upgrade

would there be any real noticeable performance or quality upgrade from my Current card to this card?

It depends on the OS you plan to keep running. That's a much older model that will soon lose driver updates most likely even for Vista to be released later this month. Some of the latest models like the SB X-FI series are 7.1 surround sound along with the EAX still included. The SB Audigy 4 Pro has so far outperformed the prior Audigy 2 ZS Gamer while both are 5.1 surround. You can buy the SB X-FI XtremeGamer 7.1 model for $65.99 at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102007

I was looking at that, also because it has the pins for front panel connections that the cheaper ones do not. But I planned on buying it from best buy and there audigy se is the same price as newegg where as the x-fi's are much more expensive(I have best buy gift cards is why)

I wouldnt do that, I doubt there would be any noticeable difference. Save up some money and get at least an Audigy2 of X-Fi.

that's what I figured, but if I do upgrade to Vista(I may get a free copy)I'll need a new sound card because the one I have now doesn't have drivers and they won't install in compatibility mode or anything so...

I would jump even slightly past the Audigy 2 line at this point. The beta drivers for the Audigy 4 Pro now used went right on for sound ok when the RC1 beta version was tried out. What I found was that the Audigy 4 line does see an edge over the older models.

And you are quite right on seeing competitive prices in retail chains on certain hardwares. When you are searching around for the best price you will find that newegg doesn't have the exclusive lowest prices. Ive found there more expensive then other vendors at times. But this has been going on for years where you go here and there for different items. One place will higher on one thing while another has a better price on something else. That's called "competition"!