The next significant problem for game players is how the sound cards create 3D audio. With 3D video, there are two main techniques:

• Host-based processing
• Processing on the audio adapter

Some 3D audio cards do some or all of processing essential for 3D using host's CPU, but others utilize a powerful DSP that executes processing on audio adapter. Cards that utilize host based processing for 3D audio with systems that utilize AC'97 audio codecs for integrated 3D audio can cause main drops in frame rate when 3D sound is enabled on systems with processors running at speeds under 1GHz. Though, cards with their own 3D audio processors onboard have small change in frame rate whether 3D sound is enabled or disabled. Many of the newest chips from main audio adapter and chipset vendors support 3D acceleration, but many 3D audio streams supported varies significantly by chip and it can occasionally be restricted by problems with software drivers.

A good law of thumb for realistic gaming is to have an on the whole average frame rate of at least 30fps. With CPUs running at 1GHz or above, this is simple to get with any new 3D audio card or new onboard included audio solutions. Though, gamers using older CPUs, like those running slower than 1GHz, will get that cards using host CPU for some of 3D processing will have frame rates that drop below preferred average of 30fps, making for clumsy game play. Frame rates are directly related to CPU use; more CPU interests your 3D audio card or included audio solution needs, slower the frame rate will be.

As with 3D video, the major users of 3D sound are game developers, but business utilizes for ultra realistic sound.