ASONIC-8738-4C or Realtek AC'97 - which has better sound quality? I have 3 sound cards ATM - an Ensoniq AudioPCI 5200, the Realtek AC'97 and the ancient ASONIC-8738-4C. I was really surprised at how good the ASONIC was for it's age. Which should I use - the ASONIC or Realtek?

correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't all C-Media sound cards onboard, just like the Realtek/Intel AC97?

any real sound card beats onboard, anyday, at any time.

edit: a second look shows me that the C-Media is in fact a real sound card, if you can consider a puny PCB with one chip a real sound card. i'd ditch them both and try to find an old audigy.

BUMP: Got the Audigy SE coming my way .