External Sound Cards vs. Built-in Sound Cards

Sound cards are vital when it comes to producing superior audio quality. However, the question remains: which type of sound card provides a better audio experience, external or built-in? Today, we're going to dive into the differences between the two and help you decide which type of sound card is the right choice for your needs.

Built-in Sound Cards

Built-in sound cards come bundled with most motherboards, providing a simple and easy-to-use approach. It is directly installed in the motherboard and doesn't require any additional cords or accessories. Built-in sound cards are perfect for general audio tasks such as listening to music, watching videos, and attending online meetings.

However, built-in sound cards have a few downfalls. Firstly, they come at the expense of individual computer components. Computer manufacturers aim to cut costs and maximize revenue, which means that they implement lower-quality sound cards than external sound cards. Additionally, built-in sound cards are highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other computer components. EMI can cause crackling, buzzing, and poor audio quality.

External Sound Cards

External sound cards are highly beneficial in terms of the audio quality offered. They provide a high-definition listening experience that surpasses the low-quality sound produced by the built-in sound cards. External sound cards plug into a USB port and offer incredibly clear audio, limited EMI, and provide extra features that can enhance your audio experience further.

Despite this, external sound cards come with a higher price point than their built-in counterparts. External sound cards are larger and can be a nuisance to carry around. They also require additional cords which lead to messy desk setups.

Comparison | External vs. Built-in

As summarized in the table above, external sound cards come out on top of the comparison. They offer superior sound quality, limited EMI, and additional features. However, they do come at a higher price point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, external sound cards provide the highest quality audio available in today's market. They are the most suitable option for audiophiles or individuals with specific audio needs. However, built-in sound cards offer an easy and affordable solution for general audio purposes. Choose based on your specific audio needs and the features that matter most to your audio experience.

References

1. "What is EMI?" EMI Shielding. September 16, 2021. https://emi-shielding.com/knowledge/what-is-emi-shielding/what-is-emi/.

2. A4-6300 Desktop Processor with Radeon™ HD 8370D Product Specifications. Intel. September 22, 2021. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/80817/intel-nuc.html.