Sound blaster Z Retail v OEM

Vakas

Vakas

Vakas

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What is the main difference between these cards?

As far as I can see the re where as the OEM tail one has a shroud on it and a mic and it is 7.1 where as the OEM is 5.1 and has no software with it,

So what I want to know is it worth £25 for the retail version?
 
they are identical except for the shroud and the microphone - I went with the OEM and didn't regret it at all.
 
The ZX and ZXR have the Nichicon gold capacitors. The Z retail and OEM have either Nichicon or G-Luxon.

The Nichicon gold caps are considered to be superior however I don't think it really matters too much. The OEM card would be my choice.
 
Last edited:
david__001 said:
As far as I'm aware, the only difference are:

* shroud with retail
* bundled microphone with retail
* LEDs on retail

I bought the retail, removed the LEDs, and have been extremely satisfied with it.
Click to expand...

Why did you remove the LED's?
 
Lots of complaints about them shining in people's eyes. The rear of the emi shrouding is exposed to allow the front panel connector, this is also where the leds can be seen at certain angles.
 
david__001 said:
As far as I'm aware, the only difference are:

* shroud with retail
* bundled microphone with retail
* LEDs on retail

I bought the retail, removed the LEDs, and have been extremely satisfied with it.
Click to expand...

This,

Not checked but I was going to look for a way to turn off the LED's would rather not take mine apart and warranty void it.

Superb Soundcard for the money.
 
david__001 said:
As far as I'm aware, the retail Z will always come with the Nichicon gold capacitors. It's my understanding that the only card which might have variance is the OEM version.
Click to expand...

Interesting. Creative are indeed shipping all retail Z's with the Nichicon gold capacitors now, also confirmed on the Creative forums, OEMs do still vary.

There do seem to be some Retail Z's left in the wild with the G-Luxon caps but these must be older stock.

Thanks for hosting the pics without the shroud. Looks great either way.

Which OEM version are people receiving from OCUK? (Nichicon or G-Luxon capacitors)
 
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