What are the sound cards?

Now computer sound cards have become a familiar component in computer systems. Many novice users do not even know what could be different. But just a decade and a half ago every computer owner who wanted to hear in the programs did not squeak a system speaker, but a real sound (and even people's voices in multimedia applications!) Was forced to buy an audio adapter. Moreover, sound cards required the study of the principle of tuning DMA channels and interrupts, matching in accordance with the bus, prescribing parameters in files. In addition, the first models were quite expensive. As a result, sound cards were installed only among enthusiasts. And what is the situation now?

Constructive decisions

All existing sound cards can be divided into three main types:

• Discrete models. Perhaps, they can be called classic. Such a card is a relatively small circuit board with electronic components and a group of sliding contacts placed on it for connection to the connector of the corresponding bus of the motherboard. Since they are installed in the system unit, they are sometimes called internal;
• Built-in (onboard, integrated). This model is a chip soldered to the motherboard and a few auxiliary elements of the strapping, which performs all the basic functions of the classical sound card;
• External. Most often are devices connected to USB ports.

Features of the built-in solutions

Very often people who only remotely face the nuances of computer sound, there is a logical question about the practical differences of audio cards. After all, all the same, features of constructive execution are not the main essential difference. The least expensive solutions are built-in cards. The real cost of the sound chip is from 1 to 10 $ (for comparison: the youngest in the line discrete sound card Asus Xonar offered by the manufacturer for almost $ 40). In addition, connoisseurs of sound quality know that due to the tight arrangement of components on the motherboard, mutual electrical interference inevitably arises that affect the "purity" of reproduction. Although this can be solved by eliminating the analog output in favor of a digital one, the latter is inappropriate to use with such inexpensive cards. And, finally, it must be remembered that most of the processing operations are performed by the driver for the sound card, using the CPU power . Thus, the built-in card is an excellent solution for a person who does not want to spend money on buying a separate audio adapter, and does not consider himself a true music lover.

Nuances of discrete models

Currently, the most relevant solutions for the PCI-Express bus. Such cards, even the average cost, already contain "on board" a full-fledged specialized processor that performs data stream processing, unloading the central one. Often, discrete models have much more capabilities (for example, ASIO support) than built-in analogs. The sound quality is usually much higher than that of onboard solutions. When choosing, it should be remembered that any additional card inside the case worsens the air circulation, potentially disrupting heat exchange. In addition, the power consumption is higher than that of the built-in cards.

External sound cards

These devices can be divided into two groups: cheap, in fact, representing the same chip as in onboard solutions, but "sitting" on the USB bus; As well as professional high-end cards.