Unless there is something else you would like me to try what would be your sound card suggestions, my budget is flexible at around $50AUD but would prefer to spend less if possible.ĭon't get a sound card, buy an external amp/dac instead. I'm not trying to deafen myself, the max volume just really isn't loud at all.

So I figured I could just get a low end sound card that would give me either the same or better sound quality but also louder. Like at 15% it is about as loud as my Z97 Krait, I assume the onboard audio on the Krait is just not as good since it is a lower tier motherboard, but still.Īlso if it matters I was using Win8.1 on the Asus and MSI motherboard and Win7 on the Gigabyte board and I do have all drivers installed correctly. My previous motherboard was an Asus M5A99FX EVO and it was much louder than my current mobo, just now since I've got my Folding PC (Gigabyte Z97X-SOC) partially set up next to me I plugged my headphones in to it and it is significantly louder (quality was also much nicer, I guess that is expected from a $200 mobo though).

Headphones quiet at max volume