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    Software SoundBlaster?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Killer Juice, Apr 25, 2011.

  1. Killer Juice

    Killer Juice Notebook Consultant

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    Hey, I ordered my laptop with the SoundBlaster software. I figured for $20 it would either be helpful or I would lose $20 for something pointless. So, I just bought it without doing any research on it.

    What is it and what does it do? Do you think it's worth the $20?


    Edit:
    It seems like there are lots of little decisions to make on this M14X: (edit: I'm not on the fence about any of these, just saying lots of people are)
    1.5 GB vs 3GB
    2630QM vs 2720QM
     
    Killer Juice, Apr 25, 2011
    #1
  2. chris3145

    chris3145 Notebook Consultant

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    1.5 GB graphics card. There's no decision to make there. 3 GB is pretty pointless.
     
    chris3145, Apr 25, 2011
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  3. c1ro

    c1ro Notebook Consultant

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    I have similar X-Fi software on my desktop, came with mobo.
    It is fine, tuned all sound fx including logging into windows and shuting down pc nicer to hear, it is just a equalizer.
    But I would rather spend the money on a carrying case or anti virus software.
     
    c1ro, Apr 25, 2011
    #3
  4. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    Most posters say it's junk. Apparently it takes 5% of your CPU power and is just a resource hog. I was going to get it until I read all the negative reviews about it.

    We've already been through the 1.5GB vs 3GB debate many, many times and the conclusion is that the 3GB is a money wasting cash-grab that doesn't improve gaming performance in the least, so avoid it and use that money towards an SSD where it will actually help you instead :p
     
    Voodooi, Apr 26, 2011
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  5. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    I can't speak for Creative's integrated chips, but my dedicated X-Fi card is fantastic. Most people can't really tell the difference (apparently, it was a big surprise to me when I did a little test with a few friends), but if you have a good ear, and appreciate good sound, you'll like it.

    It's got a fantastic EQ, it's also go a Crystalizer, which makes sound a lot more pronounced and crisp.

    Where is really shines is surround sound though. If you're hooking it up to a surround sound system, you'll need to install the software suite, then go do CMSS-3D -> Upmix mode -> Stereo Surround, then go back, and pull the slider back to 50%, after configuring the volume levels properly. The difference is just ridiculous.
     
    Serephucus, Apr 26, 2011
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  6. azizhp

    azizhp Notebook Geek

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    well, crud. I hadnt seen anything about it on teh forum last week, which was when i was doing my research. I guess I wasted $20.
     
    azizhp, Apr 26, 2011
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  7. stevenxowens792

    stevenxowens792 Notebook Virtuoso

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    AZIZHP - It depends which software is included with it. I reviewed the USB x-fi pro go in the m15x forums. I really liked it. Much better than the standard built in sound. If it includes the THX and Crystalizer you might change your mind on what it's worth. For the FULL ON fps experience you need IMO sim surround sound. Of course you can use the real 7.1 headphones as well but 20 bucks for software and a decent set of headphones sounds like a bargain compared to $150 7.1 surround headphones.

    StevenX
     
    stevenxowens792, Apr 26, 2011
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  8. stevenxowens792

    stevenxowens792 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I will add that the microphone process called "WHAT YOU HEAR" kicks my cpu percentage up to 5 percent on idle so... I disable it in the X-FI control panel and I am set. I still have mic, I just don't hear myself talk now which is fine with me.
     
    stevenxowens792, Apr 26, 2011
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  9. Gearsguy

    Gearsguy Notebook Deity

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    It's only 20$. What's the big deal? It will obviously make some sound difference.
     
    Gearsguy, Apr 26, 2011
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  10. revdiesel

    revdiesel Notebook Evangelist

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    revdiesel, Apr 26, 2011
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  11. c1ro

    c1ro Notebook Consultant

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    If the software is crap, the $20 will bring you nothing but troubles.
    I will see if there is a buying option on the disc.
     
    c1ro, Apr 26, 2011
    #11