Need help with soundcard

So I built myself a new comp and have been using the onboard sound thus far. Now I am in the market for a soundcard. I am not looking for the top of the line card that costs $500. I am looking for something middle of the road, pretty decent and that will last me a little bit (technology wise)

About $100-$200 is my price range. If there is something good for less, all the better. I love shopping on newegg, but if there is a better deal on a different website I don't mind.

Help?

why is on-board not good enough?

why is on-board not good enough?

For the same reason onboard graphics aren't as good as the real thing. For your average joe user it won't matter, but an onboard soundcard still relies on using system resources and the CPU to output audio, it might also lack some of the advanced features that go along with having an actual soundcard, including surround (5.1/6.1/7.1), there's also advanced audio compressions that area available on cards like Soundblasters that can increase performance or sound clarity, some onboard soundcards won't let you change settings in regards to the bass or treble, and a litany of other possible functions.

gee thanks

I was taking about in the case of the OP.

95% of the time, on-board sound is quite sufficient.