware-based audio solutions, including a USB DAC, which can convert digital audio signals to analogue, for richer sound quality and better communication with your sound system. But a USB DAC isn't always the most elegant solution. Enter the PCIe sound card.

What is a PCIe sound card?

How does it work and can it improve your audio?

A PCIe sound card is an expansion card for your desktop, that can use one of your motherboard's spare PCIe slots. It not only improves audio quality, it also improves audio performance compared to your motherboard's built-in audio. It features built-in digital-to-analogue converters that function in dual directions for more detailed, clearer sound.

Sound cards are often designed for broadcasters and audio engineers because a dedicated sound card offers better audio processing and reduced latency.

It's more versatile than a DAC

While USB-DACs can be a solid solution, there's still a reason to go old-school.

DACs are a good solution for a lot of people. They can help tune up your audio for better quality for home theater or gaming uses. They're not the most elegant solution for audio recording or broadcasting, but they definitely can help improve your PCs audio.

However, a PCIe sound card includes a DAC. So you aren't giving up any functionality by opting for a sound card instead. If anything, you're getting a better hybrid solution by opting for the sound card, which gives you extra versatility since a sound card can more easily convert sound from multiple sources. A DAC can be great if you're just going for basic gaming or movie streaming, but if you want to get premium sound quality and possibly flex into running a podcast, streaming, or recording YouTube videos, then the sound card is likely the better way to go since it can better process audio input from your podcast mic and still provide great audio quality to your studio headphones.

A sound card can also help upgrade an older PC build, and extend your device's lifetime by giving you great audio without having to fully overhaul your current desktop rig. While many folks go for the 4-year upgrade cycle, more than half of enthusiasts will hold onto their desktop builds for much longer. Especially on the motherboard and CPU side, since Intel loves to change up the CPU socket every other generation. Which means you're upgrading more than half your case if you want to get a new CPU. AMD's definitely got the advantage there, running the same socket for multiple generations, but even still. Upgrading a PC can be expensive, and a sound card is much more affordable in comparison.

Better sound quality, guaranteed

Your ears will thank you.

No seriously. PCIe SoundCards are still used by broadcast professionals and audio engineers to this day. Which means they tend to be pricey. But it's hard to argue with the results. Sound cards will get you significantly better sound than just using your PC's standard headset or speaker hookup, with significantly better audio fidelity.

However, there are more benefits to a PCIe sound card than just superior audio quality. A sound card will isolate your audio from the rest of your desktop components, which can lead to better audio overall because of less interference. So you won't be dealing with any crackling sound or constant buzzing coming from your speakers or headset. A sound card also fits inside your PC, saving you from having to find space on your desktop for an external DAC. It can help rescue your old hardware by giving you better sound quality, and its future-proof, in the off chance you decide to become a content creator down the line.

Not everyone needs a sound card

It really depends on your use.

For a lot of gamers, a USB DAC or external audio interface offers more than enough sound quality. It really depends on how old your desktop hardware is, whether you've got a spare PCIe expansion slot, and what you want to use your audio for.

Most gamers can get away with a DAC, or just by using better quality speakers or headphones. But if you're the type of gamer or movie enthusiast who wants to hear every single instrument in a track, and you've got the spare cash on hand, going al-in on the sound card is the way to go. Or, if you think you might edge into the world of podcasting or content creation, then it's worth opting for a sound card instead, as it'll keep your desk setup clean for an added camera, lighting, and mic.