Which port should you use to connect a non-amplified microphone to a sound card?

To connect a non-amplified microphone to a sound card, the correct port to use is the Mic In. This port is specifically designed for microphones and provides the necessary signal amplification needed for the microphone to function properly. Non-amplified microphones output a very low signal level, and Mic In ports are equipped with preamplification features that boost this signal to a suitable level for sound processing.

Line In ports are meant for line-level signals, which are stronger and are not suitable for microphones. Speaker Out and Headphone Out ports are intended for outputting sound and are used to connect speakers or headphones, not microphones. Therefore, using the Mic In port ensures that the microphone works correctly and that the audio captured is clear and of quality suitable for recording or communication.