I'd think the newer integrated sound device to be just as good or better than an older card...especially if the manufacturer has discontinued driver support. Check for the date of the last driver availability for that card. I'm not a gamer but do recall mention of some sound cards not being completely compatible with some games. I'll let others answer that. I've found newer integrated sound devices to be ok unless you want some of the specialized software and mixing that's provided by the high end add-ins.
as a relative novice with computers, i am seeking some more educated advice, as i know little regarding pc audio. i am giving my old pc to my nephews, who will use it to play games, specifically "world of warcraft". i have replaced the integrated video with a video card. my question is, would they be better off with the integrated audio, or an old PCI sound card i have? here are the specs to the best of my knowledge:
dell dimension 4500s, 1.8 ghz P4
windows xp
768 mb ddr sdram
nvidia fx6200 video card
two desktop speakers and a subwoofer
the integrated audio is soundMAX ADI audio codec 1981A with AC97, directx 9
the sound card is turtle beach montego I AD3 64, directsound 5
any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.