The next two plugs provide RCA line-out, and can be used with the provided RCA to miniplug cable to hook into any ordinary two channel computer speaker set. Normal microphone and headphone miniplug jacks are provided, and are conveniently positioned to plug a voice chat headset in by feel-with a bit of practice, anyway. Looking at the back panel itself, we see something radically different from the usual layout. The optical cables are set up to work with the X-FI HD’s unusual plug layout one end of each cable is fitted with a slender probe connector that reaches down into the RCA plugs on the back panel. The contacts are gold-plated, and the cable itself gives signs of being shielded definitely a cut above the average “el cheapo” patch cable.
Aside from the expected driver disc and quick-start guide (I swear, most manufacturers are positively allergic to printing genuinely helpful print documentation) we get a pair of optical cables and a RCA stereo to 3.5mm miniplug cable.
Opening up that big orange box behind the card, we see the other bits and bobs Creative has included. This is a practice we could stand to see more add-in card manufacturers adopt, if only to cut down on the number of installation problems. Since sound cards do not get hot or even very warm, the obvious purpose is to protect the capacitors and chips from any incidental damage during handling. Rather than continue with the metal shield used in previous models, Creative has opted for a smoked plastic shell. With the outer shell removed, we see the card itself. On the back, more specs, and some ad copy.
Over on the other side, Creative has provided a diagram to help decipher the mildly confused tangle of ports on the back panel.
On the side, we have a list of all those dreary but essential details: minimum system requirements, package contents, &c. The front eschews fancy graphics in favor of showcasing the product front and center, with the name splashed across the front in big bold lettering. First, as always, we will take a look at the packaging and the physical shell of the product.