Got X-Fi?

[Ronin13]

I'm about to order all the stuff for my new build but have yet to decide on the soundcard. Only sure thing is that I want an X-Fi.

My choices are the Xtreme Music retail ($125), Xtreme Music OEM ($95) or the new Xtreme Gamer retail ($110). The prices are converted from the cheapest prices here in Denmark.

I've already downloadet the new X-Fi driver (43.5MB).

For those with a X-Fi card:

Assuming the OEM Xtreme Music comes with no software, will the driver mentioned above be enough to take advantage of all the cards abilities? Like the Crystalizer for playing MP3 files?

If so, are there any reasons not to go with an OEM card?

On the Xtreme Music vs (new) Xtreme Gamer, does anybody have any input on the differences - if any - between these cards?

Have anybody seen reviews of the new Xtreme Gamer?

(Please note, the Xtreme Gamer in question is not the Falal1ty one with the extra RAM.)

Thanks

 

[Ghouler]

Hi Ronin,

The xgamer seems to be almost identical with xmusic but:

- it's half height
- it lacks digital input (outout is there)
- it has Intel HD Audio compliant connector.

Check the charts that compare specs and connectors on creative site:
http://us.creative.com/support/kb/article.asp?l=3&sid=26156

 

[Hidden Hippo]

From what I've heard the new ones don't do harware something or other, but merely pass it on to the main processor. However, the original range (the Xtreme Music in this case) do.

 

[Ghouler]

You are right but only about xaudio.
xgamer has hardware acceleration
Check the link.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1951328&enterthread=y

Did we decide if the OEM Xtreme Music was really the Xtreme Audio?

I say go for the real deal, the retail Xtreme Music.

 

[Ronin13]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Did we decide if the OEM Xtreme Music was really the Xtreme Audio?

That's true, at one point there was a 'OEM Xtreme Music' for sale here, which was actually just a falsely named OEM Xtreme Audio.

But the one I quoted the price for above is the real deal. The part number is 30SB046000000 (see Google's results) - opposed to 70SB046002010 for the retail version.

The question remains: If I get the OEM version, will the driver from Creative's site be all I need to run it?

Originally posted by: Ghouler
Check the charts that compare specs and connectors on creative site:
http://us.creative.com/support/kb/article.asp?l=3&sid=26156

Thanks for the link - I had tried to compare the two cards by reading the specs for each of them, but this makes it much easier.

With regards to functionality, the Xtreme Gamer has everything I need. Now, do you guys think that it'll deliver the same quality as the Xtreme Music, having a half size PCB?

(I realise that as long as there are no reviews, you can only guess about it's performance. Unless, of course, you have one.)

 

[Brian48]

I would go for the original ExtremeMusic.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=27&threadid=1951328&enterthread=y

Did we decide if the OEM Xtreme Music was really the Xtreme Audio?

I say go for the real deal, the retail Xtreme Music.

I concur.

 

[potato28]

Go for the original. Why would you by a sound card if it's just gonna use ur cpu to process the data when you could buy one for that much more and have the ability to use the onboard processer for it.

 

[Auric]

As said before, I think, both ye olde XtremeMusic and the new Xtreme Gamer have their connectivity advantages (more so to the latter since adding optical and HD while subtracting the proprietary crap). But if those are not a factor then go for the lowest price which in this instance is significant from the XM OEM and which I don't see any reason to be wary of if it's the real thing this time and not indeed the DSP-less Audio model.

 

[Ronin13]

Originally posted by: potato28
Go for the original. Why would you by a sound card if it's just gonna use ur cpu to process the data when you could buy one for that much more and have the ability to use the onboard processer for it.

AFAIK the Xtreme Gamer and the Xtreme Music have identical amounts of hardware acceleration. (I see nothing in their specs to indicate otherwise.)

Originally posted by: Auric
As said before, I think, both ye olde XtremeMusic and the new Xtreme Gamer have their connectivity advantages (more so to the latter since adding optical and HD while subtracting the proprietary crap). But if those are not a factor then go for the lowest price which in this instance is significant from the XM OEM and which I don't see any reason to be wary of if it's the real thing this time and not indeed the DSP-less Audio model.

If you saw my Googling of the part # I linked to above, it seems that there indeed exists an OEM Xtreme Music.

For those with a X-Fi: Since the driver seems to be the only thing I can download from Creative's site, will I be able to get the needed control of the OEM Xtreme Music? What about the changing of modes between Entertainment, Gaming, and Audio Creation?

Reading this thread, it sounds like the 'main consoles' that allow for the mode-changing isn't part of the driver itself?

 

[DasFox]

Oh wow I didn't know there was a X-Fi XtremeGamer card. I'm using the X-Fi XtremeMusic right now in my GameRig, should I dump it and get this gamer version? As the name says, "GameRig" that's all that box is for.

Oh and would there now be any performance benefits to using the X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatality?

ALOHA

 

[Saku]

I bought my XM off the forums. I think it is oEM but I was able to get all the software from the creative forums. Creative doesnt offer you the software directly from their downloads section, they only offer you the drivers and a few other programs. You have to go into their forums and there is a thread that gives out download links for retail software for most of their cards.

 

[DasFox]

So what's really better for gaming, X-Fi XtremeGamer, X-Fi XtremeMusic, or the X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatality?

ALOHA

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: DasFox
Oh wow I didn't know there was a X-Fi XtremeGamer card. I'm using the X-Fi XtremeMusic right now in my GameRig, should I dump it and get this gamer version? As the name says, "GameRig" that's all that box is for.

