Game sound while using headset volume level is too low

While playing video games, using my headset, the sound is usually very low. I have to turn everything up to full volume in order to have an acceptable level of sound. Even then, I would like to be able to make it louder as needed, more than maximum. If I watch a video on YouTube or listen to music in iTunes, the sound is perfect. In those platforms, it's very loud and I usually need to keep the master volume around 40%.

External speakers are very old, but work great, Logitech X530. On those external speakers, I have the volume up to maximum, but the volume control in Windows set to about 50%. If I crank that up, it is super loud. Sounds great.

Headphones are HyperX Cloud Gaming Headset series KHX-H3CL/WR. Those plug into the sound card on my motherboard. The sound on the motherboard is your Realtek High Definition Audio.

Through Google searching, I have tried changing different settings, such as levels, enhancements, etc. etc. Nothing really does the trick.

Do I need some kind of headphone amp, or maybe a good quality sound card? It's hard to believe that because the sound is great when not playing games. Games include, PUBG, Fortnite, World of Warcraft, Overwatch. The external speakers plug into the same Realtek High Definition Audio device, and sound great. So I can't see that being the problem. I just don't know. Any help is greatly appreciated.

bro67 said:

Plays fine with eb video sources, but not in games, It is possible that you may need a amp. The speakers are powered, which means that they have a built in amp. What sound card do you have?

The sound on the motherboard is Realtek High Definition Audio. It's just built in the motherboard and plugged into the 3.5mm jack. When you say "Plays fine with eb video sources", what do you mean by eb?

If the sound volume is OK in other apps then most likely your motherboard's amplifier and your headphones are fine.

Windows does have per-app volume controls. When your game is running make sure it's set to the maximum volume in the Windows Volume Mixer.

PolarNettles said:

If the sound volume is OK in other apps then most likely your motherboard's amplifier and your headphones are fine.

Windows does have per-app volume controls. When your game is running make sure it's set to the maximum volume in the Windows Volume Mixer.

Thanks for the reply. I have made sure the volume for the game is maximized in the volume mixer. It has to be maxed in order to have it a comfortable level. If set to the usual 40% - 50% setting that I use with external speakers, it's too low on the headphones.

Thought I would come back here and just bump this post again to see if any news ideas came to light? I'm at a loss for what to do.

bro67 said:

Suggest that you get an external amp.

Any recommendations for one? Fairly inexpensive?