Hey, I have many Realtek ALC897/1200/etc. motherboards. Most motherboards will be using Realtek ALC897/ALC1200/etc. even if they're expensive, check the specifications and photos of the I/O (where all the USB/Ethernet/plugs/etc. are) to confirm the audio features you want. Usually the simple green 3.5mm port is all you need but some people need extra things if they want to use speakers and so on.

Sometimes the implementation is just bad, so you do have to get an external audio device to fix that background hissing/buzzing/static/distortion/etc.

Dongles with physical volume control (helps with reducing/remove static/buzzing/hissing/etc. noise, especially when gaming) and PC gaming: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1221u9k/what_digital_connection_from_pc_to_dac/jdonhuc/

Definitely check the above link, it talks about the Apple dongle or dongles without physical volume control, but definitely go for the dongles with physical volume control for better volume variation, especially with headphones.

Open back headphones and solutions to PC noises: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11dh2v9/is_there_anything_i_can_do_stop_hearing_my_own/ja8mltw/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/xpa9zd/pc_noise_with_open_back_headphones/iq2znjn/

Basically search up Noctua fans. Specifically the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM fans.

These days there's the Thermaltake ToughFan 12, Phanteks T30-120, etc. that are a bit cheaper/better/etc. compared to Noctua. The Arctic P12 PWM PST (5 Pack) is still the best value, just be aware of the annoying resonance range, it's like ~1000RPM.

There's also the new Arctic P12 Max that recently just came out, check the reviews of it.

So yes just a get a well-reviewed dongle with physical volume control, it'll reduce the noise for sure. A lot of dongles are overkill, even the $10-50 ones, so don't worry about them not being able to drive your headphones.

Qudelix 5K, other dongles, Bluetooth connection issues, TWS adapters, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11xmti7/unpopular_opinion_i_do_not_enjoy_qudelix_5k/jdap65c/