I have a 2.1 set up and are using onboard sound, Im an audiophile, but still enjoy onboard sound if you get the right one. Realtek makes a great ALC888 and Cmedia makes a great line. I have optical in, 6 analog inputs, and SPDIF out, in, on my motherboard. I run my speaker system, 4 speakers through my optical in, and my bass through analog. It sounds great. If you like sound, get good speakers, and a resonable sound card.