Today I feel it is very important that graphic artists have quality sound in their computer. Most motherboards include “good” audio, but you can get much better quality with a discrete sound card. The reason I feel it is important is because many of you are now creating more than just graphics. Your creations could now include sound. There are also side benefits if you listen to music or play games on your computer.

If you want a great sound card, you can’t beat the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD. One thing to keep in mind is that this card is only supported by Vista and Windows 7. For those clinging to Windows XP, it will not work for you. It may seem strange to mention, but you also need speakers or headphones to hear the sound coming from this card.

The sound you hear is nothing short of phenomenal. It has a S/N (signal to noise) ratio of 122 db which is off the charts high. Creative’s other sound cards top out at 109 db! That simply means you hear things that you’ve probably never heard before. It is also loaded with technology that gives amazing positional sound. Yes, it costs around $165 compared to using the free sound from your motherboard. In my mind, it is a valuable investment for artists to make.