2.1 system in 7.1 sound card

if i buy say a 7.1 channel sound card do i have to use a 7.1 speaker system on it? what would happen if my speaker system is only 5.1 or 2.1? am i screwed?

i havent ordered it yet but i will be ordering soon as i know its ok to buy 7.1 and use any speaker system on it.

No...a 2.1 system will only have 1 audio plug whereas a multi-channel will either use 3 plugs or 1 digital or optical connection. Just plug your 2.1 into the green port or "line out" on your soundcard.

thanks. 7.1 channel card it is!