Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2 Upgradable Hi-res PCI-e Sound Card with 5.1 Discrete and Virtual Surround, Scout Mode, SmartComms Kit for PC 120 dB with SmartComms Kit

Recently purchased a new Dell Inspiron computer, (after exploring have a custom built computer, and being told ALL Computers now have intigrated Sound) Needless to say, this was incorrect, as the DELL does not. However, I digress. While the sound card does what I need it to do, convert analog music into digital, and this card is an inexpensive way to accomplish it, I can no longer recommend Creative cards, as they endlessly prompt you to REGISTER the product, even after it was registered. The nag screens are a pain. (yes, you can direct the registration nag to NOT notify you to register) Otherwise, if you simply need a simular function, just get an analog to digital converter.

I am writing this review after few months of use. Not a great sound experience from this card - the price also has to be taken to account. This internal sound card is better than the MB sound mechanism but some hiss sound arises while hearing music. I would suggest to go for an external card or internal card above 15K to really experience the richness of music/ vocals. This sound card is good for beginners (or) can replace the MB failed sound circuit settings if need be.

I bought a used Dell which turned out to have a bad sound port. So I added the expansion card. It outputs good clear sound.

I bought it when I fried the sound controller on my mobo a 30 dollar part so I don't have to get a 60 dollar mobo

Make sure you enable SmartComms Kit. I found that my microphone had an electric buzzing sound (I used listen to this device after I noticed it) so I kept listening to it while making changes and as soon as I enabled SmartComms Kit everything became crystal clear. No buzzing in microphone or playback. My audio quality and power increased significantly, my microphone quality increased phenomenally as I was going from integrated audio to this. I use 3.5MM connectors for audio playback and mic. Had I not discovered enabling SmartComms Kit fixed it immediately I was going to return or exchange.