Although electronics generally work right out of the box, and the EVGA NU Audio Card is no exception, many electronics achieve peak performance after they’ve had some time to work together, time to allow components to settle, and time to work in concert with your intended use – in other words, just some time to “burn-in.”

In the case of audio equipment, it’s usually expected that products, such as headphones, require time to burn-in to achieve their expected sound signature. The NU Audio Card can also benefit from a little burn-in period. These changes do not “make or break” the NU Audio Card. It’s simply an opportunity to gently nudge the audio card to acquire a sound closer to what you normally use.

The NU Audio Card will see the most change within the first 24 hours of use (measured in actual time), with more subtle changes over the next several 72 hours of use. Our suggestion to maximize this time is to run a varied playlist of your favorite music for the first 24 hours with headphones set to normal listening levels. Playing a variety of games is also fine.

Don’t overthink this. If you simply spent the stated time or some of it testing your favorite music, playing games, etc., then you’ve accomplished your goal. If you didn’t, then the NU Audio Card will still offer you Lifelike Audio for all your intended uses.