my onboard sound hisses using the analog ports. Odds are you're also using analog connections. I have an old M-Audio USB sound card and it has no such problems (paid $130 for it in 2003). If you use the optical/coaxial digital output (if available) or HDMI via your graphics, then you shouldn't have any issues.
As mentioned above, use SPDIF or HDMI sound and don't bother getting a discrete sound card. My experiences with SPDIF from several RealTek onboard chipsets is just fine when considering it's "just onboard crap".
The only reason to go discrete IMHO would be for a home studio setting (primarily for higher functionality purposes and extreme quality requirements).
Get discrete if you need the gaming features or quality analog output. But the question is, will that be an improvement for you? Cant answer that cause you didnt list your speakers and headphones and what you're trying to improve
I bought an Asus Xonar D2X years ago because my onboard just didn't sound right. I've never regretted it. I'm no audiophile, but I like my music to sound decent.
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