please recommend me a good PCIe souncard

codrut

Honorable
Nov 18, 2013
35
0
10,540
I need a soundcard to be used for all purposes. Gaming, as well as to be used with Sonar X3 in ASIO mode (I am Sonar beginner but I'll need ASIO). Unfortunately I have only a PCIe free slot. What good cards are out there? I don't like SoundBlaster Z, I tried one and maybe the board itself was defective but I got popping and noises in Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit. Also I hate the red LEDs. Last time I checked Creative was in the soundcard making industry not in Christmas lights making industry.
So, any good PCIe cards which are not Creative cards?