![ASUS PCI-Express x1 7.1 Channel Sound Card XONAR_DX/XD/A/90-YAA060-1UAN00Z]({"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41nmWc4HyML._AC_SY450_.jpg":[450,450],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41nmWc4HyML._AC_.jpg":[500,500],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41nmWc4HyML._AC_SX425_.jpg":[425,425],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41nmWc4HyML._AC_SX466_.jpg":[466,466],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41nmWc4HyML._AC_SY355_.jpg":[355,355]})
![DuKabel USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter, USB to Aux Cable with TRRS 4-Pole Mic-Supported USB to Headphone AUX Adapter Built-in Chip External Sound Card for PC PS4 PS5 and More [9.8 inch]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dn7vY9wDL._AC_SR160,160_.jpg)
Went to ASUS website and downloaded Windows 10 drivers for the ASUS Xonar-DX sound card. Drivers work perfectly - no problems whatsoever. My system:
Core i7-8700K cpu
ASRock Z370 Extreme4 motherboard
Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x8GB DDR4 CL15 RAM
MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Gaming X video card
Quick Start Guide made it easy to install. After turning the computer off and pulling the power cable out of the power supply, I installed the sound card into my PCIe x1 slot. Then I disconnected the HD Audio connector for the front panel headset ports from the onboard sound and plugged it into location specified on the ASUS sound card. Then plugged a power supply molex into the ASUS supplied cable that attached to the sound card for the additional power it needed. Plugged power cable back into power supply and booted computer into the BIOS to turn off onboard audio, then saved and booted into Windows.
Plugged my headphones into the front panel ports for sound and nothing! Quick Start Guide (the only real instructions) didn't say anything about software, but I figured there had to be an application somewhere. Installation did not create a shortcut or anything, so I looked in the START menu and found ASUS Xonar DX Audio folder. Clicked on it to find the Xonar DX Audio Center (See attached .gif). This is where all the magic happens with this sound card! Don't know why ASUS doesn't even mention it in their documentation with the card!
I thought my front panel ports just would not work but then I found in the Xonar DX Audio Center software the Analog Out pull down (see photo again) and selected FP Headphone. BAM... sound out of my front panel headphone ports! Set it up for 7.1 virtual surround and I'm good to go.
I also had to make some changes to what kind of sounds I would hear. I have my sound set to CLASSIC, because the game, War Thunder, I play uses mostly classical music during play, and that sounds the best. Different sound effects are found under the EFFECT button. Also, while in EFFECT mode under the MORE pull down, one can change how big or small the sound is. For example, I have mine set to Padded Cell to shut out any sense of an echo. Each person will need to play around in this Audio Center software to get the kind of sound they want from speakers or headphones.
I'm really pleased with this purchase, after reading some of the bad reviews about Windows 10 drivers not working and other issues. But for me, at least, the drivers work perfectly and the Xonar DX Audio Center absolutely makes this card fantastic.
ASUS, however, needs to add information to their Quick Start Guide about their software - some customers, not computer savvy, might just assume the card does not work properly, not realizing the Xonar DX Audio Center software is in an ASUS folder that can be found under their START menu. If ASUS doesn't want to add info to their quick start guide then they should at least have the installation produce a shortcut on the Desktop for the included software.
Final comment: ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 sound card is amazing compared to my onboard 7.1 sound. This purchase was worth it for me.
| RAM | DDR2 |
|---|
