Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound
- PCI Express x4 card, Windows PCs
- 7.1 surround channel configuration
- 32 bit / 384 kHz hi-res playback
- 122 db signal to noise ratio
- Dolby Digital and DTS, Xamp headphone bi-amp
- RGB lighting, 454 g
Last refreshed Oct 2, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A hi-res PCIe sound card with a discrete headphone amplifier, surround decoding and lighting. It is a Windows desktop card and needs an open slot.
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ASIN: B086QN3WNXModel: SB1740Category: Internal Sound Cards
Overview
A SABRE32-class DAC and a discrete headphone bi-amplifier are the working parts of this Sound BlasterX card, which fits a PCI Express slot in a Windows desktop. It decodes Dolby Digital and DTS and adds an RGB lighting system.
Hi-res conversion and a dedicated headphone amplifier are the reason to buy it for gaming headsets or good headphones. The limit is platform and detail: the listing names Windows and gives no port list.
Who it's for
PC gamers and listeners who want cleaner analog audio than the motherboard output will use the amplifier and surround decoding. Laptop and console players need an external device instead.
Pros and cons
- Hi-res sample rate support
- Discrete headphone bi-amplifier
- Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
- High signal to noise ratio
- Needs a free PCIe slot
- Windows only listed
- Port list not given
Performance notes
A dedicated DAC takes digital to analog conversion away from the noisy motherboard, and the separate amplifier drives demanding headphones. The signal to noise figure describes how quiet the output is. Real results depend on your headphones and source files.
Where it stands among internal sound cards
- #6 most-searched brand and model of the 8 internal sound cards lines we track (by search demand, not sales).
From the specs of the 15 internal sound cards we list; not a test result.
Specifications
| Brand | Creative |
|---|---|
| Model | SB1740 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Bit depth | 32-bit |
| Item weight | 454 g |
| Dimensions | 5.71"L x 5.04"W x 0.79"H |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Audio output mode | Surround Sound |
| Signaltonoise ratio | 122 db |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Hardware connectivity | PCI Express x4 |
| Other details | |
| Platform | Windows |
| Surround sound channel configuration | 7.1 |
| Maximum sample rate | 384 KHz |
| Decoding | Dolby Digital and DTS |
| Lighting | RGB Lighting System |
| Part number | 70SB174000003 |
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus?
The listing gives 5.71 inches long, 5.04 inches wide and 0.79 inches thick, at 454 g.
Does the AE-5 Plus work in a laptop?
No. It is a PCI Express x4 card for a desktop slot.
Does it support surround sound?
Yes. The listing gives 7.1 surround and Dolby Digital and DTS.