sound card worth it over onboard?

[CMC79]

I'm using onboard sound right now, and I'm ready to begin the process of assembling parts for a new system. I saw this SB X-Fi XtremeGamer for $50 AR on Newegg, and was wondering if this card was worth it. It's been a long time since I've used a dedicated sound card. I listen to a lot of music, play RTS games primarily, followed by FPS games. I'm also using Logitech entry-level 5.1 speakers--they sound decent, but would I notice a difference with the new card unless I got significantly better speakers?

 

[Beelziboss]

Are you going to be using Vista?

 

[CMC79]

By the end of the year probably, but I'm in no rush at the moment.

 

[bX510]

I remember reading somewhere something about vista is going to make X-fi obsolete or something. What was it about, anyone know?

 

[Roguestar]

Just get any decent recent motherboard. Mine was cheapish and it has 8-channel onboard HD audio. Soundcard schmoundcard.

 

[Beelziboss]

Originally posted by: bX510
I remember reading somewhere something about vista is going to make X-fi obsolete or something. What was it about, anyone know?

I found this tidbit in another thread

"The X-fi is fully supported (including all version of EAX) in games using the OpenAL sound API, even in Vista. Creative also makes a wrapper called ALchemy for older games that require direct sound. "

so There ya go..get the card

 

[bX510]

Ahh, thanks.

 

[zodder]

For EAX above 2.0, you need a Creative card.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: CMC79would I notice a difference with the new card unless I got significantly better speakers?

no

 

[imported_iNGEN]

In gaming you will notice a difference from onboard to and X-Fi card using your speakers, but only if the card supports "Game Mode". Only the X-Fi cards on Newegg right now for $89+ support game mode. There are two Creative X-Fi cards that do not. For music, your speakers will reduce the fidelity enough your soundcard won't matter.

 

[Roguestar]

Why would he notice a difference in gaming? (Not a flame, actually interested.)

 

[imported_iNGEN]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Why would he notice a difference in gaming? (Not a flame, actually interested.)

When gaming, the major distinction between soundcards is not range, accuracy, etc., but the ability to artificially represent a three dimensional environment. The X-Fi cards that support "game mode" use another codec layer that makes them better "describe" the environment around the player character. It's all audio tricks, but with X-Fi game mode and the right positioning of speakers, the player can better determine the spatial relations using audio cues alone. All assuming the game uses the codec (lots of newer games already do)

ie: With onboard audio you can tell the enemy is in front or behind, since you can't see him, he must be behind you.
With SB Live! (EAX 1.0/2.0) you can tell he is behind you and moving slowly through water.
With SB Audigy (EAX 3.0/4.0) you can tell he is walking slowly through a puddle and carrying lots of weight because his footsteps are heavy.
With X-Fi (unofficially EAX 5.0) you can tell his is heavily encumbered walking slowly through a puddle five to seven feet behind you, with his rifle over his shoulder by the sling , unsheathing his knife (he's trying to sneak up on you from behind) while his buddy is another twenty feet back reloading his rifle so he can provide covering fire if things go bad for the guy with the knife.

That's way non-technical, and not entirely accurate, but is a good description of the difference. If you couldn't tell, I depend heavily on sound when gaming.