X-fi, is it worth the expense?

[Alf]

I have been eyeing the X-FI XtremeGamer Fatal1ty edition for some time. I know that the X-fi series makes music sound better, but is it worth the expense?
What games are out or coming out, that fully utilize the card? I know a few of you have and X-fi, was it worth it?

Just making sure i dont spend money on something that isnt of use to me

 

[PotGuy]

Well I went up from a Trust £11 5.1 job so if you are already on like an Audigy 4 or something then I don't know how much better it is.

But I would just like to say that my one (the cheapest) is definately the most versatile and highest sound quality I have ever heard.

Stalker + X-fi + 5.1 speaker was actually incredible. And Battlefield 2 sounds a lot better as well.

It is very accurate and obviously allows for EAX too, so you can trust your instinct. Often you only survive because you heard something behind you.

How much is the one you are looking at though?

 

[floppybootstomp]

Yes it is worth it.

If you shop around you can get the OEM version a lot cheaper, mine even came with drivers, though with some you'll have to download the drivers from Creative's site.

I have commented on this before on this Forum, but the change in sound, the improvement over onboard sound, is quite incredible. It's most noticeable in Games & Movies.

I have a Hercules 5.1 speaker system that I always thought sounded a bit crap, to be honest, but the X-Fi made them come alive, they sound great now

However, like most things, you do kinda get used to it and take it for granted after a while.

I have an Audigy 2 in another machine and that really isn't much better at all than the onboard sound.

But the X-Fi -

Do shop around though, it's easy to pay too much for one.

 

[Alf]

I found the Fatal1ty pro for about $145 (71 pounds) little expensive i think.

so Flops, over time you dont really notice it anymore? .... so how does non X-fi sound, sound?

 

[floppybootstomp]

I found the Fatal1ty pro for about $145 (71 pounds) little expensive i think.

so Flops, over time you dont really notice it anymore? .... so how does non X-fi sound, sound?

I think I paid around £45.00 for mine, can't remember for sure.

And no, it's not that I don't notice it, I do, I said I kinda take it for granted now, which is a different thing altogether.

It's like buying a good Hi Fi, after a while you just expect the quality. Am I making sense?

I can certainly tell the difference between this machine and the other two when it comes to sound, that's for sure.

 

[floppybootstomp]

Here's the one I bought but it was a bit cheaper than that when I purchased it.

I've often wondered what the difference is between the two cards, one aimed at Music, the other at Games.

 

[Alf]

I have heard that some people are saying not to buy the Xtreme music series. Some people say it isnt a 'true' X-fi card, but whos to say?
i cant seem to find the card im looking for at a cheaper price, or OEM for that matter

 

[Alf]

I suppose its one of those things where i have to heard it to belive it, right?

 

[floppybootstomp]

I have heard that some people are saying not to buy the Xtreme music series. Some people say it isnt a 'true' X-fi card, but whos to say?

I've heard that too and I suspect it's not true, but even if it were true I couldn't give a monkeys because what my ears percieve is pleasing to me and that's what I paid money for.

The proof of the pudding is in the listening, so to speak

And just who and why are some folks saying it's not a true X-Fi card? What actually is a true X-Fi card? What's the difference between Music and Gaming cards? I suspect none, tbh.

All I know is it sounds good

Shame you can't find an OEM version

 

[Alf]

you think i should spring for the Pro version, or just stick with the gamer edition?

 

[V_R]

Yes its well worth it mate! I've got the Xtreme Music and its superb!

Its the Xtreme Audio thats the 'fake' X-FI.

 

[Alf]

Hmm... well, so far everyone says its worth it. Perhaps next month i will consider purchasing it, cause right now... i have spent enough already
I suppose the Fatal1ty Pro would be the one to go for... because im an 'extreme' gamer

 

[chelseafc2005]

i think the fatal1ty pro has some memory onboard 64mb i think so apparently this is meant to improve framerate-by a tiny bit and take the jobs of sound processing off of the system memory (thats what ive heard it may be a load of ****)

 

[Alf]

Thats what i heard too, as of right now its supposed to be a buffer. But nothing really needs is yet

 

[Alf]

What do you think of the Champion version? Initally its more expensive, but it comes with a $50 mail in rebate. Thus making it cheaper than the standard version, im not sure if i care about the front panel connections... but looks like a decent deal, right?

X-FI Platnium Fatal1ty Champion

 

[Alf]

I opted for the non Champion edition as they no longer offered the $50 rebate. Just recieved the Fatal1ty xtreme gamer edition

I better be dazzled, or else...

 

[Alf]

Hmm...
the effect is far more subtle than expected, if some one installed it while i was away... i wouldnt be able to tell
Later tonight i will test with some games that have given me audio problems in the past, along with headphones

 

[V_R]

You'll need to tweak the EQ and other settngs, try turning the crystalizer up to 70-90%

What speakers you got?

 

[PotGuy]

Yeah you'll have to spend 10 mins checking settings.

Do what VR said for Entertainment Mode, and for Game Mode make sure you enable CMSS-3D and EAX if you use headphones, as well has the elevation thing.

Also, music WILL sound turd if played on game mode, so make sure you change mode according to what you are doing.

To see the real difference in FPS games, use a half decent 5.1 set in a game like Stalker or something.

 

[Alf]

V_R, i do switch it to game mode or entertainment mode depending on what i do. When listening to music i dont really notice a differnce in music with the crystalizer enabled %50. And if its enable when i play a game, it makes my speakers and headphones crackle... first time i ever heard them do that, so i keep the crystalizer off. I have Logitech Z-5300e speakers.