Physical installation:
Installation of the device itself is simple and easy. It mounts in the same way that most cdroms or other 5 1/4 devices mount. Shown in the below photo are the three rear connections. From left to right we have 1) the sounds card connector 2) the cdrom connector 3) the 4 pin molex power connector. Either one or both of these connectors can be used. However if only the cdrom connector is used the device will only play sounds from cds.
The rear slot cover leaves a little something to be desired. It seems as if it might just be a multi-use cover that just happened to fit this application. It's got an overly large hole for the cable to pass through and more holes than necessary.
(click to enlarge)
How does it perform:
If you're into decorating your machine with lighting and something to give it a little extra flare this is for you. With its seven available color modes odds are you can make it match any pre-existing internal lighting you may have. There is also the option to let it continuously cycle through the colors as well.
The below photos illustrates the LED indicators on sides which work in tandem with analog displays. Those bars really zoomed when I used the Circle Fire to belt out Elton John's "Benny and the Jets".
(click to enlarge)
The two dials labeled dB right and left as well as the bars on the side which also measure intensity do not actually monitor independently and the sound quality from the internal speaker isn't up to par as far as what most gamers would want for their primary sound system. It's got a high noise ratio which is to be expected from any speaker able to fit in a 5 1/4 bay and there is little difference in the three available volume levels. However it does serve a purpose if you're not using any other speakers. The machine I tested this device in is my lan party rig which does not have any other speakers so this is great for me for portable sound without having to carry speakers with me.
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