X-Fi Gamer/Music OEM/Retail question.

just Scott · 26 May 2007 at 20:34

Other than a box, what do you get in the retail version of these sound cards?

Thanks.

just Scott · 26 May 2007 at 22:24

I heard there was some diver issuses with the OEM version. Although I don't see how if it's the same disk.

Is this true?

BTW - I plan on getting Vista in soon so I can play Halo 2 Vista, I've heard the Vista drivers are pretty rubbish for these cards. True? Should I consider something else?

just Scott · 26 May 2007 at 22:28

squiffy said:
Problems were to do with Dell shipped X-Fi's, no internal DD decoder.

Yes, Windows XP.

Well what card do you recommend if the Vista support is rubbish then? I was looking forward to getting one of these too. :[

just Scott · 29 May 2007 at 13:03

Buffalo2102 said:
Don't worry about it. Most of the Vista driver gripes are from audiophiles who have lost a fair bit of the functionality they had under XP. The current drivers are perfectly adequate if all you want is good quality output sound. My X-Fi works fine and is still a cut above my Realtek on-board sound.

Since Halo 2 is Vista-only, you can't really consider XP can you?

I am running Vista x86 and have a X-Fi Gamer - I have no problems with it at all. Works great for Halo 2 as well.

Having said that, I wouldn't recommend that you rush out and buy one as there are plenty of alternatives available and you should research all options.

Yeah but I can wait to play Halo 2 on the PC. I still enjoy playing it on the Xbox.

just Scott · 29 May 2007 at 22:48

If anyone cares I bought an M-Audio Revolution 5.1. I found one for £35 delivered. I passed on the X-Fi because I didn't need all the gaming features.