This is a budget sound card which offers improved audio processing over many on-board audio solutions from low-tier motherboards. This in a low-profile PCI-E form factor which makes it a great solution for improving audio and adding 5.1 surround sound capability to compact HTPCs.
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Pros
Pro Can easily fit in compact HTPC setups
This is a low-profile PCI-E card and comes with both a standard PCI bracket as well as a low-profile one. This makes the sound card really easy to fit in many PC builds, including HTPCs which sometimes can only accommodate low profile cards.
Pro May improve sound over older on-board audio chips
This is a great budget solution if you are having distortion or other audio problems with your on-board audio. The Audigy FX produces rich sound with very minimal distortion.
Pro Can power high impedance headphones
Most headphones will be able to output adequate volume levels and good audio quality with this soundcard. The headphone out can provide enough power even for 600 ohm headphones, and can be a significant upgrade over your motherboard's headphone output.
Pro Supports 5.1 speaker setups
This soundcard has the necessary analog out connectors for a 5.1 surround sound speaker system.
Cons
Con May not be an upgrade over some motherboard audio solutions
The Audigy FX's feature set is quite basic, and some on-board solutions from higher end motherboards may already have similar, if not better features/audio quality.