Is 7.1 surrorund sound card better than on board soundcard

[btr999]

I am using ROG Maximus VIII Hero motherboard. I am interested to get a 7.1 surround sound card to pair with my audio technica ath ad700x headset.
I play fps games a lot so it is rather important to be able to directional pinpoint. I have another 7.1 surround headset I can always hear clearly the footstep and even the breathing. The performance with AD700x and onboard soundcard is okay but I feel it is not enough. I would like my ad700x headset to be able to deliver 7.1 surround if possible.
So does 7.1 surround sound card really have a lot of difference from realtek of ROG motherboard?
What sound card would you recommend?

Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

It will be better because you believe it to be better.

Could you tell in a blind test? Probably not.