Creative Sound Blaster Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion (70SB135400000) 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card with Sound Blaster I/O

Pros: Does all that I need it to do. Looks amazing in my case and has a brilliant red glow that I didnt even know it featured. The I/O panel is very nice as it lets me select between speakers and headphones with a push of a button and the buttons are dimly lit so it dont over power your eyes. The volume output vs my motherboard has been virtually doubled as well as the quality. The driver comes with a complete sound tuner as well that lets you fine tune your sound and custom save profiles.

Cons: So far, I have found no reasons not to buy this if your budget permits

Other Thoughts: I got this on a random deal I suppose, I paid $99 and the next day I saw that the price was bumped up $30 more! Talk about good timing, thats why I love Newegg, and of course, always super fast free shipping.

ASRock FM2A85X extreme4M, A8K, Corsair Vengence 2x4GB + GSkill 2x8GB RAM @1600mhz, 60GB OCZ Agility2, 128GB OCZ Agility4, Pair of 7200rpm 120GB notebook HDDs, GeForce GTX460SE 530W Raidmax modular PSU, 2002 Compaq Presario case with mods

Pros: Nice look and feel for both components. The length of the cables to connect the header to the card is ample for full tower cases. Easy to install and will fit in any free PCI-E 1x-16x slot. Vivid red LED great for those seeking a red and black theme. Panel IO and drivers install nicely.

Cons: Front IO in 5.25" doesn't fit properly, and requires some forcing into place and only 4 of the 8 screw holes lined up on my AZZA Genesis case. Auto update software is unnecessary for power users, just another unnecessary process. No hardware support to emulate USB audio (I have USB wireless headset and it just uses the default USB audio driver, nothing in software to force it.). Card is too tight to the PCI-E slot so watch your motherboard configuration to make sure that your south bridge heatsink doesn't obstruct your free PCI-E 1x slot, this may be a drawback for SLI/Crossfire videocard users.

Other Thoughts: Drawbacks are specific as-is issues and vary from case to case and motherboard to motherboard, so no rating dock for something that is a little quirky for me. Just be sure to disable the auto update service if you're conscious about extra unnecessary background processes running. Great replacement for onboard sound when you get this whole unit on sale.

Pros: As Easy to install as any other PCI Express Card, The connection to the face plate is long enough to route through back plate in a Full Tower case for cable management. My overall sound quality and consistency has drastically improved over my ASUS PZ77-V Premium Motherboard's built-in sound.

Software Update/Install is quick and easy as well. Although the 24-bit and 96KHz is the limit on input/output, it will get you a true 24-bit 96KHz, and not short change you (like most built-in sound cards will).

Overall very happy with this product. The Price, Quality, and install all 5 eggs.

Cons: None that I could find as a regular gaming/music lover.

Pros: - The Core3D sound processor is highly capable from a hardware perspective
- "Scout" mode boost enemy noises in-game
- Solid build construction and quality components

Cons: - The software just simply isn't there to backup the hardware.
- Very poor music playback/enhancement value. Sound blaster to come packed with extras
- Front panel fix small headphone jacks. Seeing as how this the only card with a front panel, Creative appears to have moved away from studio standards
- Drivers for my 10 year old card were as good if not better than this updated card
- Menus for various Sound Blaster features are dumbed down AND slow. Software for older cards is much more robust.
- Nobody wants your stupid microphone on top of their monitor
- Limited inputs and outputs on the front panel
- Annoying bright red light shining through my case door reminding me of this overpriced mediocre product

Other Thoughts: I would love to exchange this for something else. I'm willing to try anything at this point.

Pros: I have nothing but great things to say a bout this soundcard easy install, sounds great and plenty of options for a gamer or computer dj I love creative and the SoundBlaster products have used them for years and will continue to.

Cons: None

Pros: Easy install, great sound, great software, included mic is pretty good quality.

