Motherboard and audio Quality

Separate and apart from the sound card, does the quality of a motherboard effect audio quality?

Thank you.

Probably a subjective thing. Mind you, my ASUS Maximus VII Hero motherboard (which isn't cheap) has audio which simply a) doesn't work; b) doesn't play nice with other programs and c) when it occasionally work, delivers audio which simply sucks.

Some motherboards have higher quality sound cards built in to them, but honestly I think the more they add the more issues we get.

I have an ASUS Ranger and the sound quality is good for what I use it for, but I think if I had to do it again I would just buy a separate sound card. I wouldn't mind if I could just buy a good motherboard without the sound circuitry.

My board seems to be working okay now, but I had some sound driver problems and in general I just feel like trying to get better sound from the on board stuff was a waste. I still might buy a SB Zx on sale and disable the on board

For digital out its all the same, analog varies a lot depending on too many variables.

Doesn't sound like the OP is talking about the quality of onboard/motherboard audio, but rather, the effects a motherboard might have on audio (whether that audio is coming from onboard sound, a sound card, or wherever).

The only effect it should have would be possible EMI (usually perceptible as increased background static or electrical noises when using analog output). In the case of a sound card this can often be fixed simply by changing slots. It's just as likely to be caused by other components in the system aside from the motherboard, and in many cases it's not a problem at all. If it is a real issue, your best bet would be using optical digital out to an external DAC, as EMI cannot travel over the optical cable to the DAC.

Motherboard audio is much better than it used to be.

Audio and ground separation, which many nicer boards have now (the audio circuitry is separated from other traces by a landing zone of decals, paint or empty pcb) can help reduce rf artifacting and emi. These boards often offer floating grounds as well.

The dac used, as well as component quality on more expensive boards is generally better, too.

Personally, I prefer the gene IV analog output to my Toslink dac. I find it has better dynamic range. Therefore, in this instance, I'd say motherboard analog output surpasses the quality of my external dac (the dac is very old, this is the fault of the dac).

Cheaper boards and shitty PSU have caused hums and hisses. So, optical has always been a way to isolate those.

Thank you for all of your responses, particularly GotNoRice.