Soundcard / DAC opinions?

[Grungewart]

So it looks like the Xfi Titanium is on the way out (lots of crackling on all wire based outputs front and back, haven't checked the optical out but wouldn't be plugging headphones in there anyway).  It's an old PCI card donated by Carrot on one of his previous upgrades.

I've got a standing desk with a full tower underneath.  I was using the front drivebay panel to plug in and I'd need something similar with an internal replacement but it looks like USB DACs are more common now.  Is there still a compelling reason to get an internal card?  Any opinions / suggestions?

I'd ideally want something capable of driving surround sound speakers and a headset.  I was maybe looking at the Soundblaster X4.

[Chaosphere]

Motherboard sound is now more than good enough for most people - in terms of both quality and power.

Internal soundcards don't make sense anymore, unless your motherboard lacks functionality that you need for your set up, and you're against external options for whatever reason.

[Grungewart]

Thanks Chaos.  Motherboard sound would require a new case or some sort of drivebay panel, mine's a really old case (1997 ish full tower that started out with a DX2/66 in) but really easy to take apart and get at, unfortunately no front panel connectors for anything though.  I've got no objection to to external USB sound will probably go with that then.

The whole system's based round an i5-4440 from 2014 so probably due an upgrade soon anyway.