So, I haven't been able to read all the 58 pages of this thread (!!)....but from what I've gathered, the software support for x-fi still sucks? I had a soundblaster live back in the day, and because of all the trouble it was giving me I said I would never get another creative card.

So heres my pitch -- I'm looking for a sub <60 USD card -- are X-FI still the way to go is there another sound company I can go with? I heard m-audio is pretty good but still pricey?

hmm, i'll checkit out. i like to hear other people's opinions as well.

I'm also using Vista, does that mean I need a patch for every software/game that is incompatible through this alchemy system? seems very troublesome.

the asus xonor sounds expensive....it also takes up a pci-e slot and needs extra power so thats a big no no for me (since idon't have any other slots).

hmm, not really too sold on this alchemy thing yet, what happens if creative doesn't update its drivers? do i have to keep on patching things or do i install alchemy once only and all future software are compatible? does it take up memory?

i don't really trust creative, thats all i'm trying to say. It seems like creative is the leader of sound cards right now, and theres little choice.

looking through the EAX list, i haven't seen any recent games with support for it. does it really make much of a difference?

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Added on October 29, 2008, 12:54 amhow about the Auzentech XFI Prelude?

This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Oct 29 2008, 12:54 AM

hmm, here is a comparison of the asus xonar d2 with xi-fi:

http://www.vr-zone.com/articles/a-first-lo...ard/5082-5.html

the thing is, i don't see any new games with support for EAX, so is it becoming more irrelevant?

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Added on October 29, 2008, 1:10 amTest result comparison: http://www.vr-zone.com/articles/asus-xonar...sults/5135.html

This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Oct 29 2008, 01:10 AM

hm, so will more game developers use EAX? I'm not really bothered if the card is EAX compatible or not, I just want software-driver support that works with Vista -- from my past experience, creative has been horrible with their drivers -- if you remember that incident where they tried to sue that guy who made drivers for the card because creative were too slow in developing them!

I just don't trust them anymore and would rather go with another name company. However, this is an x-fi thread, so I would like to know if you guys are happy with your choice, and if you could buy another card, would you, and what would it be?

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Added on October 29, 2008, 1:41 ambut surely you bought your soundcard to add to that experience!

This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Oct 29 2008, 01:41 AM

the auzen xfi got good reviews but its way out of my budget: http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.php?/au..._1_sound_card/7

its ~200 USD card.

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Added on October 29, 2008, 1:59 amwhich x-fi card do you have?

This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Oct 29 2008, 01:59 AM

hm, this guy is selling the fatality pro edition for 280. worth it since the card is retailing for over 120+ USD?

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=719379

lol, thinking of buying a new card?

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Added on October 29, 2008, 2:26 am!! so where can you get it for 230?

This post has been edited by OmniAtlas: Oct 29 2008, 02:26 AM

no problem with the ATI card? I have a ati 4850. I heard theres a lot of problems with the nvidia chipset and soundblaster.

http://community.codemasters.com/forum/sho...ad.php?t=288051

I'm not saying its Creatives fault.

You're getting kind of defensive here coolkwc, chill!

hey all, any idea where I can get the creative xmod, or an alternative *good* external soundcard?