Audigy 2: ZS retail vs. OEM

[LocutusX]

Forgive the n00b question, I haven't used a Creative product in almost 5 years.

Some research on the web indicates to me that if I go with the cheaper Audigy 2 OEM instead of the full-blown Audigy 2 ZS retail box, I'll get screwed when it comes to drivers.

In particular, people are saying that the OEM cards have a different device ID from the retail's, so it's not possible to install the updated drivers from Creative's site onto them. In addition, there's apparently no way to install any of the software tools on the OEM (not the 3rd party bundled crap, but the various Creative utils that come with the retail).

Any truth to this?

 

[Algere]

When I had a OEM Audigy 2. I've never had problems clean installing updated drivers from Creative site. As for utilities, I believe what's on Creative's site are patch updates or the like and you'd probably need the original utilities [from disc] to install the updates. Keep in mind I haven't used an Audigy 2 since late 2003 so there's a possibility what I've said has changed.

 

[LocutusX]

thanks, and ... bump

 

[LocutusX]

buuuuump... there's usually a whole bunch of you here bitching about Creative drivers, here's your chance to make your experience sound so bad I run away and buy a Chaintech

 

[dtboos]

The audigy rules. I have the audigy 4 in my gaming rig.

 

[Algere]

Alright I'll bitch.

It took too long for my liking to download the drivers on a 56K connection back then .

 

[nukexbi]

A couple of my games were crashing with my audigy 2. I tried everything, but had no luck. When I pulled the card out, those games would not run at all.
That was the end of creative for me. Their drivers suck bigtime. I am now very happy with my onboard sound.

-Scott

 

[magnux]

Originally posted by: LocutusX
Some research on the web indicates to me that if I go with the cheaper Audigy 2 OEM instead of the full-blown Audigy 2 ZS retail box, I'll get screwed when it comes to drivers.

In particular, people are saying that the OEM cards have a different device ID from the retail's, so it's not possible to install the updated drivers from Creative's site onto them. In addition, there's apparently no way to install any of the software tools on the OEM (not the 3rd party bundled crap, but the various Creative utils that come with the retail).

Any truth to this?

Funny you mention this, I just got an Audigy 2 ZS (OEM) the other day and I've been fiddling with it ever since. I was given the OEM drivers with it (HP branded), but the obsessive compulsive in me wouldn't let that fly, I just *had* to use the Creative drivers, from the website.

So, to answer your question.. yes, the OEM card is branded with a different Device ID, however, you can get around this.. after tinkering enough, I've found out how.. and it's not difficult at all. I discovered that there is a "hack" out there that allows Audigy 1, SB Live, etc.. users to install Audigy 2 ZS drivers on their system. So, with that in mind, there just had to be a way to get it installed on mine. I learned that there's a specific file that includes the list of Device ID's that the software will install on, it's just a matter of editing that file and adding your ID.

The trick is, finding your ID. Everywhere I searched, no one had the ID for an OEM Audigy 2 ZS. So, I pretty much had to figure it out for myself.. and I did.

If this is something you want to do, follow the manual method (not automatic method) at this site. But, instead of inserting the Audigy 1, SBLive! 5.1 and SBLive! lines it mentions, simply add 02200005 to the list of ID's that are currently in the CTComp.DAT file.

And that's it.. you can now use the official Creative drivers on your OEM device.

** edit: I have no idea why the hyperlink is displaying all screwed up, but the site is www.tech-pc.co.uk/audigy-2.php

 

[bandana163]

I installed the drivers from the bundled disc, then downloaded the latest updates. I haven't had any problems so far (proud vanilla Audigy2 owner speaking).

 

[LocutusX]

magnux,

Thanks for possibly saving me CAD$30-40!

I think I'll go with one of the Audigy 2 OEMish variants and give your method a shot. If it doesn't work, I'll flood ya with PMs.

 

[Hanpan]

LocutusX please be aware many places selling the oem Audigy 2 are actually selling the audigy 2 value a different beast altogether. It does not use the reuglare audigy drivers nor does it have the same audio processor. Again if you get an Audigy 2 value you will be disapointed.

 

[LocutusX]

Ugh, what? Why does Creative have to be some difficult/anal?

Are there any sites out there that have done a comprehensive analysis on Creative's parts -- a "who's who" so to speak.

