On-Board Sound vs Older PCI Sound Card

[rmsx882x]

Right now, I am using an older motherboard. It’s over 3 years old and I am using onboard sound. The AC97 Audio. I have another PCI sound card that is even older, by about two years. It is a Turtle Beach sound card. I'm not sure of the exact model number, but it is 5.1 compliant and was around $50 or $60 at the time. I was thinking of switching because I have audio glitches in newer games such as Quake 4, even with audio detail turned to low. I was just wondering if any of you think it would be worth the effort to swap the sound card. If it’s not worth it, not big deal, I planning on getting a new computer in a few months anyway. I would appreciate any input, thanks!

[PC TECH250]

Checking the board's manufacturer's support site for "4 in 1" updates availble for that mb
would provide an updated sound driver for the onboard. Newer games like Q4, Doom3, and
others like Battlefield 2 and HALF LIFE 2 place high demands on system resources. Most of
these games also expect the latest updates installed for newer model video + sound cards.
Updating with the latest video drivers can sometimes help there too.

With a new system on the way an investment in a new sound card not quite want you are
wanting for a new custom build would be a waste of time and effort. See if updates can be
downloaded for your present hardwares. That could be a help there.