I am ordering a new computer shortly.  My son -- who's in the IT field (NOT THE MUSIC FIELD!) -- tells me the integrated audio on the latest Intel processors is so good that I do not need a sound card or external USB Audio Interface.  I don't know if he's right or not.  Feedback on this would be much appreciated.  I use Sonar (still X3) with two synthesizers (hardware), record the analog in Sonar with Sonar driving the MIDI and then convert the recordings to MP3.  The new machine will be 64 bit and have substantial RAM and fast processing.
 
On another note, I've had good success with Dell computers while my son is a big fan of Lenovo.  If anyone has relevant experience that compares them in DAW applications, please let me know.

Near as I know, the CPU doesn't have sound integrated in it. There is a chip put on the motherboard to do sound. So it'll vary by board how good the sound is.

My gut tells me that the AD/DA converters in those chips will not be up to task.  There are also functions that an audio interface performs (multiple ins/outs, clipping monitors, etc.) that you're not going to get with "on board" hardware.

The audio chip is on the motherboard. It is not integrated with the Intel CPU like the current Intel HD Graphics are. I find that the Intel graphics are good enough, unless you are a hard core gamer.
 
The latest builds that I have done are with Asus motherboards that have a Realtec audio codec chip onboard.
 
The on-board audio works great for home theater or gaming. 
 
The problem with DAW's, or audio production apps in general, is that they are optimized for low latency drivers such as ASIO. These are necessary for real-time monitoring, real-time effects, and virtual instruments. For example, hit a key on an external USB connected keyboard, and then wait for a soft-synth to make a sound.  The Intel i7 is impressive, but the audio driver is the weak link in this scenario.
 
These ASIO drivers are not likely to be provided by the OEM or on-board audio chip manufacturer.
 
Currently, it seems that the preference for computer musicians is for an external USB2 sound module with ASIO drivers. There are various makes, models and prices to fit any budget.
 
So I would recommend these links for more info on this topic.
 
This is old, but still true: http://www.soundonsound.c...rticles/pcmusician.htm
 
More here: http://tweakheadz.com/sou...-and-audio-interfaces/
 
 

There are some newer motherboards that boast fairly nice built-in audio for casual music listeners and undemanding gamers -- much better than the rudimentary chipsets that used to be installed on motherboards. My own board - a Gigabyte X99 SLI -- boasts a Realtek ALC1150 DAC with, apparently, a SNR of 115dB, and by many accounts it sounds excellent. But that's just for the DAC. The ADC conversion (recording) is apparently not nearly as good. And anyway, I don't think there would be low-latency ASIO drivers for a chipset like that. I didn't even bother to look; I'm running an RME interface, so whatever is on my motherboard isn't going to be even in the same league, and when I bought this motherboard, its audio chipset wasn't a consideration at all.
 
If I was just listening to music while I worked, or whatever, then I'm sure my integrated audio would be just fine. But for music production, I wouldn't use it. I'd be stuck using generic, low-latency drivers like ASIO4ALL, or some such thing.
 
I'd highly recommend getting a dedicated interface designed specifically for audio recording, with the low-latency drivers to match.

Amicus717
The ADC conversion (recording) is apparently not nearly as good. And anyway, I don't think there would be low-latency ASIO drivers for a chipset like that. I didn't even bother to look;

This.

There is "HDMI Audio" on an Intel CPU, but not a regular PC audio chip.  The HDMI audio can be used for PC audio via the HDMI interface connection, to either a monitor or TV with an HDMI input or to a separate power amp (e.g. surround sound) that has an HDMI input.
 
My i7 3770 CPU has HDMI audio but I don't use HDMI so I can't say what the quality of it is.   My motherboard has Realtek and I use that for PC audio with a 2.1 speaker system (and to check the sound of my mastered mixes).

fireberd
There is "HDMI Audio" on an Intel CPU, but not a regular PC audio chip.  The HDMI audio can be used for PC audio via the HDMI interface connection, to either a monitor or TV with an HDMI input or to a separate power amp (e.g. surround sound) that has an HDMI input.
 
My i7 3770 CPU has HDMI audio but I don't use HDMI so I can't say what the quality of it is.   My motherboard has Realtek and I use that for PC audio with a 2.1 speaker system (and to check the sound of my mastered mixes).

 
Yep, I forgot about the HDMI audio. It is integrated with the Intel graphics driver.  I believe it is intended to be used as output only.  I don't think it has recording capability, so no DAW applications possible. I have mine disabled, because my HDMI monitor has no sound.  It does work great from my Blu-ray player connected to my HDTV.
 
How can I enable audio through my HDMI cable?
Install the latest Intel® Graphics Driver, which will install the latest audio codecs for HDMI.
After driver installation, connect to the HDMI TV or digital display using HDMI cable.
Select the HDMI audio as your default playback device from Windows* Sound properties.
 
 

UCG Musician
 
On another note, I've had good success with Dell computers while my son is a big fan of Lenovo.  If anyone has relevant experience that compares them in DAW applications, please let me know.

 
No mention if this is to be a desktop or laptop DAW.
 
Considering that the internal components would be similar, I suppose support should be the main consideration, especially after the warranty period.  I have never used Lenovo, but I have a 12 year old single core Dell laptop that runs XP, and still works.  Don't use it much anymore, but it has Sonar 8.5 Producer installed. 
 
The Dell website keeps a good knowledge base, as well as links to all the old drivers. Their user guides have detailed disassembly and upgrade instructions.  The Dell online community seems helpful.  The limit with Dell, or any other proprietary OEM PC, is that the parts for that model eventually go out of manufacture. Consider a custom built PC that would offer more flexibility later.
 
I would be careful if selecting a laptop for a DAW.  Check the Intel CPU codes for the chosen model. The Intel Core mobile processors are a low power design, and do not run at the higher clock speeds of the desktop CPU's.
 
You can see the difference in clock speeds in this Intel chart:
http://www.intel.com/cont...core-i7-processor.html
 
Laptop hard drives are generally slow and could present a lag or bottleneck.  If going there, choose a SSD (solid state drive) option.
 
 
 
 

UCG Musician
I am ordering a new computer shortly.  My son -- who's in the IT field (NOT THE MUSIC FIELD!) -- tells me the integrated audio on the latest Intel processors is so good that I do not need a sound card or external USB Audio Interface.  I don't know if he's right or not.  Feedback on this would be much appreciated.  I use Sonar (still X3) with two synthesizers (hardware), record the analog in Sonar with Sonar driving the MIDI and then convert the recordings to MP3.  The new machine will be 64 bit and have substantial RAM and fast processing.
 
On another note, I've had good success with Dell computers while my son is a big fan of Lenovo.  If anyone has relevant experience that compares them in DAW applications, please let me know.

Not in the music field = obvious.