So I've got a fancy schmancy computer and I'm running onboard audio, which is performing well on 5.1, but I want a dedicated card. Problem is, I can't afford to drop $150 on a Fa1ality or a good ASUS card. Does anybody have any suggestions on a good sound card on a budget?
 
PS.: Must support 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS and use 6 Ch direct inputs. I don't have space on my speakers for another optical or coax connection. Thanks.

Hm, sound cards are weird creatures. They basically come in onboard, $30, and $150 dollar varieties. If you can't spring for a Fatality card yet just wait.  

Direct inputs are outdated these days, you need a better decoder I think.  Anyways I'd strongly recommend against getting a sound card these days.  Windows Vista onwards they're not longer relevant really.  If you have a 'fancy' computer it should have good output methods for 5.1 or DTS (TOSLINK?).  You won't get better sound out of external sound cards unless you're still using XP, and since output is digital these days (well good speaker setups like DD5.1 and DTS), signal to noise ratios won't matter either.
 
Bottom line, don't buy a sound card.
 
edit : Get a TOSLINK switch box, they're cheap and that will allow you to use TOSLINK for your computer rather than lossy direct inputs and you won't need to spend money on a worthless sound card.

" Direct inputs are outdated these days, you need a better decoder I think.  Anyways I'd strongly recommend against getting a sound card these days.  Windows Vista onwards they're not longer relevant really.  If you have a 'fancy' computer it should have good output methods for 5.1 or DTS (TOSLINK?).  You won't get better sound out of external sound cards unless you're still using XP, and since output is digital these days (well good speaker setups like DD5.1 and DTS), signal to noise ratios won't matter either.  Bottom line, don't buy a sound card.  edit : Get a TOSLINK switch box, they're cheap and that will allow you to use TOSLINK for your computer rather than lossy direct inputs and you won't need to spend money on a worthless sound card. "

I've been using an X-fi card for the past two years and definitely noticed the difference in quality between the card and onboard audio, and I've been using Vista.