How to Find Out What Type of Sound Card Your Computer Is Using

Find out what kind of sound card you have.

Sound cards are audio devices used to produce sound from your computer. If you ever need to find out what type of sound card you have in your computer, you can do so through two different methods, depending on the resources are available to you. If your sound card has drivers installed on the computer, you can use the Device Manager to find out what type of card it is. If you don't have drivers installed, you can look at the card itself to find out what type it is.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

Use the Device Manager

1. Click the "Start" button, select "All Programs" and then click on "Accessories."

2. Open the "System Information" section and then click on the "+" symbol next to the "Components" section.

3. Click on the "Sound Device" section and read the manufacturer's information about the device, including the model number and name of the sound card.

Look at the Card Itself

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it. Remove the side case of the computer.

2. Locate the sound card, which will be attached to a PCI slot on the motherboard. This will be located towards the lower left side of the computer as you look into it through the side.

3. Remove the sound card from the computer, taking off any screws attaching it to the case (if necessary) and laying them to the side. Look at the bottom and top of the sound card for the manufacturer's name and model number.

4. Replace the sound card in the computer, put the side back on, plug it in and turn it back on.

References

• Computer Hope: How to Determine the Sound Card in My Computer