Every review I've read gives the soundblaster X-Fi top marks on sound quality and cpu usage. The problem is that the bundled software can be very annoying and intrusive so you have to be careful to install only the basic drivers at first and later on decide if you need any of the bundled software.
For example, to get full dvd surround sound, the soundcards often bundle a fresh version of a dvd player with the appropriate dvd audio decoders. That's an example of one you might want to install. But they also usually try to get you to install their damn media center crap which takes over ownership of half the media files on your computer and is difficult to un-install.
I like soundblaster cards, and although I dislike soundblaster's aggressive marketing that negatively impacts the consumer experience (in my opinion), I got burned bad the last time I bought a non-soundblaster card (aureal vortex 2) so I'm sticking with what always has been and always will be the industry standard.
I wouldn't get anything lower than an audigy2 OEM, but you can go anywhere from an audigy2 oem for about $50 to a full up x-fi platinum gamer elite whatever for $300, including a remote, control panel, and external breakout box. Just check their various packages and decide which one has the features you want. I usually just get the first retail package above their OEM "value" card because they often go cheapo on OEM card components and the DACs, mic inputs, and amps sometimes suck as a result.
Whatever you do, NEVER EVER EVER get an OEM soundblaster "upgrade" from Dell or any other major computer builder. They cripple those cards and do not allow the use of the generic drivers so you're often stuck using outdated drivers. Get the cheapo onboard sound, then later buy a retail card and install it yourself.
