F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Best sound card for gaming with headphones?

Best sound card for gaming with headphones?

Best sound card for gaming with headphones?

H
HaveRespect
Member
75
06-19-2025, 08:54 PM
#1
I've been experiencing a "clipping" anomaly with my computer's audio...the audio cuts out randomly and sporadically and all I hear is a popping sound.
Along with this clipping my cursor will stutter and lag while I'm moving it.
It started about a week ago when I downloaded a game from Steam; when it began it would happen every 15-20 seconds...now it's almost constant. I ordered a new set of headphones (the old ones are pretty beat up) but would like to know what card I should get...hopefully that will solve my problem.
H
HaveRespect
06-19-2025, 08:54 PM #1

I've been experiencing a "clipping" anomaly with my computer's audio...the audio cuts out randomly and sporadically and all I hear is a popping sound.
Along with this clipping my cursor will stutter and lag while I'm moving it.
It started about a week ago when I downloaded a game from Steam; when it began it would happen every 15-20 seconds...now it's almost constant. I ordered a new set of headphones (the old ones are pretty beat up) but would like to know what card I should get...hopefully that will solve my problem.

S
Sqwalish
Member
155
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#2
This response covers common audio troubleshooting steps, focusing on potential issues with drivers, sound cards, and headphone/DAC processing. It includes a detailed explanation of how Bluetooth audio processing works, which is crucial for understanding why audio might not be working correctly. The inclusion of "motherboards bluetooth driver" as an issue is also sensible, as many PCs don't have built-in bluetooth support, requiring the use of external devices.
S
Sqwalish
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #2

This response covers common audio troubleshooting steps, focusing on potential issues with drivers, sound cards, and headphone/DAC processing. It includes a detailed explanation of how Bluetooth audio processing works, which is crucial for understanding why audio might not be working correctly. The inclusion of "motherboards bluetooth driver" as an issue is also sensible, as many PCs don't have built-in bluetooth support, requiring the use of external devices.

N
NanduNandu
Junior Member
5
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#3
Hi
@User Name Noob
Please list out your current systems hardware as that'll help narrow down which sound card(s) will work.
That clipping sound sounds (no pun intended) like a possible grounding issue. Possibly a driver issue &/or hardware issue as well, though it's hard to narrow it down exactly without more info. Have you don'e any recent repairs or upgrades? When was the last time you took the system apart, cleaned everything, put it back together and reinstalled your OS/drivers? It would be a shame if you ordered a sound card, and then had the same issue.
Also whats your realistic max budget? Add-in sound cards go from $20 on up to $$$.
A little more info please.
N
NanduNandu
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #3

Hi
@User Name Noob
Please list out your current systems hardware as that'll help narrow down which sound card(s) will work.
That clipping sound sounds (no pun intended) like a possible grounding issue. Possibly a driver issue &/or hardware issue as well, though it's hard to narrow it down exactly without more info. Have you don'e any recent repairs or upgrades? When was the last time you took the system apart, cleaned everything, put it back together and reinstalled your OS/drivers? It would be a shame if you ordered a sound card, and then had the same issue.
Also whats your realistic max budget? Add-in sound cards go from $20 on up to $$$.
A little more info please.

C
Creeperkilll
Member
201
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#4
Revised Text:

“I’m currently evaluating the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones and have recently upgraded my storage with a 2TB Samsung 860 EVO SSD. Previously, I upgraded my graphics card several months ago and keep all drivers updated. My sound card budget is essentially unlimited, though I primarily use headphones. Currently, I’m running an Intel i7-6700k CPU at 4GHz on an ASRock Z170 Extreme6 motherboard with 32GB of GSkill RAM (16-18-18-38) and a Micron M600 SSD for booting. My monitor is an Alienware 34" 3440x1440.”
C
Creeperkilll
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #4

Revised Text:

“I’m currently evaluating the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones and have recently upgraded my storage with a 2TB Samsung 860 EVO SSD. Previously, I upgraded my graphics card several months ago and keep all drivers updated. My sound card budget is essentially unlimited, though I primarily use headphones. Currently, I’m running an Intel i7-6700k CPU at 4GHz on an ASRock Z170 Extreme6 motherboard with 32GB of GSkill RAM (16-18-18-38) and a Micron M600 SSD for booting. My monitor is an Alienware 34" 3440x1440.”

I
iFraanPvP
Member
63
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#5
This response focuses on troubleshooting audio issues related to Bluetooth connectivity. It offers a breakdown of potential causes—issues with the motherboard’s Bluetooth driver or processing within the headphones’ DAC—and suggests that the audio is not processed through your computer's soundcard, but instead via a digital transfer over Bluetooth.
I
iFraanPvP
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #5

This response focuses on troubleshooting audio issues related to Bluetooth connectivity. It offers a breakdown of potential causes—issues with the motherboard’s Bluetooth driver or processing within the headphones’ DAC—and suggests that the audio is not processed through your computer's soundcard, but instead via a digital transfer over Bluetooth.

C
Cookie923Love
Junior Member
22
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#6
Yes, they are bluetooth, but they are not working atm because, apparently, I don't have bluetooth on my computer...I will have to get a bluetooth adapter (which should have been included with this $300 pair of headphones!) in order to get these things to work. So, it'll be another week, or so, before I know if the "clipping" problem is still affecting my computer.
C
Cookie923Love
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #6

Yes, they are bluetooth, but they are not working atm because, apparently, I don't have bluetooth on my computer...I will have to get a bluetooth adapter (which should have been included with this $300 pair of headphones!) in order to get these things to work. So, it'll be another week, or so, before I know if the "clipping" problem is still affecting my computer.

G
gunner59590
Junior Member
39
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#7
Could you please specify your headphone model you are using with your pc. You must try some gaming headphones which will get you better performance. I am read out some gaming mouse review over
this site
. You can check out yourself and decide about. I hope it helps.
G
gunner59590
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #7

Could you please specify your headphone model you are using with your pc. You must try some gaming headphones which will get you better performance. I am read out some gaming mouse review over
this site
. You can check out yourself and decide about. I hope it helps.

C
Cardboardcomp
Junior Member
8
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM
#8
I have the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones...but waiting on an adapter atm.
C
Cardboardcomp
06-19-2025, 08:55 PM #8

I have the Sony WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones...but waiting on an adapter atm.