Consult the manual that shipped with your card for more information on installing it with your specific OS. You might also need to select the card as an audio source on your computer. Some operating systems, particularly those that are more than a few years old, may require you to download and install drivers before the card will work with your laptop. The standard is simple plug-and-play installation, but you might need a newer operating system to take advantage of it. The installation of an external sound card can vary considerably depending on the one you buy and the operating system you’re using.

SizeĮxternal sound cards can vary in size from compact plugs that sit almost flush with the laptop casing (which are more portable and better able to slip into a pocket or the corner of a laptop bag) to cards complete with longer cords for better access, controls, and other features that are easier to use. While rare, some external sound cards are also equipped with a Sony/Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) output and offer support for surround sound. Sound is usually a big component of both, so having a high-quality sound card is key. Does it offer superior bass, highs, and mid frequencies? Finding a quality card is especially important if you do much gaming or watch a lot of movies. When considering external sound cards, you should look for the one with the best audio quality you can afford. In this guide, we examine all the features and other factors that you need to consider when purchasing an external sound card, everything from installation and size to audio clarity and pricing.īecause external sound cards are powered through the USB connection, you won’t need to worry about managing another power cord or replacing or recharging batteries. These cards usually connect through a USB port (some use FireWire), and they can be used not only with laptops but also desktop computers and gaming consoles. Trying to upgrade your laptop’s sound by installing your own internal sound card can be a difficult and time-consuming task, but there is an easy and inexpensive way to quickly give your laptop audio a boost: an external sound card.Įxternal sound cards are a great way to either upgrade your laptop’s existing sound capabilities or replace a defective internal sound card without needing to open the case. Laptops - and oftentimes desktop computers - generally don’t ship with top-quality sound cards installed. One area in which a laptop can suffer, however, is audio quality.

With its compact size and desktop-grade power, a laptop computer is a portable and versatile tool to have. Buying guide for best external sound cards for laptops

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