Different kind "best sound card" question- Cheap and low CPU use

[Paolo]

Yes I have tried to search thru the prior threads, but my need is different I think. I just use headphones. Want nothing fancy w/ &quot;upgrade&quot; potential. My major needs are: 1) low cpu utilization 2)Sound better than my current EPOX 8K7A onboard audio 3) Compatible w/ win2K/XP 4) Cheap <$40. From what I read the cheaper/ older cards tend to be CPU hogs. Any shining exceptions to this ?

 

[Bingo13]

C-Media 8738, Cyrstal 4614, and Yamaha 744/754 based cards would suit your needs.

 

[pcmodem]

Yo,
You can get a Soundblaster Live! Value for less than $40, and it will do environmental audio quite well.
-PCM