I was playing half life 2 a couple weeks ago, and I started to hear this stuttering sound when playing. I found out it was my on board sound card. I really needed a soundcard and I finally ordered a new sound card called the X-fi Xtreme music.  It will be hear soon, and once I see the results on that I will let you guys know.

P.S. I am gonna order some gaming headphones soon too. Does anyone have any good suggestions for gaming headphones with a mic built in?