Some cards add functionality of generating sound to the computer. Older PCI sound cards are very resource hungry and offer a limited sampling rate of 16 bits at 44,100 Hz. Newer PCI sound cards can take the rate up to 24 bits at 96 KHz which is the specification for DVD quality audio discs. Most Motherboards ship with an on-board soundcard, which gives you a free PCI slot for use in the future.
Most sound cards support both of the current entertainment audio standards: AdLib and Sound Blaster. The Sound Blaster is a family of sound cards sold by Creative Labs.
A sound card has many uses, including the following:
Adding stereo sound to entertainment (game) software.
Adding sound effects to business presentations and training software.
Playing audio CDs.
