Help with compatibility with gfx and audio cards switching to linux...

I'm debating switching over to linux from windows because, well I'm bored to tears. I've done a lot of research and it seems like linux is gonna be faster and much cleaner. So, I'm pretty much all for it. I also read Nvidia gfx cards have no problems on a linux system. My question is, will my x-fi sound card work and will the software work on linux... I'll dl wine and what not. But if my audio card and its software won't work my switch is mute because I have AWESOME surround sound for my computer, that I cannot do without. I'll be waiting for feedback. Thanks.