First of all: I have chosen for the PCI version, because the next PCI Express slot would be too close to the fan of the graphics card and thus blocks the air supply. Exchange graphics card and sound card would not be an option, since I have no SLI board and the 2nd PCIe slot PCIe 2.0 x4 would have been for the video card only.
///// Unpacking: /////
The Xonar DG comes with drivers, a mini-panel for mini systems, 2 screws and a quick start guide. Of course, in an antistatic film. The sound card is as long as I have assumed, but relatively narrow. Unfortunately it is not shielded, so that other components might influence by electromagnetism sound. For the price, but you can not expect, and when you know how, you can avoid that. I'll get to later.
///// Installation: /////
The installation is very easy. Once done the PCI slot locate you need from the housing remove only the wildcard aperture and then dump them in with feeling. Then screw it and it fits perfectly. An external power supply is required. In order to have no interference, they should be placed as far as possible from the graphics card, which then the air intake is also beneficial. The sound card is now about 2 cm away from the power supply and 7 cm from the graphics card. When I used a slot above (5 cm or 4 cm distance) I did not notice any differences, even with load. There are problems probably only if the components are really close to each other (for example soundcard + graphics card as 1 cm).
Furthermore, I have the front panel connector is also attached to the sound card. This seems to support HD Audio and AC97, with the main difference is that HD Audio support more than 96 kHz and automatically detect whether a leading jack plugged while AC97 does not know and combines the connector front and back. Which one is used, depends on the case. You like me both, then the best HD audio.
///// Driver: /////
The drivers will be antiquated but meet on Windows 7 64-bit its purpose. Who should downloading the driver online access to the latest software, the more current is not funny enough for the version number (yet two years new and 2013. Although 2011). The software provides the basics and settings make all sense. But a few options I had to change, and then have no problems. For details on this below.
///// Configuration: /////
The headphones went straight when connecting, but the microphone. The reason was that you have to forget to use in the microphone settings Front panel in the Sound options of Windows, since it apparently does not automatically change the microphone input with HD audio front and back. By default, just the active until the tick is out front. When I have the microphone boost on and the level at about 70 and hear a slight noise / hum, but that is still within the scope of what is tolerable. In TeamSpeak 3 I have otherwise no improvements that could make the voice broken. Nice, I also think the monitoring option available at the Windows mic settings, thanks to the driver. This can hear directly itself and can find out so if the sound fits.
In the software you can adjust even more things, which I have not used up to now. The vocal distortion options are funny, go with me in Teamspeak 3 but not really, although I choose the EXE. In Skype but it works. For more I have the software as I said not yet used, and I'll be looking at the equalizer sometime soon.
///// On-Board vs. Asus Xonar DG /////
Compared with the on-board sound card I get my headset a bit louder and I notice that the bass is stronger default. The sound is much clearer and spatial, while the on-board sound card goes especially when many noises in the knee. The microphone noise is much lower, although a slight hum occurs instead with the Xonar. Nevertheless, I can operate my QPad QH-85 without TeamSpeak options without more, so my voice is super clear. The same is true for Audacity recordings that I had to do always used a mobile recorder, if I made a Let's Play.
///// Conclusion: /////
I would say that the Asus Xonar DG for beginners is really worth. They trumped the on-board sound card definitely, if you have a good headset or speakers. Cheaper parts of 10 you will perceive no difference. The sound card has a super form factor and is easily installed. For my stereo Applications range 5.1 completely and there is no insulation (Box) around it is not a problem if it is not too close to the graphics card. The software is antiquated but fulfills its purpose on Windows 7.
Here, I give 5 stars because of the price and recommend it for all audio enthusiasts who still does not use a dedicated sound card, want to get more out of your headphones and have to say that you get for the 30 least 2x as good sound as on- Board and umpteen times better as an external sound card with whom I have, especially when microphone input, a very bad experience.
