ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 PCI-E Sound Card

Packaging & Contents
 
The exterior of the box is what we have become accustomed to with Asus. Very professional layout with a picture of the card along with the signature Xonar ‘blue-wave’ splashed across the front of the box along with a brief list of features. The rear of the packaging again shows a brief feature list, translated into various languages.
Asus Xonar DX Box Front Asus Xonar DX Box Back

The side panels display the specifications for the more technically curious along with contents and the obligatory system requirements

Asus Xonar DX Box Side Asus Xonar DX Box Side

The box has a pop up layer that delves further into the packed feature set of the card along with a brief explanation of the DX’s primary feature D3D GX 2.0 which we will come to later in the review. It also goes onto explain another of its features, VocalFX which further enhances the appeal of the card to prospective buyers.

Asus Xonar DX Box Flap Asus Xonar DX Box Flap

Opening the box up we are greeted with the card loosely packaged in an anti static bag seated in a black cardboard frame which while serving its purpose I couldn’t help but feel a blister style pack would be more presentable and provide a sturdier package. It is however a snug enough fit to ensure the card won’t rattle around during transit and should reach the consumer in perfect condition.

 
Asus Xonar DX Box Open Asus Xonar DX Box Contents

Taking the cardboard frame out of the exterior box we find the accessories:

• Asus Xonar DX support CD
• Additional low profile bracket
• S/PDIF TOSLINK optical adapter
• Quick installation guide

So everything you need to get you started. The guide is presented in 7 languages, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Greek. While it’s brief, the A5 size pages are clear enough to enable even the novice pc builder to install the card with the minimum of difficulty aided with well presented pictures and concise instructions (albeit in B&W) provided.