Sound Card Install

Installing a Sound Card

Back in the day, when you built your own computer, people needed sound cards to hear what was on the screen. Today, 99% of motherboards come with a sound card built in. In case yours does not, here what to do. 

First, you are going to need a sound card. The Creative Sound Blaster is the best but any sound card should do. You can get one on Amazon, Ebay or Newegg. 

 Make sure your OS in installed and fully updated. (Apple Computers use proprietary Sound Cards. This is for Windows or Linux)

WINDOWS

1. Turn off the computer and unplug it and wait 5 minutes. Then open the case.

2. Unbox the card and insert it into the slot. (ISA, PCI, PCI-E)

3. Secure the card with either a screw or lock. (Your case manufacturer or PC manufacturer manual will tell you which you have)

4. Insert the 3.5 mm speaker cable into the Green colored or otherwise labeled jack. 

5.  Close the case 

6. Plug in the computer and turn it on

7. Windows should load, auto detect the drivers and reboot. Then you should hear sound, of not, keep going. 

8. Insert the CD that came with the card or go to the website on the box and download the drivers, then install them. 

9. There. You should have sound. If not, contact the sound card manufacturer. 

LINUX

Follow steps 1-6 from the Windows side. Then:

1. Linux will boot. You will need to test the card on a sound file or go to Youtube and play a random video. 

2. If you hear sound, you're done. if not, keep going

3. Click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and click sound settings (or similar)

4. Under audio output, select the appropriate option for your card. (Linux has no standard option set. Each Distro has it's own. You'll need to google the appropriate option)

5. Make sure the volume is set to 75% or more and try again. If nothing, your sound card may not be compatible with Linux. It's rare but it does happen. 

Please note: No person or company paid me to say anything about any of the topics above. These are my opinions and what I have observed using the program personally. Your experience may vary. I am not responsible for any data loss that may occur. Use my guides at your own risk.