The short answer is No. Any PC built in the last 20 years has an onboard sound card, which means it is built directly onto the motherboard.

However, sound enthusiasts, who are often called audiophiles, can still find use for an external card that connects to a PCI slot as those cards provide higher sound quality. External sound cards are also useful for those who are involved in professional recording and sound production.

  • How to disable or adjust my computer’s sound.
  • How to remove a computer sound card.
  • How to troubleshoot onboard audio.
  • See our sound card definition for further information and related links.
  • Sound card help and support.