X-Fi Worth it?

[Tofurkeymeister]

Hey, I'm getting a new headset soon (Newegg.com - Creative FATAL1TY 3.5mm gold-plated Circumaural Gaming Headset), and I was wondering whether or not the ultra high settings are worth it on X-Fi hardware. I, myself, am not an audiophile and am not too particular about audio quality, I was just wondering if the extra features justify the cost.

In addition, I was wondering if there is a major difference between USB headsets and regular plug in ones.

Please tell me your opinion, and WHY Thanks.

[X1 Spriggan]

I'm not a "audiophile" myself but I played PR with and without the X-fi sound card. When I bought it, I'm pretty sure I knew right away what was actually enhanced. Explosions were sharp, distant sounds are much more audible. For example I think it is necessary to have your sound settings on very high to fully appreciate the distant bullet cracks of weapons firing.

Games are not the only thing enhanced. Listening to music on your computer will be more clear( if you have the headset for it). Watching movies on your computer would have a better experience. Things like this would be enhanced.

If you have the money, I would definitely say to pick one up. Otherwise, its a like a difference of drinking tap water vs drinking purified mineralized water.

EDIT: I just looked at what you were actually buying- Yikes! I would say definitely 100% buy a X-fi sound card.

[Robbi]

also, USB headsets are no thank you, so many problems.

[Tofurkeymeister]

The only problem I see is that X-Fi cards are a little pricey, and I'm not sure if it is worth $100 to get both the card AND the headset.

I also found these (Newegg.com - Creative Fatal1ty USB Circumaural Gaming Headset - Smaller Box). They are USB, but have virtual surround sound and EAX HD compatibility. However, I am not to happy that they are USB. Opinions are welcomed .

[Robbi]

Go with the first headset, and virtual surround will be ****.

also, look for a XFi Xtreme Music card, looking around $60 for that and still very good compared to dedicated gaming ones.

[strima]

My X-Fi is good and I have no problems with the sound, things sound really clear whether gaming, watching films or just blasting out some tunes. I don't use USB as they seem to be more problems than they're worth.

[Tofurkeymeister]

Go with the first headset, and virtual surround will be ****.

also, look for a XFi Xtreme Music card, looking around $60 for that and still very good compared to dedicated gaming ones.

Unfortunately, it seems Xtreme Music cards have neither hardware acceleration, nor EAX 5.0 support (128 voices in a game). However, I saw this card: Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer PCI OEM Sound Card - Refurbished 70SB073A000000-8 at TigerDirect.com for $60 tax, tag, and title. Sure it is refurbished, but who cares? Its a good price

[Robbi]

Unfortunately, it seems Xtreme Music cards have neither hardware acceleration, nor EAX 5.0 support (128 voices in a game)

Yes it does....

Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic - Upgrade music to the Xtreme Fidelity audio standard

that card will blow that xtremegamer out of the water.

[Tofurkeymeister]

Robbi187;1089966']Yes it does....

Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic - Upgrade music to the Xtreme Fidelity audio standard

that card will blow that xtremegamer out of the water.

Sorry, its the xtremeaudio cards that don't have EAX 5.0.

But, alas! While this xtrememusic card looks ub3r 1337 it is not available at any major e-tailer in the US, and it costs WELL over $100 in those e-tailers which keep it in stock. The xtremegamer card is only $60, and for that reason I prefer it.

[Robbi]

Just be careful with the version, as it is the old one, so a lot of support will not be covered.

Basically though, whatever you do, make sure it is the PCi version you get, bot PCIe

[Tofurkeymeister]

Just be careful with the version, as it is the old one, so a lot of support will not be covered.

It is the highest rated creative card on newegg.com: Newegg.com - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Sound Cards

In addition, I'm pretty sure its new, and it has Windows 7 driver support (which I use).

So one last question: will this card sound better in general than integrated audio, even if I have a decent integrated chipset (ALC899A)?

[Robbi]

Yes, as that is the Chip I have on mine

It will sound better 10 fold.

[Tofurkeymeister]

That is all the questions I have , and as such this thread can be locked if you wish.

Thank you for your time.

[Robbi]

i'll leave open for suture discussion on xfi

[Tofurkeymeister]

Are there any opinions on whether a sound card is even worth the cost?

In addition, I believe this thread should be moved to the hardware section, I must have posted it in software on accident.

[DankE_SPB]

Are there any opinions on whether a sound card is even worth the cost?

some of my clanmates have this card and should say they have far more combat awareness than i, because they can hear much more, with greater positioning etc. i.e. i cant hear enemy steps until he runs me over while they hear my steps 15m away when i try to stab them

[Tofurkeymeister]

Which headset sounds better?
The fatal1ty headset: Newegg.com - Creative FATAL1TY 3.5mm gold-plated Circumaural Gaming Headset

...Or the Razer Carcharias: Newegg.com - RAZER Carcharias 3.5mm Circumaural Professional Gaming Headset

I will likely buy one soon, and would like to know which one I should purchase.

[Dunehunter]

You should get the Sennheiser one

Anyway, I've got an Xfi xtreme gamer, and it really is a huuuge difference between regular sound and enhanced, everything just sound sharper, big difference on explosions too

[VoXiNaTiOn]

Dam, when I get the cash together then it looks like an X-Fi is my next purchase .

[hx.bjoffe]

Definitly buy a card. The XtremeGamer is what i have, iirc it got the same sound processor as the X-music.
I would rather buy cheaper headphones and use some money on EAX.
Hearing those feet running has saved me sooo many times. Hearing that tank in the far distance has saved my squad.