Auzentech X-Fi Forte Low Profile 7.1 PCI-E Sound Card

 

The software used for the Auzentech X-Fi Forte is the usual Creative affair. I am glad to say now that Creative actually include Alchemy, which means you don’t have to go without Dolby Digital or DTS when using a Vista-based install.

 

We have talked about Creative’s X-Fi software quite a lot in previous reviews. I don’t want to go into too much detail with this, but here’s a few screen-shots for those who haven’t had the dubious pleasure of using Creative’s software.

 

 

 

Entertainment mode does what it says on the tin. You’ve all of the options in there that you need, buried somewhere amongst the flashy screens. As you will see above, the software gives you the option to use either Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect. Whilst it’s great we have the option to use either, it would be nice if the card could detect what was optimum for each disc and select for you, an ‘auto’ mode if you will.

 

 

 

Game mode provides us with a more cluttered interface but does give options on one page. The crystalizer is a nice addition for Creative and CMSS-3D is great for creating nice surround images on a set of headphones.

 

 

Audio Creation Mode is Creative’s attempt to give X-Fi owners a fully working music creation interface. In fairness, it is a nice addition to the sound card as a package and shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. I am not going to focus on this part of the cards intended purpose in this review, but it’s nice to take this into account.