Pros: This card is loaded with features! Some of the note worthy ones are the ability to encode Dolby Digital/DTS, SPDIF in/out, and Dolby Prologic IIx. The inclusion of Dolby Headphones is awesome. Except for the sound quality, Dolby Headphones is my favorite aspect of this sound card. Typically with headphones, it sounds as if the music is happening inside your head. When one enables Dolby Headphone, and even the 7.1 speaker simulator, it actually sounds like the sound is occurring OUTSIDE your head. This has made music listening much more pleasurable. There are simulated listening environments for the user to choose from. Couple these with dolby headphone, and it is very convincing. The sound quality is superb. I now encode all my music in .FLAC :)

Cons: No documentation with the software. This is pretty minor though. Play around with it for a few days as needed, you'll figure it out in no time. I just like a manual to read. Removable/upgradeable opamps would be nice. Seems like this feature could have been added for pennies more.

Overall Review: I did quite a bit of research before I purchased this card, and it seems that C-Media's Oxygen processor offers better performance for movies/music, while X-fi is better suited for gamers. I don't game, so the choice was clear. This card is loaded with features which are all oriented toward a home theater system. I would not hesitate to recommend this to anybody who wishes to make a home theater setup. Also, the red with gold PCI slot is a nice touch!

Pros: Well for one, this case looks fantastic. This is a machinists piece. The sanded aluminum front looks fantastic, this is the thing that first caught my eye, and what really made me buy this attractive case. Edges are all deburred. Craftsmanship is excellent on this case, I might even say top notch. The ability to switch door swivel direction is a nice touch. This case doesn't have any really flashy lights, and is fairly unobtrusive -- exactly what I want out of a case. As I've said, this case gets an A+ when it comes to styling. Includes all fans.

Cons: The cooling situation is dubious at best: Note what is missing from the pictures? First of all, the front fan is only 80mm, not like the 120mm rear fan. Why? That fan by the way, is pretty noisy. Also, the included fans don't have the normal 3 prong fan plug. Again, why? This makes no sense. The front air intake is on the bottom of the case. I understand they did so a grill wouldn't disturb the elegance of the front, but this would be a useless intake if the case sat on a carpeted floor. The worst part is something I didn't see mentioned on any of the major review websites: The front air intake is pathetic. Not only does the fan have to overcome a honey comb grill, but the actual room for intake is a 1/2" x 4" slot on the bottom of the case. As if it isn't bad enough, the slot is blocked by a steel plate which covers the entire slot, and has a series of .125" diameter holes drilled in it. It's also worth mentioning that these holes are spaced widely apart.

Overall Review: I cut open that honey comb in the front, removed the restrictive steel plate, and replaced the stock fan with a temperature controlled Enermax fan. I plan to cut up the case a bit to allow better airflow, and a larger fan. Overall this case is nice, but certainly not a 5 star case. It sure looks nice.

Pros: Modest appearance for when the application demands it. Front USB/audio ports. Illuminated power switch is a nice touch. Price

Cons: Sharp edges. I cut myself on one of the edges while installing my DVDROM, getting blood on the drive itself.

Overall Review: I bought this case to build for my grandmother, who desired above all, the most basic and old school case. It's cheap in quality and price. It's a good value for the proper application, but just remember that you get what you pay for. Please don't expect miracles from this case- that's not it's purpose