Buying a general purpose sound card?

[Kinglin999]

I am considering the purchase of a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro sound card.

However, before I buy it, I would like to know if there are any cards from ASUS, Auzentech, HT Omega, Audigy, or other companies that have similar capabilities for a similar (or cheaper) price.

I need a card that can function extremely well in gaming, entertainment, and audio creation, with 7.1 surround sound, EAX 5.0, and ASIO recording.

Can anyone help me with this? Thanks in advance!

 

[geofelt]

Most motherboards have built in HD sound that is very good. Can you try that first?