Types of Sound Cards

• There are many different types of sound cards that are differentiated by their function, components and interface type. When deciding to install a sound card, it's imperative that the sound card you intend to install is compatible with an available motherboard interface slot matching the card. The most common interface slots for sound cards include PCI and PCI express. Further, some sound cards come with media controllers that must be installed for proper sound card operation and also take up a free 5.25-inch drive bay. As far as function goes, the sound card you wish to install must support the speaker configuration you intend to use, such as 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 surround sound.
  
  

Physical Installation

• Once you have obtained a sound card that fits the specifications that you require, it is time to install it. Installation of a sound card requires only that you power down your computer, remove your computer's side access panel and install the card into an available motherboard interface slot. After this procedure is complete, you may replace the side access panel and restore power to the computer. You may now connect your computers speaker system to the newly available ports exposed on the backside of the case by your new sound card.
  
  

Driver and Software Installation

• After the physical installation of the card is complete, you make boot into your operating system. Once you have successfully logged into your operating system, you must install the hardware drivers that accompanied the sound card you purchased. You may choose to install these drivers from the disk that came with your sound card or, as is highly recommended, download the latest drivers from your sound card manufacturer's website. Once these drivers are installed, you may find other valuable software on the driver CD that came with your sound card, such as audio enhancement software for high-definition movie viewing or gaming. During the driver and software installation process, it's recommended that you restart your computer between every successful software installation to ensure no hardware or software conflicts arise.