[DriveRaider]

Do you guys think its worth the money to buy an X-Fi Extreme Gamer Soundcard? the link is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102006 and its about $67 with shipping and rebate. Will it improve my sound that much compared to my integrated sound? and i notice sometimes when i play crysis i get crackling sounds when alot of things are going on, is this because my onboard audio sucks or my speakers are not good quality. i need to make a decision by may 19th. thanks guys.

[werth]

no, if you are going to get a card, get this one, hands down:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132006

[DriveRaider]

but even the X-fi is better than onboard audio. so it will be some improvement.

[smitty1258]

while I cant comment on the card Werth linked, I can comment on the X-Fi. DO NOT GET IT! Period, end of story, no more questions about it.

If you feel that you must give your money to creative, then get an Audigy ZS, most of us here have an Audigy, Creative sucks at everything it does, dont buy an X-FI.

Search for thread, something along the lines of "creative fucks its customers again" and search the net for creatives latest biz practices.

[werth]

alternatives.
auzentech prelude (expensive)
auzentech hda explosion (not bad)
razer barracude (expensive)
HT omega striker (really nice, and cheap)

i'd pick either the ht omega or the asus dx

[DriveRaider]

So this is more of a boycott and not the fact that its not a good product?

[smitty1258]

So this is more of a boycott and not the fact that its not a good product?

No, Its not a good product. Go over to the Creative forums and read under the X-Fi section. Just look at all the people with problems. And if you still dont think we know what we are talking about( I had an X-Fi speaking from experience) get an x-fi music card, its the same as the gamer, same chip and all.

[DriveRaider]

if its as bad as you say then ill just pocket the $60 for something else. thanks for the warning.

[smitty1258]

but dont get me wrong, a good sound card is worth its weight in gold, So thats why I said an audigy 2 zs, prolly get one for $30 ish