I've always said "better to have a low end dedicated sound card than the best integrated". These days it's not as true as it used to be with some of the spectacular onboard audio solutions out there, but they are FEW and FAR BETWEEN. So basically unless you're rolling a Maximus V Formula, grab yourself one of these. Your ears will thank you!

CA: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=56330
US: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=56330