Cons: A little bit pricey. No 1/4" audio jack for hi-fi headphones.

Other Thoughts: First off, I found the installation of this to be very easy. Just a couple of screws for the front interface panel, and a quick click in for the PCI-E card. Driver installation was a little time consuming, but easy.

With a pair of Sennheiser HD558 headphones, the difference in sound quality was immediately noticeable when compared to the on board sound. Crystal clear and excellent sound stage. In particular, The Bare Naked Ladies cover of Lovers In a Dangerous Time showed incredibly vivid base, and when the symbols begin to crash their sound stage accuracy is astounding.

When gaming, the 5.1 surround simulation offered by this card is accurate and really adds to immersion. The multiple options for speaker balance offered by the included software can be used to tweak preferences to one's liking.

The included mic worked well, but its sound cancellation isn't as good as a headset mic. Still not bad though.

Overall, this is an outstanding sound card, but a little pricey. I got on a pretty good sale though, so no regrets. I would also recommend having a high quality headset to go along with this or you won't experience what it truly has to offer.

Pros: Features are fairly nice, 5.1 sounds good.

Cons: Even though the 5.1 sounds good....It has a horrible delay per optical connection....this was my resort because of my connection limitation to my Samgsung Receiver.

If you have an actual home theater system like I do, I would not recommend this card.

Other Thoughts: I've done extensive research and found no solution to this problem.....I also see other reviews saying similar situations as mine.

Pros: For gamers you cannot get any better. With front panel access to headphones and mic as well as aux inputs it is feature packed. I have installed this in multiple gamer builds as well as two of my personal rigs and my customers and I agree - this is top notch. In FPS you hear absolutely everything and are able to gain a slight tactical advantage. My customers give me rave reviews and excellent feedback and as indicated I personally love the unit. While some people have written off the sound card as a thing of the past, especially with higher end motherboards, I would not own nor build a gamer PC without one of these bad boys.

Cons: These are not for the music audiophile. I enjoy my music as well, and these are simply not up to muster with regard to playback of music tracks. There are much better sound cards for that purpose. I would rate this as gamer only. This should not really be as big a negative as some reviewers make it. These are marketed to the gamer. Come on folks - "Fatality" series should tell you everything. I am taken aback when I read reviews slamming this card for music and deeming it good for games only. No kidding!!! Anyway, i would not count it a negative as it is sold as a gamer card - not an audiophile card - but I figured I had better mention it.

Pros: 1. sound quality is great.
2. front i/o drive is a must. Newer cards comes with a nice hub like device, but not good as a fully funcational front of my new build pc.
3. looks nice
4. good driver and sw.

Cons: The nice looking window to view chip inside, is facing down. Can't imagine how to take advantage of such.
The sound is great, but can be better.

Other Thoughts: I bought this mostly due to the front i/o drive, which gives me volume control and audio jack on my case, and it enhance the looking of my new built pc. The card has a window to see the chip inside with red lighting. Unfortunately the window faces down in most case, you can see most is still the green board. The light is red, no choice to customize, can't match my inside blue scheme. Lucky it is sandwiched between my giant video card. These days most high end head set has their own audio chip and connect by usb, that means sound card is useless. I have a stereo headset, it does sounds better compare to onboard Realtek® ALC898. Music listening does improve dramatically. Best part comes with a 5.1 speaker system. I pair it with logitech z506. Z506 is a small system, but with help with this card, it delivers amazing sound in small my office room. Movie, game, all sounds crystal, lound, real. The driver and sw works great to me. Plus install is easy, wires are long enough to go through back of case.
In all, good card. There are other choices out there, but sec to none with front I/O bay, even creative themself are giving up.
In old days, creative brand is the name of pc sound system. I still have audigy in my 6 yrs old veteran pc. Now competiters are doing well in this area. Creative, wake up.

Pros: Quick install/software update.

Cons: No seperate treble/bass control (use built-in Eq).