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    Upgrade: Soundblaster X-FI?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by zhou, Jul 9, 2011.

  1. zhou

    zhou Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey,
    I've heard that the soundblaster x-fi option is just a software upgrade so I ordered my m14x without it. Where can I buy this piece of software?
     
    zhou, Jul 9, 2011
    #1
  2. FXi

    FXi Notebook Deity

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    Only with the machine. Don't worry, you didn't miss out on anything.
     
    FXi, Jul 10, 2011
    #2
  3. zhou

    zhou Notebook Enthusiast

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    Are you sure? If this is only the software I'm wondering why I only find soundblaster x-fi soundcards and driver :/
     
    zhou, Jul 10, 2011
    #3
  4. Ixel

    Ixel Notebook Consultant

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    It's hardware, built onto the motherboard as I recall, no way of changing it sadly. I bought a seperate X-Fi Go Pro! USB device as I get slight hissing background noise with the Intel HD audio.
     
    Ixel, Jul 10, 2011
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  5. clienterror

    clienterror Notebook Consultant

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    How did you figure this out? I'm just curious because on the dell website it says it's just software enabled. And also when you reinstall the OS it doesn't show it as a seperate hardware device and on top of that why would the make you activate the software with a key if you have to have hardware installed to use it in the first place?
     
    clienterror, Jul 10, 2011
    #5
  6. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Don't worry, as stated, you're not missing much because it sucks. Most Creative Labs solutions have been pretty bad. The only exceptions are their newest products based on the refreshed X-Fi chip: the SB X-Fi Titanium HD and SB X-Fi HD.
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 10, 2011
    #6
  7. FXi

    FXi Notebook Deity

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    It is not hardware. It is only software that emulates up to EAX2, along with a few other sound emulations like a version of CMSS. I've had it. Listened to it. It's buggy and not very impressive sounding.

    Count yourself as having saved $30 USD or the equivalent cost.
     
    FXi, Jul 10, 2011
    #7
  8. Ixel

    Ixel Notebook Consultant

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    Hmm must be something different then. When I ordered my M14x I had a choice of sound option and I stuck to the default, being Intel HD audio.
     
    Ixel, Jul 11, 2011
    #8
  9. hanzocloud

    hanzocloud Notebook Geek

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    I thought the option was for a soundcard much like a videocard rather than using onboard Intel sound/video from the motherboard.
     
    hanzocloud, Jul 14, 2011
    #9
  10. Croatoan

    Croatoan Notebook Consultant

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    Its software only. I know I have it.
     
    Croatoan, Jul 14, 2011
    #10