I have to be honest; sound seems to be the last on the list of upgrades anyone (including me, until recently) considers. And why is that, really? Most motherboards that a PC enthusiast will purchase have onboard sound that is capable of 7.1 surround sound anyway. Unless you're a gamer, movie aficionado, or audiophile (in which case you probably aren't reading this review...) chances are the onboard sound "makes sound," so therefore it is good enough.

I know everyone has different reasons for why they use PCs, and everyone plays PC games for different reasons. For some, it's a hobby - for others, a way to relax or get hyped up. I play games because they showcase what my builds are really capable of, and because I enjoy them! Much like a good book, a well-made game presents a game world that you can get "lost in," and enjoy the time you spend there. After all, that's why people have hobbies, right?

If you're taking time out of your day to do something you enjoy, I implore you to consider upgrading your experience for ALL of your senses (okay, unless you like the smell of burning capacitors or eating silicon, we'll forget about those particular senses for a moment). Eye candy is great, but much like candy itself, it doesn't make for a very balanced experience.