Oh and would there now be any performance benefits to using the X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatality?

ALOHA

Short version: stick with your card

Longer: The Fatal1ty cards get you 64mb Xram, which could possibly get you some more performance in certain titles that support it. I don't think it's worth it at this point yet. The Xtreme Gamer wont be any better than your current card at gaming afaik, and could potentially be worst sound quality.

So basically I think you could say taking into account xram and sound quality

XtremeGamer < XtremeMusic < XtremeGamerFatal1ty

 

[Auric]

Ronin13, I did see teh goggling but also noted that searching by image turned up some of those blasted "Audio" models. Best to confirm with the seller first to minimize hassle I suppose. The essential controls (including mode switching) are via the Audio Console included in the driver package. Some folks like to use a third-party mode changer (XFMC). I'm not familiar with the software links mentioned by Saku (official or no?) but disc images are available here if you want all the bells 'n' whistles.

 

[DasFox]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: DasFox
Oh wow I didn't know there was a X-Fi XtremeGamer card. I'm using the X-Fi XtremeMusic right now in my GameRig, should I dump it and get this gamer version? As the name says, "GameRig" that's all that box is for.

Oh and would there now be any performance benefits to using the X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatality?

ALOHA

Short version: stick with your card

Longer: The Fatal1ty cards get you 64mb Xram, which could possibly get you some more performance in certain titles that support it. I don't think it's worth it at this point yet. The Xtreme Gamer wont be any better than your current card at gaming afaik, and could potentially be worst sound quality.

So basically I think you could say taking into account xram and sound quality

XtremeGamer < XtremeMusic < XtremeGamerFatal1ty

Hmm Hmm Hmm, ok

 

[Ronin13]

Originally posted by: Auric
Ronin13, I did see teh goggling but also noted that searching by image turned up some of those blasted "Audio" models. Best to confirm with the seller first to minimize hassle I suppose. The essential controls (including mode switching) are via the Audio Console included in the driver package. Some folks like to use a third-party mode changer (XFMC). I'm not familiar with the software links mentioned by Saku (official or no?) but disc images are available here if you want all the bells 'n' whistles.

I hadn't seen those image search results. Thanks for pointing that out - if I choose to go with the OEM model I'll be sure to check with the shop first.

And thanks for the link to the download page. If the driver has the mode-switching ability, I'm assuming it also has the various settings for each mode? Like changing the level of EAX effects, the amount of 'Crystalizing', etc?

If so, what does the '(ISO) SB X-Fi series' from that site (which I guess is a combination of the driver and what Creative calls the X-Fi 'Software Suite') bring to the table?

I mean, the driver itself is about 40 megs - the total package is almost 400 megs more than that!

(BTW, for those looking for the third-party mode changer (XFMC) that Auric mentioned, it's here.)

 

[Auric]

Yes, the various settings are included in the Audio Console too. For what the 'suite' offers, see here.

 

[Ronin13]

So, now that the new Xtreme Gamer has been out for a while, have anybody here had any experiences with it, or seen reviews of it?

(Especially compared to the Xtreme Music, which seems to be phased out - it's not on this list of X-Fi products anymore...)

 

[Brian48]

I'm not surprised the XTremeMusic is being phased out. It was just too expensive to manufacture. Even going to the cheaper process that eventually necessitated putting a heatsink on the DSP, I knew they couldn't keep it up. I think Creative was banking on the hope that the higher-end 64mb cards would really catch on with the gaming and recording community, but the XTremeMusic was just too good in comparison.

I think it also makes sense from a business stand point to target both segments of users separately. The typical gamer is not going to want all the advances features found on a music card and the reverse can be said for users who are more interested in music reproduction and recording.

 

[Huma]

oh my god... hell has frozen over.

creative put optical out on one of their soundcards (without requiring a breakout box)? I've been waiting for 6 years for this!!!

 

[Auric]

Save for perhaps the lone high-end model, there aren't really any disparate features as it all comes down so software and minor connectivity on the DSP models. Just looking at the barren landscape of the X-Fi board it was certainly obvious that the cost could be reduced.

They've always had SPDIF I/O headers so any ol' optical output could be added -such as those brackets included with mobos. Indeed, I used an opto-electrical bracket with my Live! Value last millennium.

It is a change to include a jack however 'tis a devil's bargoon as it is incorporated into the hated FlexiJack, ergo no simultaneous mic or line-in. The Gamer still has the SPDIF I/O plus HD headers though so additional jacks can be added. The bracket can be unfastened for drilling if desired to incorporate into that. The cut-down Audio model (CA0106-WBTLF controller) lacks any SPDIF header so would require an external device for optical and thus provides 'nutha reason to shun it.

 

[Ronin13]

Originally posted by: Auric... Just looking at the barren landscape of the X-Fi board it was certainly obvious that the cost could be reduced.

From the looks of it, it seems that the Xtreme Gamer might be cheaper to produce, compared to the Xtreme Music.

But does everybody here believe that this necessarily makes it inferior?

I mean, isn't it just as likely that they have just streamlined the production and maybe even ironed out a few kinks (if any) from the older product?

Connection differences aside, if the specs say they can do the same things, shouldn't they do so? As it is, I'm inclined to pick the Xtreme Gamer (I kinda like the half-height PCB), unless someone can explain why the Xtreme Music almost certainly will be a better product.

 

[Auric]

Given the same quality I'd rather have the XG too. The better (in my opine) connectivity is a bonus to the refined half-height design (at least in size if nothing else). The only drawback is that it is actually selling for more than the XM at the mo' on this side of the pond anyway.