USB soundcard to fix Sonar 7 clipping and latency?

...will a USB soundcard solve my problem?

Most definitely probably.


An outboard interface will almost always be superior to the single-chip integrated sound that came soldered to your motherboard. It will have a wider dynamic range with more overhead and therefore less likely to clip. 


Latency, however, is largely a function of the driver's efficiency, and that varies a lot between manufacturers and models. As a general rule, USB devices have longer latencies than PCIe equivalents, but the difference is not significant for audio work.


When selecting a USB interface, base it on the features you need, including some you might not have thought about before. Multiple outputs, for example, to accommodate separate headphone mixes for performers or alternate reference speakers. S/PDIF connections for digital monitors and synthesizers. Zero-latency monitoring. Multiple headphone outputs. Built-in limiter or other DSP. DIN MIDI I/O. Effect loops. Phantom powered mic inputs versus TRS line inputs. These are all potential benefits that may be missing from your current integrated interface.

Thanks for the replies! To those that do use USB soundcards, what works well with Sonar 7? My old card was a Sound Blaster XFi, but it seems there are some problems using it with Sonar (although I never experienced this on my old PC with the hardware sound card). I primarily compose using Kontakt software and VSTs, and boot up Sonar when I'm ready to mix, master, and export. I don't do any live instrument recording, although I suppose it would be nice to try some day. But I don't need a sound card optimized for it. I would love to hear the community's recommendations.