I am about fed up with the current soundcard cutting in and out. But that is not the problem. Anywho, if I was to purchase a Creative Sound card would I have to install all the stupid bloatware that comes with the card or can I just install the drivers and I will get EAX and 5.1 surround sound and everything like that?

When I used to have a SB sound card it came with all the 'media rack' and all that other crap....

I am using a SB Sound card and haven't ever been able to get real 5.1 sound. I've tried several drivers and none of them have worked well. I have to admit sound is a lot clearer that when using onboard sound.