Need help with sound card or DAC

[MadMorigan]

If i go over a certain volume (like over 75%) i start getting an annoying crackling noise. Here are the speakers I have right now:

http/www.amazon.com/Creative-Inspire-T12-Multimedia-Technology/dp/B0028N6YH0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1450448121&sr=1-1&keywords=creative+speakers+t12

Not the best, but i only use them for gaming and general media playing. I'm thinking i need a sound card or DAC but i'm not an expert. MOBO is a z87 gd65

Thanks and let me know if you need any more info!!

 

[hang-the-9]

You may need different speakers, not a sound card. Test it with another set of good speakers. Normally for speakers you set the Windows volume to 100 and modulate the loudness with the speaker volume knob.