I have recently bought a new PC and got the Core2Duo E6600 (2.4) with a Asus LGA775 (with onboard sound) and the sound is great and so is the rest of the system.
Haven't noticed any dragging down of the system at all.
I also think a wise investment is 2GB of RAM. I got Corsair Ram which have a lifetime replacement if faulty.
I have the same Video card and its running great!
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