Creative X-Fi Audio PCI/PCI-e?

[joewm18]

Hi all,

Currently I'm running a 5.1 setup from my onboard soundcard using SPDIF, onboard sound is the standard AC97.

Having run into some audio issues with Stalker, I'm looking for a cheap upgrade as a solution, and to improve sound in general.

I've been looking at the Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio, which can be had for around £25 in either PCI or PCI-e.

My questions are, which of these do I buy? (I have a free PCI and PCI-e slot).
Would this card sap framerates in games at all, in comparison to the onboard card?

Thanks for any info!

Joe.

 

[joewm18]

I'm looking at no more than 30 quid really, my whole setup is quite budget and would just be wasted. Just wondered if 1 of these would be a worthwhile upgrade with little hit on perfomance, and which 1 is better - the PCI or PCI-e version.

Thanks