Differences between X-Fi models?

[daveharnett]

Hi folks.

I'm looking at the cheapo X-FI Xtreme Audio one. It's got the Crystalizer and CMSS, but i can't see confirmation anywhere that is supports EAX 5.0

I'm pretty sure that it does, but that creative want me to shell out twice as much for a "gamer" card.
I have 3GB of system ram allready, i don't think an extra 30Mb is gonna make a big difference. I have a quad core that's mostly idle in games, so hardware acceleration is not a concern. I think that all i really want is eax (although i like the idea of cmss 'surround' headphones too).

So, can somebody confirm that the X-FI Xtreme Audio does have eax 5.0?
Does anyone think that I'm dead wrong and the more expensive cards are actually worth it?

Thanks

[acrobat]

I have to go out now so I can't check their website. You might be able to find it on creatives website though. But I know that some of them are worth it, depending on what you want to do. I bought a cheap X-Fi and I wish I didn't. My friend bought a more expensive one, and his came with the external console. This is useful if you record you playing an instrument onto your PC for example. Because your instrument isn't going into the slot in the rear of the PC which can pick up interference from the fans and graphics card fan and stuff. The console reduces/eliminates that.

But I dont feel too bad, becuase mine was probably £50 cheaper.

[daveharnett]

But I dont feel too bad, becuase mine was probably £50 cheaper.

My thoughts exactly! The front panel is a nice feature, but i don't need it, especially at the price.

[daveharnett]

Creative Labs Europe | Customer Support: KnowledgeBase Found it. That was rather too difficult.

Looks like i'll need a gamer model after all

[TooNice]

You'd want to avoid the Xtreme Audio. It does not have the EMU20K1 chip found on the other X-Fi, so a lot of the features is done in software. This makes it a lot more like the many Audigy out there (rebadged as an X-Fi), and could mean inferior CMSS implementation (the X-Fi's CMSS implementation is superior to the ones in the Audigy line). Apparently, it also lacks a gaming mode found on the X-Fi. No EAX5 either. Inferior DAC going by the specifications too - basically, I'd say it's a misleading use of the 'X-Fi' brand (I hate when Creative does that).

Any of the other X-Fi will suit your needs. You may choose one over the other because it comes with a I/O drive box, or if you really want to have those 64MB RAM (which you said you didn't - and I'd say no one really need them). The Xtreme Gamer is basically a lower profile version of the Xtreme Music - if you can get either one for cheap, then I suggest going for that if you don't need more input.

The Elite Pro is the only one that would potentially give better sound quality (better DAC), but unless you check out Ebay, you need to get the external console with it.. and the combo costs over 3x the costs of the Xtreme Gamer.

[acrobat]

Creative Labs Europe | Customer Support: KnowledgeBase Found it. That was rather too difficult.

Looks like i'll need a gamer model after all

doh Well if its any consolation, mine is the gamer model and I really like it. It was a good price, sounds amazing in games, movies, mp3's etc. So I'm happy. I can live without the external box thingy.

I think this was the one I got:
Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

Its worth it because its only about 7 quid more than the OEM one, and thats worth it for the box, the cd, manual, and game and whatnot. (was to me anyway). Good card. Not really cheap, but its a good card so its worth it. (just).