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    Sound Option Upgrade question

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Benchmade 42, Apr 19, 2011.

  1. Benchmade 42

    Benchmade 42 Titanium

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    Internal High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)

    OR

    Soundblaster® X-Fi™ Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled for $20


    Is there going to be a huge quality upgrade and what other difference?
     
    Benchmade 42, Apr 19, 2011
    #1
  2. Serephucus

    Serephucus Notebook Deity

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    The Soundblaster uses an X-Fi chip, so you would get higher quality sound - I can't say how much, as I've never used one of their built-in chips. Their dedicated cards are great - but all the processing is still done on the CPU, so you'll get a hit in games, probably only frame or two though.

    Also, you'll also only notice the difference with headphones, and you'll want a decent pair at that.

    I'll probably get it, simply because my hearing is apparently above-average, and I really can tell the difference, to the point where I can't stand most onboard audio these days - though they are getting better - but most people probably won't care, or use a headset enough to justify the upgrade.
     
    Serephucus, Apr 19, 2011
    #2
  3. M18x

    M18x Notebook Guru

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    I have a Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Music on my desktop system, and it's really worth the money. Currently its re-named as X-Fi Titanium. Its got an option called Crystalizer which enhances the sound to the next level ;) furthermore liberates CPU from the sound processing so it helps performance.


    Sadly you can't add a X-FI chip to notebooks AFAIK. That option seems like a software suite, not a true hardware sound card, so waste of money IMO.
     
    M18x, Apr 19, 2011
    #3