Gamers - What Soundcard Are You Using?

[MooSey-UK]

I've had an X-Fi since back in the day it was the thing for BF2. Since Vista its had crap driver support and i've just used it without worrying to much in conjunction with a Medusa 5.1 headset.
I had a problem yesterday (over overclocking) which resulted in having to remove the soundcard. Vista now thinks its a new device and wants to find drivers. The old one and audio control panel no longer work.
Frustratingly removing Creative software is like getting rats out of a barn and im having a 'mare trying to get drivers to install correctly.
Consequently it crossed my mind as to what was i doing mucking about with 5 year old crap.
What soundcard is the buisness now for gaming? I'd like analogue and surround as a headset is essential and it's about time i replaced my tatty medusa with another. Surround headset is a must too.
Is EAX still a big thing or not? I've lost the plot with hardware so am out of date.
I don't play music. Just want good ear thumping audio in my gaming without filling my pc with spyware junk as Creative like to do.

 

[MooSey-UK]

Crikey quite a response from my question!
It seems 2 things are apparent.
Most agree Creative have generically crap driver/support but good quality.
The new Asus alternative seems to be the replacement of choice for gaming.

I think firstly I'll try to find the Daniel_K drivers. Every site I've found has no download. Seems as if they've all been removed for some reason??
Anyone got a working DL linky?? (for the X-Fi im sure it was an OEM card from here but time blurs these matters).
I think a new set of cans are overdue though. (I see there is a thread here for headsets).
If I can't get drivers going or can't be bothered with Alchemy etc I'll try a Xonar.

Last Question.

How do USB head sets sound and work?
Are they any good for convenience and pure gaming?? I don't listen to music or watch films on my pc so sound is purely for gaming.

Many thanks for all your input

 

[MooSey-UK]

http://forums.creative.com/t5/Sound-Blaster/SB-X-Fi-PCI-Install-Disc-1-0-unofficial/td-p/556496

Yes it is 600MB (sadface from me when I had to emergency download it in peak time using up 3 days worth of bandwidth).

Haven't tried the link so not sure if it's one you've already tested as dead.

successfull link - Many thanks

X-Fi is now working again with it's various consoles etc. i still think the software installation is a pig.
Alas though, it seems a speaker in my faithful old Medusa cans has given up the ghost......
I enjoyed the surround sound experience within a headset so after much reviewing I've ordered a set Of Roccat Kave 5.1's from here.
I know loads of peeps don't like headset surround sound but I always enjoyed it with my Medusas.

New headset on it's way and a shiny 570GTX to install in a minute is going to revitalize my gaming experience