Fahye

I was looking at types of X-FI cards and they got so many. I was wondering whats the best X-FI card for lots of Gaming. Does the X-Fi support 7.1

I one that has good quality but something thats not going to hit my wallet hard. So was thinking around $100 or if something thats better and not alot higher please show.

Thanks to any who reply.

__________________

Bane

Yup the X-Fi series does support 7.1 surround sound. IN terms of gaming, it all depends on the type of gamer you are. I've heard of many people who say that the XtremeMusic version does really well in games. However when you get up to the Fatality and Elite versions, they include onboard soundcard memory that will be utilized in future games. I know that BF2 supports the onboard soundcard memory and a select few other titles. It's up to you. Since your budget is 100, i'd say go with the XtremeMusic one. It's a little over 100, but you can find it for 100 sometimes with different sales at bricks and mortar stores or even online with newegg/zipzoomfly etc.

__________________

The Amish Kid

I have a X-fi Xtreme Music and its awesome. Ecspecially in games that support the X-fi chip set.

Right now they are just over $100 so that is right in your price range. Most of the other x-fi soundcards are quite a bit more expensive(the next cheapest is around $180).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102188

If you aren't going to be using a surround sound setup then I think a cheaper soundcard would work just as well though.

__________________

Fahye

I will be buying these
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836116142

__________________

The Amish Kid

Quote: Originally Posted by Fahye I will be buying these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836116142

With those speakers you will defently need a good soundcard. Agian IMO the X-fi Xtreme Music is awesome for games, movies and music. So that is what I suggest.

__________________

Wafflesomd

Yah, you will want a good sound card with those.

BTW, those are some awsome speakers, but I have read where the amp in the sub tends to go out after a year. Just letting you know.

Fahye

oo didnt no that.
Where did you read that.

__________________

Wafflesomd

I looked around, read some reviews. Saw it on Creative's forums as well.

Fahye

O read it ok so Im not getting 7.1
Is that Z5500 good. I liked the 7.1because the box had a mic and headphone jack and people saying good quality from the speakers.

__________________

IcEMage

Quote: Originally Posted by Fahye O read it ok so Im not getting 7.1 Is that Z5500 good. I liked the 7.1because the box had a mic and headphone jack and people saying good quality from the speakers.

I would really think about going with Klipsch for your speakers.

I have had their 5.1 system for over 3 years now and I have yet to hear a speaker set (for computers) sound better.

We even used a set of them in our recording lab at Stetson Uni. for 5.1 recording.

They have wonderful imaging and can satisfy a gamer like my self and handle any music you throw at them. I do both on my set and even use them for watching movies and TV.

New egg has them: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836119106

And don't be worried that they do not use digital inputs, in the audio world that does not matter a hill of beans because in the end sound is (for the most part) produced the same way (when it gets to the speaker I mean).

__________________

Wafflesomd

Yah, get the Klipsh.

Honestly, dont take sound advice from me, I'm such a physco anal audiophile. I hate 5.1 and will take 2 channel stereo over anything anyday.

So dont listen to me.

IcEMage

Quote: Originally Posted by Wafflesomd Yah, get the Klipsh. Honestly, dont take sound advice from me, I'm such a physco anal audiophile. I hate 5.1 and will take 2 channel stereo over anything anyday. So dont listen to me.

Tru that when it comes to music, but there is nothing like turning around and looking behind you to make sure nothing is there whe you are playing Doom 3

__________________

Wafflesomd

Oh hells yah icemage, I had 5.1 at one time, Almost crapped meself whence playing F.E.A.R. lol. The Logitech X-530's. Those are amazing speakers for 50$, you cannot get anything better for 50$.

Bane

I'd say go for the 5500's, they're cheaper and comparable to the Klipsch.
I dont know about those review at newegg, but they say that the amp on the Klipsch tends to go out. There have been multiple instances of this problem as per users at newegg, but at the same time, it's supposed to have slightly cleaner sound. Eh, it's up to you. I just got my paycheck, so i'm thinking about going for the 5500's.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121120

If you want wireless rear speakers, the 5450's are going for 229.99 on xpcgear.com.
http://www.xpcgear.com/logitech5450.html

__________________

Gzim

Isn't there a really big issue with compatibility or drivers or something about the X-Fi? I remember reading that a lot of people are pissed at Creative about it, forget exactly what it was about though...

__________________

Bane

I think that problem had to do with the DFI boards, and they've been for the most part cleared up.
Oh and Fahye, if you act fast, there is a 40 dollar instant rebate on the XtremeMusic version of the X-Fi

New price 81.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836121120
Free shipping as well....something Newegg needs to work on....
Go grab it :-p

__________________

Fahye

Ok Im going to get the X-FI for that good of a deal.
The speakers are going to be hard.
There are times where I like to use headphones and mic to play bf2 and CS:S
Im thinking of getting the Klipsch because it has the plugin on the box.
Does Klipsch have wall mounts

__________________

Bane

Just to let you know, the Z-5500 has a headphone input on the side of the control box.
Both the Klipsch and Logitechs are wall mount capable. I have heard that it is more difficult to remove the stands on which the Logitech speakers come with.
If you are going to purchase the Klipsch speakers, I would wait for newegg to get the new Promedias in stock. 500W, a larger subwoofer enclosure and larger voice coil are some of the new features. I dont think they're THX certified yet either. Here is a link to the newer Klipsch speakers.

http://www.directron.com/promediaulta51.html

Good luck on your decision.

__________________

IcEMage

Quote: Originally Posted by Bane Just to let you know, the Z-5500 has a headphone input on the side of the control box. Both the Klipsch and Logitechs are wall mount capable. I have heard that it is more difficult to remove the stands on which the Logitech speakers come with. If you are going to purchase the Klipsch speakers, I would wait for newegg to get the new Promedias in stock. 500W, a larger subwoofer enclosure and larger voice coil are some of the new features. I dont think they're THX certified yet either. Here is a link to the newer Klipsch speakers. http://www.directron.com/promediaulta51.html Good luck on your decision.

Those are not 'new' per say..... and yah you are right they are not THX certified.......

They are the Promedia 5.1 ultras....They came out about 3 years ago when Klipsch was having problems with their original 5.1s

Before the ultras came out I had 4 sets of the original, yah 4. Mind you that every set I had that 'died' Klipsch replaced within a week with a new set. The problem was that the amp they were using would start to go and the rear channels would have distortion problems.

After returning my forth set back to them they had moved to the ultra line, I got a call from them telling me that they were giving me a brand new set of the ultras and extending my warrantee on them.

That was about 3 years ago and I still have the same set. You can beat 'em with a stick, they are just wonderful.

Now if you do go with the Promedias I highly recommend getting the Monster Cable 5.1 wires to go with them. The speaker wire that comes with the set is of a low gage. It may not seem like a big difference however after installing the new wires I could tell a difference. Mostly it was in the imaging but they did sound a little clearer, esp in the mids.

O and give us an update it has been some time good luck

__________________

Bane

My bad. I meant new for newegg.com compared to the model they currently have. Thanks ice.

__________________