Need a cheap soundcard that works well

[PuNK45S]

It appears as though my onboard sound is starting to die (audio is only coming out of one side of speakers and headphones) and so I am looking for a new card.

I've never had a soundcard that wasn't onboard, so I'm not really sure what I'm looking for. I always figured creative was the way to go, but the reviews I've been reading have said otherwise.

I would like to keep this under $100 (but would like even more if it was under $50) but I also want one that's gonna work well and not break on me.

Any suggestions for specific cards or even what brands are best?

 

[retardotron]

Well, most likely everyone will suggest you some cheap Creative soundcard, but they have been MAJOR DICKS about the support and the drivers so a lot of people started to boycott their products. you may want to read about it - just google "Daniel_K creative",

Personally I'd suggest Asus Xonar DS. It's really good card with price just under $50. You could even "upgrade" it if you want - by replacing its opamp - its not soldered, but placed in DIP socket, so you could easily exchabge it for something better, like OP2134 DIP or AD826ANZ, they're like $5-8.

Or go for Xonar D1\DX, slighlty more expensive (around $75-80) (they're the same , the only difference is pci/pci-e slot). It uses the same digital-to-analog converter as top tier Creative X-fi Elite Pro.

Also DS\DX\D1 can be installed in flex-ATX chasis.