Oooh
1) XtremeGamer Fatard1ty: extra 62MB RAM sans silly drive bay (about time)
2) XtremeGamer: cut-down model but claims acceleration & optical output shared with 3.5mm FlexiJack (que?)
3) Xtreme Audio: cut-down model does not claim acceleration & has "normal" FlexiJack (yech)
Both 2 & 3 look a lot like variations on the various Audigy ES/SE/LS & Live! 24-bit series which sported the CA016-DAT based controller rather than an EMU DSP but now with "Crystalizer" and the latest "CMSS-3D" (Virtual & Headphone) as added software features and thus high CPU requirements.
In lieu of further info I would rate them "avoid". Best bets are ye olde 2 ZS, 2 Value or XtremeMusic.
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Since hi-res photos have become available it is evident that the XtremeGamer does likely sport the CA20K1-PAG DSP. One might have presumed that is the case due to the heatsink requirement as with later production X-Fi's but the real tell-tale sign is the same RAM chip along side.
Likewise, although the chip on the Xtreme Audio model is hidden under a sticker its connection to the board is the same as that of CA016-DAT and as said has high CPU requirements.
So, still eschew the Xtreme Audio but the XtremeGamer actually looks quite attractive and although 'tis a pity the FlexiJack still makes a showing, the added optical is nice and it still has the necessary I/O for electrical S/PDIF and additionally a standard Intel HD header for Mic & c., all on a svelte half-height board sans the proprietary connector crap for silly add-ons. The only problem is that it is currently selling for more than the XtremeMusic has recently post-rebate. Otherwise it may well be "the" card to get.
1) XtremeGamer Fatard1ty: extra 62MB RAM sans silly drive bay (about time)
2) XtremeGamer: cut-down model but claims acceleration & optical output shared with 3.5mm FlexiJack (que?)
3) Xtreme Audio: cut-down model does not claim acceleration & has "normal" FlexiJack (yech)
Both 2 & 3 look a lot like variations on the various Audigy ES/SE/LS & Live! 24-bit series which sported the CA016-DAT based controller rather than an EMU DSP but now with "Crystalizer" and the latest "CMSS-3D" (Virtual & Headphone) as added software features and thus high CPU requirements.
In lieu of further info I would rate them "avoid". Best bets are ye olde 2 ZS, 2 Value or XtremeMusic.
-
Since hi-res photos have become available it is evident that the XtremeGamer does likely sport the CA20K1-PAG DSP. One might have presumed that is the case due to the heatsink requirement as with later production X-Fi's but the real tell-tale sign is the same RAM chip along side.
Likewise, although the chip on the Xtreme Audio model is hidden under a sticker its connection to the board is the same as that of CA016-DAT and as said has high CPU requirements.
So, still eschew the Xtreme Audio but the XtremeGamer actually looks quite attractive and although 'tis a pity the FlexiJack still makes a showing, the added optical is nice and it still has the necessary I/O for electrical S/PDIF and additionally a standard Intel HD header for Mic & c., all on a svelte half-height board sans the proprietary connector crap for silly add-ons. The only problem is that it is currently selling for more than the XtremeMusic has recently post-rebate. Otherwise it may well be "the" card to get.
