Creative Labs Soundblaster Play 3 External Usb Dac Amp

I have a 4 1/2 year old Dell Inspiron 3847 desktop pc which is in great shape. A few months ago i started getting a lot of static from the integrated sound system..Realtek...I proceeded to try everthing to figure it out including using different types of speakers from wireless Sonys to USB powered cheapies...to a new JBL Charge 3 wireless to the speakers in the Samsung 32 in tv i use for a monitor. Nothing elimingated the static. I was thinking about installing an internal sound card but ran into the Soundblaster external card listed above. It was my understanding that this gizmo is supposed to become a substitute for my internal integrated sound. It connects by USB, you download the driver...no problem...disable your internal sound hardware and it takes over being your sound hardware . I received it today and installed it but found that when i plug it into any USB port...i tried them all...the music or any voice ...stops playing! The only time it plays is when you hook up headphones to the other end of the Play 3...great sound...but not the problem i was trying to solve.
Did i misunderstand what this gizmo is supposed to do? Is it NOT designed to replace my internal sound system if i disable or uninstall the internal system from the PC? I sent an inquiry to Creative..They said they will get back to me "soon". I can return this and buy an internal sound card...just trying to go easy peazy.
Ths for any help.

 

The Sound Blaster PLAY! 3 is an amplifier that drives headphones or earphones.
It's not a true sound card.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Guess the info i got from some Amazon customers was wrong. Is there such a thing as an external sound card i can get or do i just need to get an internal one and install it in my desktop? Thanks for your help. .

 

Here's a list of 12 external sound cards.
https://www.bestproducts.com/tech/gadgets/g1422/external-sound-cards-for-pc-or-mac/
However, I'm not convinced an external sound card is on par with an internal sound card. More often than not, they are just USB-connected amplifiers. They use the onboard sound and therefor will amplify any 'noise'.

When you used the Sound Blaster PLAY! 3, was the static noise fixed?
You should further investigate the possibility that the static might be caused by a non-compliant appliance, or device/appliance plugged into the same electrical outlet as the PC.

 

Thanks for your reply. I didnt notice if the static was eliminated when i connected the Play 3 via usb port because i didnt care about that and was only focused on seeing if it solved my static problem when it was connected and my internal integrated sound was diabled. The only other item plugged into the outlet where my PC is connected is the Samsung 32 in TV i use as a monitor. I have been using it that way for a couple of years and the static only started a few months ago. Thinking back it seemed to start when i began using a Sony XB30 wireless speaker, but since then i have tried all kinds of speakers and the static problem persists.It is driving me crazy because i have done so many things to try to eliminate it. I have a 17 in HP laptop i use from time to time..connected to a different outlet that doesnt produce any static. I just figured that maybe my PC..4 1/2 yrs old and i have used it heavily during that time...may just be wearing out but nothing else seems to indicate that. Intel i5 processor...12gb ram..1tb HD..very fast ..i keep it constantly cleaned up etc. Have always fixed my own PC problems even though it takes me longer than a technician. Hate to buy another pc and go through the data transfer work etc. I will look at the link of external sound cards you sent me , or maybe just get an internal sound card and install it. I talked to a local computer repair guy and i dont think he knows what to do to fix it, or i would resort to having him over to take a shot...ist time in 20 years !
You have really helped me and i appreciate it. Thanks so much.

 

Not to beat a dead horse...but are you telling me that the 12 external sound cards in the link you sent me ,when connected to my PC's USB port....will REPLACE my PC's internal sound system....ALL THE TIME...or only when i am hooked up to one of the two jacks for mic and headphones? I only want to use this with my PC generally. I dont use headphones or a microphone, and seeing a Creative Soundblaster on the list of 12 made me wonder if i misunderstood what you are saying one of these 12 will do for me. Can you clarify?Thanks.

 

No, I did not say that. Read post #4 again.

Let's cut to the chase...
Install an internal sound card and connect speakers to it.

FWIW I have my PC connected via the Audio Out to the Aux In of an almost 40-year old Hi-Fi.

 

Ok. Got it. I guess if i install internal sound card and it doesnt solve my static problem i wont have any options i can think of left.Think i will hook up my laptop to replace my desktop and see if i get any static. Thanks again.