Yes it is in that black slot (the most 'north' slot in the mobo). It worked for just a while during my initial install but now it is a real PITA. I had figured I'd get something that would work 'for sure' and tried a X-Fi GamerXtreme from Creative. Hooboy, big mistake; I know Creative dominates the genre but I'd always hated their drivers - that hate, years later, was not misplaced. So I yanked the SB card and did various registry cleaning tricks and finally just decided to do a format/reinstall of XP Pro (just build the system 2 days ago so no big deal). Did the full XP install, the Diamond Sapphire Catalyst install and update to latest drivers and Windows update to install 85 updates. THEN I shutdown, installed the Maximus soundcard, and rebooted.

Now the sound app in Control Panel has ATI HD Audio rear output as it's selection and I can't change it. I'm really wondering if there's a conflict between the various and sundry drivers that ATI installs for the HD2900 and my soundcard for the Maximus. In any case it's been so frustrating that there's a giant do not disturb sign all around my office.