Just use the AI for all sound work. Not only that but turn the OnBoardSoundcard off in Device Manager and don't forget to kill
Windows sounds, those irritating (and loud!) bleeps and bloops.
Then there is the urban, electronic myths.
Electronic gear does not "wear out" (you might get the odd noisy pot but that will be down to a cheap component or/and bad circuit design) I have been infecting music forums now for at least 5 years and in that time I reckon I have heard of fewer than ten
genuine instances of a soundcard or AI failure.
Your interface is FAR more likely to be rendered useless because Apple or Msoft change the OS and the lazy, money grabbing b'std AI builders won't write new drivers for their kit.
On/off cycles: As Mr Adams said of Planet
Earth. "Mostly Harmless". Time was, valves were apt to blow at switch on because filament technology was in its early days. Valves have been virtually blowup proof for 70years (i.e. a bit before I arrived on the scene!).
Solid state rectified electronics WAS a bit vulnerable but really only the cheap stuff like tellies. My two computers get banged off at the mains about twice a month because 'Er indoors is "Ready!" (the fact that I have been so for an hour and just retreated to my "studio" and chat to yous guys means nothing!) .
But W7 just does not give a ***t and Chrome on the P4 just asks if I want to Restore. Generally I do and all is tikkerty!
Dave.