External Sound Card Installation Guide and Tips: USB or Firewire

An external sound card is a sound card that connects to a computer through external plugs such as USB or Firewire connectors. Using an external sound card, you can enable your computer to play sound, even if it has no available slots to install an internal sound card. Getting an external sound card running is simple to do on your own, but requires some research to make sure you get the right sound card for your system.

Materials and Hardware

External sound card
CD-ROM drive
Sound driver (Downloaded file or CD-ROM)
Power cord (optional)
Speakers

Step 1

Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware and system requirements to properly operate the external sound card. Information about a sound card's hardware requirements is listed on the outside of the box. High-end sound cards like surround sound or advanced 3D sound cars will require more out of a computer than a basic external sound card.

Step 2

Read the installation instructions for your external sound card. Note whether the manufacturer recommends that you install the driver or plug the hardware in to the computer first. Different manufacturers recommend different sequences for installation.

Step 3

To install the external sound card driver, put the driver disk in your CD-ROM drive and run the installation program. If you do not have a CD-ROM driver disk, check the manufacturer's website for a downloadable version of the driver for your model of external hard drive. The installation program may require you to restart your computer to complete the process.

Step 4

Connect the external sound card. Locate an open USB or Firewire port on your computer. Plug the device in to the correct port. If your sound card needs a power feed from an outlet, plug it in now. Once detected by your operating system, some models of sound card can automatically run due to preinstalled drivers on your operating system. You may need to restart your computer.

Step 5

Connect your sound output device or speakers to the external sound card. Play a sound through your new sound card to ensure that it works.

Step 6

If you have any problems with your newly installed sound card, check all of your power and cable connections and make sure the speakers are powered on. If the sound card still doesn't work, you may need to reinstall the driver or check your computer for software conflicts that might be blocking your external sound hardware.

Note:

Some operating systems require that you manually switch to the new external sound card. This can be accomplished using the sound device settings located in the control panel or sound preferences menu of your operating system.

Reference:
Stanford University: PC Sound Test Instructions