An audio chipset is the hardware assembly containing circuitry for a sound card. It can be identified by a sticker or manufacturer’s name etched into the chip. Advanced sound cards have more complicated circuit boards and require correct drivers. Some computers have an integrated audio chipset on the motherboard. Common manufacturers include AMD, Soundblaster, Realtek, and Intel.
Typically found on a computer sound card, an audio chipset is the hardware assembly that contains the circuitry for a sound card. In general, a chipset is the circuit board used in most computer hardware devices. It refers to the specifications used to build that particular chip model. Although a sound card may also be referred to as an audio chipset, typically, referring to chipset means the chip portion of the total sound card assembly, excluding audio input and output connectors.
One type of audio chipset is usually called a “build”. To identify the manufacturer and build of an audio chipset used in a computer, a user would look for a sticker on the hardware or a manufacturer’s name etched into the chip. Closer inspection revealed to me a different name on the entire piece of hardware than the manufacturer’s name on the sound chip. The manufacturer that makes a sound chip isn’t necessarily the same manufacturer that made the computer or sound card that contains the chip. Often, small letters are hidden on the body of a chipset that indicate the manufacturing company.
The circuit boards used in audio devices are more complicated in advanced sound cards, especially those that handle multi-channel, high-definition, or surround sound capabilities. Professional sound card chipsets can take up more space in your computer case than simpler sound cards. Advanced audio chipsets can also emit more heat and require more case cooling when used. Some high-end sound cards use a dedicated fan to cool the sound chip.
Sound cards require the correct drivers to power the sound chipset installed in the computer. Driver discs usually come with the sound card, but they can also be obtained by visiting the download or support sections of the manufacturers’ websites. Some manufacturers make multiple chipsets for audio devices, so it’s important to identify the correct driver version to use with your existing hardware chipset.
In some computers, an audio chipset is actually an integrated part of the motherboard. This happens most often in standard pre-built computers without special audio hardware. Having an integrated sound card can be beneficial because it takes up less space in your computer case than a separate sound card. When it’s time to replace or upgrade an integrated sound chipset that is part of a motherboard, the user leaves the original sound chipset in place and uses software to disable it before installing a new, upgraded sound card. Common manufacturers of audio chipsets include Advanced Micro Devices® (AMD), Soundblaster®, Realtek® and Intel®.
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