It doesn't help that many online vendors simply put the word "Audigy" on everything by CL, even if its just the (new) Soundblaster Live 24-bit. (which sucks because apparently it doesn't do hardware acceleration on EAX!)

 

[Algere]

Originally posted by: LocutusX
Ugh, what? Why does Creative have to be some difficult/anal?

Are there any sites out there that have done a comprehensive analysis on Creative's parts -- a "who's who" so to speak.

It doesn't help that many online vendors simply put the word "Audigy" on everything by CL, even if its just the (new) Soundblaster Live 24-bit. (which sucks because apparently it doesn't do hardware acceleration on EAX!)

Wonder what's more confusing. Creative's naming scheme or nVidia/ATI's.

 

[magnux]

I'm not sure what the difference is between OEM/Value, but I bought mine from a fellow AT'er in FS/FT. He said it was out of an HP pull, and included HP Audigy 2 ZS drivers on a CD. It's labeled, "SB0350", which is in-fact an Audigy 2 ZS. The only difference between my OEM and a standard ZS, is the fact mine doesn't have a firewire port. I looked specifically for this card, because I didn't want the firewire (less crap.. i already have 3 firewire ports).

So, as long as the card you get is labeled "SB0350", I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

[Hanpan]

Yeah the ZS oem should not be a problem, but there are 2 types of Audigy 2 non-ZS oem

the first is the older audigy 2 oem. It is simply an Audigy 2 without gold connectors but has a firewire port etc and support for 6.1 as well as can be 'softmodded" to an audigy 2 ZS. The second is the Audigy 2 value, has no firewire, cannot use the 'regular audigy 2 drivers' has 7.1 support but does not use the same audio chips as the audigy 2 and 2 zs. The Value has Model SB0400.

I actually have both cards (audigy 2 and audigy 2 value) and you cannot install the audigy 2 driver on the value card (instant BSOD and reboot)

 

[LocutusX]

So basically; avoid the SB0400 -- and try to get the SB0350.

Thanks, i'll try doing that...

 

[Hanpan]

The SB0400 does not carry the ZS tag so as long as you are getting some kind of ZS you are fine. Just be careful when someone is trying to sell you an audigy 2 oem. Verify it is not the value version.

 

[ChaoZ]

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=29-102-175&depa=0
How come the retail also has that model number?

 

[magnux]

Originally posted by: ChaoZ
http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=29-102-175&depa=0
How come the retail also has that model number?

That's a non-ZS, Value. SB0400 is the model designation for that model.

 

[flexy]

Originally posted by: Hanpan
LocutusX please be aware many places selling the oem Audigy 2 are actually selling the audigy 2 value a different beast altogether. It does not use the reuglare audigy drivers nor does it have the same audio processor. Again if you get an Audigy 2 value you will be disapointed.

hi,

i dont really agree there. The difference between the Audigy 2/ZS and the value are that the Audigy2 Value has no Firewire and no THX certification and no game port.

Otherwise the soundcards do have the same soundquality/features, eg. dolby digital ex 7.1, eax HD etc. Maybe the Value has 2db less SNR...but i consider this realy irrelevant.

I dont need firewire since my mainboard will have firewire.
I dont need a game port since all game-controllers/joysticks use USB anyway. Eg. my Saitek control-pad.

For a "normal" gamer without "exotic" requirements for connectors the Value is a good deal card since it is much cheaper...eg. i got mine for $45 or so.

The only point i could see for NOT going for a Audigy 2 value would be if someone needs a midi-port for a keyboard since the other cards have this port.

Also....the argument "you cannot use the normal A2 drivers with the value"...well, iwhat does it matter ?

 

[zombie1000]

Originally posted by: magnux
The trick is, finding your ID. Everywhere I searched, no one had the ID for an OEM Audigy 2 ZS. So, I pretty much had to figure it out for myself.. and I did.

How did you figure out the id? I need to figure out myne as its a audigy 2 value oem card and i have not got any drivers so i need the hacked audigy 2 zs ones to work.

Thanks

Simon

 

[zombie1000]

bump

 

[zombie1000]

bump again

 

[LocutusX]

try the driverheaven forums. some folks were engaged in investigating the audigy 2 value cards.