Thanx again for all the helpful advice.  Got a week or so before I get the new comp so I am definitely going to be researching all suggestions.

jscomposer
Go with an Audiophile 2496, along with a small inexpensive mixer. I have successfully recorded three albums with the 2496, and it's under $100.

I was doing some research on the Audiophile and found that there are issues regarding drivers with windows 8.  That will be the OS system I am using.  Is that the OS you are using or do you know about any updates to the drivers?
 

I'm on Windows 7 64 bit, I don't plan on Win 8 anytime soon. Since Avid bought M-Audio, I'm not sure if they created any new drivers for Win 8. You could go over to the Avid forums and find out.

Just went to M-audio's website. http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=support&tab=driver . No they do not have a driver for window 8. So it is not a good idea to get the audiophile 2496 if your OS is W8. At least until their released one. BTW, this PCI card is under the Delta series.

To be honest, you'd have more luck searching for a USB interface, based on your requirements.  Something from Roland or MOTU maybe.  Is there are reason you're looking for PCI/PCIe options?

TVG
Thanx for the replies.  All of that stuff seems a bit pricey for me at this time.  I think I am going to go for something a bit more simple.  How about a card with two audio in and outs and midi in and outs? or would there be a good external soundcard to look into instead?
 
 

I like my Roland Quadcapture. If you do need a more there is the Octa-capture
There is also a cheaper Duo Capture EX without digital ins/outs.
 

Glyn Barnes
I like my Roland Quadcapture. If you do need a more there is the Octa-capture
There is also a cheaper Duo Capture EX without digital ins/outs.
 

 
I can also vouch for the Quadcapture.  I bought one for my laptop and have been extremely impressed.  It has everything you could need, two analog ins/outs, plus two digital (S/PDIF in and out), and MIDI in/out.  The inputs are combined 1/4"/XLR, and the first one can be set to either high or low impedance.  There's a feature that can set your input levels automatically, which I really appreciate.  I'm getting very low latency, even from my somewhat under-powered laptop.  

On my primary DAW, I'm using the V-Studio 700, which is awesome, but to be honest...I could probably make do with the Quadcapture and hardly miss a beat (I wouldn't WANT to, mind you...but I could).  ;)
 
Before my current system, I used an M-Audio Delta 66.  This is a PCI card with breakout box, four analog ins/outs plus digital.  From previous posters, it sounds like M-Audio might be lagging in driver development, which is a shame.  But if they release Windows 8 drivers, I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.  I got a LOT of mileage out of that card and it never let me down.  Great quality, easy to work with.   That said, I haven't tested it with my current system (Windows 7 x64, X2 Producer)...so maybe it's time has passed.  I'm not sure.  The thing is, you can find a used Delta 66 for next to nothing, so--assuming you find drivers--you don't have much to lose by giving it a shot.  
 
I'd still recommend the Quadcapture, though, unless there's some compelling reason to avoid USB.  If it's performance concerns, rest assured, your USB port is much faster than any audio you can throw at it (especially with only four ins/outs).  And there's something to be said for getting your audio processing out of that big metal box.  
 
~ Heather
 

HeatherHaze
Before my current system, I used an M-Audio Delta 66.  This is a PCI card with breakout box, four analog ins/outs plus digital.  From previous posters, it sounds like M-Audio might be lagging in driver development, which is a shame.  But if they release Windows 8 drivers, I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.  I got a LOT of mileage out of that card and it never let me down.  Great quality, easy to work with.   That said, I haven't tested it with my current system (Windows 7 x64, X2 Producer)...so maybe it's time has passed.  I'm not sure.  The thing is, you can find a used Delta 66 for next to nothing, so--assuming you find drivers--you don't have much to lose by giving it a shot.  

When planning to use a PCI audio interface, you should be aware than many modern (current generation) motherboards use "bridged" PCI slots.
Some PCI audio interfaces have issues with these bridge chips.
If your PCI audio interface works in your current motherboard, there's no guarantee it'll work in the next (subject to the bridge chip).
 
If you simply need 2 channels of analog I/O, there are numerous decent quality (inexpensive) options.
If you have a budget of $200+, I'd avoid PCI units (to avoid the above issue).
 
 
 

TVG:
 
I used to have the 0404 so I know the pain that it is.
 
I would recommend that you NOT get a PCI card. Instead, look at the external interfaces which use a USB connection. This way, you could easily switch it to a lap top or any other computer in a matter of minutes.
 
Decide how many inputs and outputs you absolutely have to have. The less expensive interfaces have 2 inputs, the more inputs, the more the cost. So a unit with 8 inputs will set you back more money. Be sure the interface uses real ASIO drivers.
 
Good units are made by Presonus, M-Audio, Roland, and the one I have is a Focusrite.  Be sure too that the interface has nice preamps and phantom power. Focusrite is known for their crystal clean pre's.
 
Don't be afraid to spend what you need to spend to buy a decent interface. A good one will be with you, and work like it's supposed to for many years. It is the heart of your studio recording system. How easy or difficult things are to record is pretty much closely related to the interface you have.
 
The Focusrite Saffire I bought was $300 and I thought that was a bit steep at the time, however, that interface is totally transparent to the process and has moved between 2 computers without any issues, and to this day is a rock solid interface. I don't regret the purchase at all.

Maybe a creamware pulsar card of the first generation? On ebay they go out for 150,-€ - 250,-€.  don't know how they sells in the united states. I am not a proffesionell but for me the card is very good. Got a good soundquality. With the card comes a routing software like a viritual studio ( actual version is scope 5.1 i think ). Here you can rout audio signals from mic's, guitar, direct outs of sonar into a 36 channel mixer and all of that with very low latency.
And it comes up with nice effects and instruments.
 
Here some pictures.