Creative makes a lot of soundcards but its current top-of-the-range product is the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum eX.

As well as being a top-notch soundcard, this version adds some extra flexibility. It comes with a box which stands next to your PC, providing a selection of useful connections.

These extra connections are two 3.5mm inputs, optical inputs and outputs, two FireWire ports and a 3.5mm socket for some proper headphones.

Midi connectors and a pair of phono sockets complete the connectivity picture.

Setting up is more involved than fitting a standard soundcard as there are more wires but most of it is done outside your PC's case, so it's not too frightening.

Installing the software is laborious as there is so much of it but there really is something for everyone, with a couple of games, some excellent music and video-editing titles along with the normal collection of Creative bits and bobs.

The main problem for most people is likely to be the price but if you want a posh soundcard, you're going to have to pay for it.

Contact: Creative no UK number
www.creative.com