X-Fi question

[sparklemotion]

Hi guys,
I've got a question. I currently have an Audigy2 ZS Platinum Pro card. The card is starting to go. I hear cracks and pops, etc. As much as I don't want to buy another creative card, they are still the best on the market. I don't currently use the front bay with my Audigy2 card. I listen to music, game and am purchasing a 5.1 logitech surround system to accompany these speakers. I saw this card and I had some questions about it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102005

Specifically, what is the difference between this card and an X-Fi Xtreme Music card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102188) ? Is the price difference justified? I'd really want something that sounds better than my current card but am willing to have something that sounds just as good without the cracks and pops. Also, has anyone heard if Creative has straightened out the situation that exists on the X-Fi cards? Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

That card has 64mb X-Ram which the Xtreme Music doesn't have.

Unless you know you'll play the games that support X-Ram right now, I think the ~$70 AR Xtreme Music is the better buy.

 

[sparklemotion]

What games even support x-ram? gotta admit I hadn't even heard of it till you just mentioned it. I am however a gamer and thought that I was future proofing myself as much as possible when I bought the audigy2. thanks again!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

ummm.... Battlefield 2, Quake 4... I don't really know how many. I'm not really much of a gamer.
Random Benchmark

I don't really know if it's going to catch on. There's also some changes ahead with Vista coming out. I haven't really been following it though.

At this point though, I would have a hard time recommending getting a card with X-Ram unless it was very close in price to the ~$70 you can get the Xtreme Music for.