I'll verify that with WASAPI exclusive mode on a W7 laptop running Home Studio I've worked hours and hours with just midi files without any issues. Only thing I haven't tried is recording midi from a keyboard. I think there might be a bit more latency but I could be wrong.
You don't need a soundblaster. Just use what ever on board chip. Modern Mobos come with all you need including good video cards with 3 outputs. There's nothing wrong with realtech sound chips. I've never had issues with any on board for playback. It always the recording that is an issue so if your not recording spend your money on the software and lots of RAM. 

another vote for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. you can get one used for 75 bucks.
 
The SoundBlaster does not have pre amps like the Scarlett does.
This will help you avoid having to use adapters 1/8 to 1/4 and give you a much better over sound using the Scarlett's preamp. (will also accept XLR)
 
Never mind looks like you don't need any inputs.

If you don't care about low latency performance (because you won't be recording from a keyboard but just programming) then the only reason to ger a dedicated interface is for the quality of output. Which, frankly, you would have to spend a good amount of money on to get a clear difference and even then the room, your monitors and your ears/perception are bigger factors.

Your computer motherboard has a built-in Nahimic, Audio3 audio circuit which has gold plated audio connectors, EMI shielded audio processor, audio circuit isolated from the rest of the motherboard, audio quality capacitors, dual headphone amplifiers that support both low and high impedance headphones and there is physical support for both rear and front case headphone jacks.  All of that bodes well for obtaining and producing acceptable audio quality.
 
Potential areas of concern:
Does the audio circuit designer, Nahimic, provide standalone audio drivers (good to excellent idea) or is the audio drivers embedded in the included Nahimic Audio3 software package (potentially bad).  While the software package maybe great it includes MANY features you don't want such as virtual surround, bass boost, voice leveler, noise gate and reduction and voice clarifies.  If you don't have some way of turning off these features they will interfere with your mission.
 
Does the motherboard have a discrete, separate power connector just for the audio circuit?  Power supplies deteriorate with use and over time.  The power supply can transmit electrical noise from another part of the computer to the audio circuit.  There is a reduced chance of this happening when the audio circuit has its own input power connection.
 
Depending on how you listen headphones, powered speakers or both you may need to use "Y" cables and 3.5mm to 1/4" adapters.  Adapters deteriorate over time without maintenance and could become the weakest chain in your system.
 
I'm really glad you asked this question.  I have been investigating the motherboard as audio interface for awhile so it gave me an opportunity to voice some of my concerns.
 
I believe you will be happy with your setup.

Anyone worried about pristine audio quality to that level will have spent enough money on monitors, headphones and room that the few hundred for a high quality audio interface really isn't too big of a hurdle.

Sanderxpander
Anyone worried about pristine audio quality to that level will have spent enough money on monitors, headphones and room that the few hundred for a high quality audio interface really isn't too big of a hurdle.

I respectfully disagree.  You know what you know and don't know what you don't know.  In a forum you should never assume a poster posseses background knowledge beyond the scope of the post.  Everybody's life experiences and technical skills have HUGE gaps in knowledge when applied to a specific task. 
 
Many people will state you MUST have an audio interface.  That is normally because their focus is on recording so they have a bias toward needing an interface.  In THIS case that is not true as the poster stated in a followup post that his or her intent is to stay in the box using soft synths to generate audio.  Since a nonstandard path to get audio or midi into or out of the box is not required, other posters quickly determined an interface is not needed at this time.
 
If the poster has little music production experience he or she may not have reached the point where enviornment obstacles come into play.  The poster may not have the financial means to upgrade all hobby tools at the same time.  The poster may live in a dorm, be in the military or exist in some other situation where ideal is impractical.

jimfogle

Sanderxpander
Anyone worried about pristine audio quality to that level will have spent enough money on monitors, headphones and room that the few hundred for a high quality audio interface really isn't too big of a hurdle.

I respectfully disagree.  You know what you know and don't know what you don't know.  In a forum you should never assume a poster posseses background knowledge beyond the scope of the post.  Everybody's life experiences and technical skills have HUGE gaps in knowledge when applied to a specific task. 
 
Many people will state you MUST have an audio interface.  That is normally because their focus is on recording so they have a bias toward needing an interface.  In THIS case that is not true as the poster stated in a followup post that his or her intent is to stay in the box using soft synths to generate audio.  Since a nonstandard path to get audio or midi into or out of the box is not required, other posters quickly determined an interface is not needed at this time.
 
If the poster has little music production experience he or she may not have reached the point where enviornment obstacles come into play.  The poster may not have the financial means to upgrade all hobby tools at the same time.  The poster may live in a dorm, be in the military or exist in some other situation where ideal is impractical.

I think a logical rebuttal to this is....
you spend 500 bucks on the software, you spend 300-500 on passable monitors, yet and the best place to save a few bucks is by using your onboard soundblaster soundcard ? it makes little to no sense. A decent used card can be had for under 100 bucks.
The OP didn't mention either if he is running Windows 10 or not. If he is not and cant take advantage of Sonars new WASAPI then he will be forced to use something like ASIO4ALL which I have seen a lot of problems in the past.
 
Just my opinion We all have one.
 
 

Thanks.  I use Windows 10 64-bit. The only issue I have is on occasion, during playback while in Sonar, a note is skipped. Not a big deal.  Rendering is fine, the end quality is fine.
 
There is no power connection to the audio. There are lots of variables to play with, but I have not touched them as of yet. Need to tinker more to make sure they don't interfere.
 
So with that minor hiccup (so far), is that a bad omen of what may come? If not, I can stay as is. Otherwise, any card suggestion for a challenged budget?
 

Go to Preferences->MIDI->Playback and Recording and bump up the "Prepare Using" under playback to a 500ms buffer. That is set to a default of 250ms, and can drop MIDI notes unless bumped up. If already 500ms, try bumping it up a little higher.
 
As long as you are not recording audio, your setup should be fine.

mettelus
Go to Preferences->MIDI->Playback and Recording and bump up the "Prepare Using" under playback to a 500ms buffer. That is set to a default of 250ms, and can drop MIDI notes unless bumped up. If already 500ms, try bumping it up a little higher.
 
As long as you are not recording audio, your setup should be fine.

Thanks.