X-Fi owners of the world unite! and help me

**Vikingod** · Dec 21, 2005, 10:37 AM

Well, I've got an itch to upgrade my sound after christmas.

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic 8 (7.1) Channels PCI Interface Sound Card

Creative Inspire P7800 90 Watts 7.1 Speaker

is what I was thinking of going with. Probably just a case of more money than brains (and I don't have much money). I was wondering what you guys think of your X-fi systems, and is it worth it. I know support is limited as of yet, but it will take off. I dont do much editing/recording anymore, but this may inspire me. I'm not that skilled with this type of hardware as well. Basically, I play games, listen to the occasional CD, and watch videos on my compy.

Is it worth it?
Should I go with a 5.1 system instead, and save a few bucks?
Is it difficult to get working, any known problems?
Is the hardware I selected flexible (can I do alot with it)?

Any help or opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

3DWizard · Dec 21, 2005, 11:51 AM

Well, the 24bit crystalizer is really great. Due to the fact that I use my card mainly for listening to music (btw: I have a rather good 5.1 home cinema sound system) this feature made it worth for me. If you'd like to do 5.1 (7.1) upmixing I'd say CMSS 3D is really great (and better than any kind of real upmixing like Dolby Pro Logic I heard so far), though I have to admit that I still prefer the simple stereo surround. So if you make use of the 24bit crystalizer and or cmss 3D I'd say it's worth the money.
Although I have pretty little experience with 3d sound in games (I just play Warcraft 3) I'm pretty sure that x-fi will only really improve your sound if you use the 24 bit crystalizer or cmss 3d, eax 5 won't change much.
When it comes to surround systems I have to admit that I never listened to a 7.1 system (except cinema maybe), but what I know is that it's always better buying a good 5.1 system, than a medium or bad 7.1 system. So if there is a real difference in price from 7.1 to 5.1 (same class), I would buy a 5.1 with better quality.

Greetings

**Vikingod** · Dec 21, 2005, 12:03 PM

good advice. What 5.1 system would you advise (nothing too pricey, I can upgrade later if I want).

Necrosis · Dec 21, 2005, 12:44 PM

If you're running on board sound it's well worth. I'm not sure what 5.1 set up you should get though. 7.1 honestly is a waste of money if you don't have a large enough room.

svthomp · Dec 21, 2005, 03:21 PM

I recently upgraded from an Audigy 2 to X-FI FAtALiTY and the difference is stunning.
I read many reviews and visited many different forums before I decided to make the upgrade. I mainly play COD2 and BF2. Does it make a difference in game play?
Yes it certainly does. I have a 5.1 system connected to it and I can tell a big difference between the X-FI and the Audigy 2. I hear the enemies as they try and sneak up on me now.
Everything is crisper and clearer. Music is fantastic. Games are as close to life like as I have ever experienced them.

I haven't had any difficulty with installation or use from the X-FI as of yet. I have had the card for almost two months now.

Downside is that the X-FI FAtaLiTY is a bit on the expensive side. Why did I purchase the
X-FI instead of a less expensive model? The 64 mb's of memory on the card is perfect for gaming. No hesitation.

I currently run a P4 3.4 Gz HT with 2 GiG's of Corsair CMXCMX512-3200XLPRO,
Radeon X850XT PE 256 Mb, Two Western Digital 250 Gb 16mb cache in a SATA Raid,
X-FI FaTaLiTy Sound Card, Soundblaster 5.1 speaker system.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do. See you in the killin fields.

**Vikingod** · Dec 21, 2005, 03:26 PM

Anyone have the same mobo as in my sig? I've read people are having troubles with the X-Fi cards and nf4 SLI mobo's. Can anyone comment on that?

Little headaches, and great compatibility are way more important to me than sound.

svthomp · Dec 21, 2005, 03:52 PM

I have an Abit IC7-MAX3 motherboard. No Nf4 SLI motherboard but it still does what I want it to.

I have heard the same rumors about the X-FI sound cards having compatibility issues with Nf4 SLI motherboards. I can't verify nor confirm these rumors, however, I suggest that you continue your research until you find the answers to your question. I would hate to see you spend your money on an X-FI if it's going to hose your machine.

***temeteus82*** · Dec 21, 2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vikingod

Anyone have the same mobo as in my sig? I've read people are having troubles with the X-Fi cards and nf4 SLI mobo's. Can anyone comment on that?

From what I've heard it was driver issue and newest drivers should work just fine. I ha NF4 Ultra and X-fi works just fine... using headphones

BTW. when I play Q4 some times I get cold chills on my back

Shakey_Jake33 · Dec 22, 2005, 02:50 AM

I'm currently using an Audigy2 ZS which I bought 4 months ago. I am getting some Logitech Z-5500's for Xmas, so naturally I'm wanting to get the best I can from it.

Been very tempted by the X-Fi XtremeMusic. The Fatal1ty and Elite Pro are a little too costly for me, especially as I mainly use my PC for music/movies, rather than games.

Has anyone else (who mainly listens to music) made the jump from Audigy2 ZS to XtremeMusic? Does the inprovement justify the costs? I've heard such good things about the 24-bit Crystalizer.