ASUS XONAR DSX 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Express x1 Interface Audio Card

Pros: - Easy to install - AMAZING sound

Cons: None so far.

Overall Review: I was always skeptical about TechReport always recommending this sound card in their PC builds and finally took the plunge to see what all the fuss was about. Some folks might not hear a difference, depending on what motherboard you are using / integrated sound your board has. I noticed a gigantic difference immediately! Once EQ'd to my taste (or my ears), it was like listening to whatever music I played for the first time. I was hearing things I hadn't heard before in some of the songs.

Pros: Great Sound in both Linux and Windows Easily set up in Alsamixer in Linux Must have for Linux/Windows dual booters for sound upgrade

Cons: Windows 8.1 drivers are somewhat lacking, not as easy to setup as Linux Doesn't take everything off the processor for sound processing (Blame Microsoft for decisions made since Win 7) Minimal PCB is an eyesore in the case compared to other addon cards that have nicer asthetics

Overall Review: Bought this to replace my Sound Blaster Zx due to lack of Linux support. I couldn't be happier.

Pros: -GOT IT BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE Optical Receiver -The card is quiet (If people are complaining about their sound breaking, it is due to the speakers output. If you lower the hz - Mine currently is 48000hz you will not hear breaking in sound -Already testing a few games and it is doing great

Cons: For people who don't know, please don't bash the card because you don't know what you're doing.

Overall Review: It took me less than 10 minutes to set up the sound properly. The software was fine, it's nothing "wow," however it gets the job done. This is an excellent step up from my motherboard sound. If you'd like I could show you a picture of my current setup in the Asus Os Sonar DSX, so you may see how to run the card properly.

Pros: Decent sound for the price in games, movies, and music. Significantly better than my Realtek onboard sound. I was able to adjust the sound to my taste in the Asus control panel. I am not an 'Audiophile' but i love the immersion that this card provides.

Cons: My first card was DOA but Newegg provided a replacement in no time. Hopefully this card will last for a long time while being trouble free.... something i can't say for my old creative xtreme gamer soundcard

Overall Review: My older logitech 2.1 ($130) speakers aren't fantastic but i can really notice a significant jump in quality, especiallly in music and games over motherboard sound.... and thats all i was really hoping for when i bought this soundcard. Also i plan on using this PCI-E card in many more builds to come.

Pros: Fantastic card, still better than the onboard on my M5A99FX Pro R2 Easily hooks into my Razer headset and drives perfect 5.1 (only a 5.1 headset atm) for games that support it Supports front panel switching with ease

Cons: Only gave 4 stars as (as far as I can tell) there is no way to remap what a port is doing for more complicated setups. That is supported by my onboard at least.

Overall Review: Fantastic card for the price, works with latest beta asus drivers in win 10 x64 without issue. Highly Recommended.

Pros: PCI-E x1 Interface (I didn't have trouble installing it in a x16 slot for test purposes..) Seriously sweet sound quality when combined with my Edifier M3000SF 2.1 system. Great clarity, separation of instruments, and and bass response. 107dB SNR makes for no hiss on line out. Same audio processor as the expensive HT| Omega eClaro. Low profile capable/ no external power needed Op-Amp socket is great, you can really customize your sound if you know what you're doing. I replaced the stock Op-Amp with an LME49720NA from Texas Instruments, and it noticeably improved the clarity and separation of instruments off the card.

Cons: None!

Overall Review: If you have a .edu email address, you can get Op-Amps for free (free shipping too) directly from Texas Instruments. Use this if you can, the right Op-Amp can really fit the sound to your tastes. I bought this card because it was the best sounding card you can buy if you need something low profile, with no need for an external power connection, which I required for my old PC, an Acer Aspire X1420. Unfortunately, my motherboard had a faulty PCI-E x1 slot, which was causing the PC to freeze and crash when this card was installed. Instead of returning the card, I held onto it and built a whole new custom PC around it. I didn't build a new PC just for this card, but I won't say the sound quality wasn't worth it!

Pros: Sounds great. Much better than the onboard sound on my Gigabyte motherboard. I thought I needed new speakers when playing music through my old computers soundblaster audio card, but I am using the same speakers with the Asus Xonar and it really sounds good and much louder than the Creative Soundblaster card. It would have gotten 5 eggs except for the con's below.

Cons: Get the Brainbit Unified aftermarket drivers if you have any problems playing games. I kept getting loud electronic noises that would not go away without a reboot when playing Civ V, until I installed the brainbit drivers. If you read the reviews on this card Asus needs to fix the driver issues, but until they do get Brainbits drivers.

Overall Review: Great card for the money with the aftermarket drivers

Pros: PCI-Express x1 About half as wide as the old Audigy 2 ZS card I used Fantastic sound using the UniXonar drivers (v1.61)

Cons: Sits a little close to my video card, but that's just due to the motherboard layout (Asus M5A99X Evo).

Overall Review: Great card if you're looking for something that won't break the bank. Sound is much clearer in games, movies, and music that I regularly listen to, a noticeable difference from my old SB Audigy PCI card (and no comparison with the sub-par Realtek onboard audio). Also leaves room on my board to install another PCI-E video card for SLI/Crossfire later.