X Fi NoteBook Sound Card

I was wondering if anyone has used the x fi notebook soundcard, and what their thoughts on the card were. I was also very surprised that I could find a place to purchase it for around $40 USD

Thanks!

EDIT: I am looking for answers to how well this card works in conjunction with FPS games. Can it be comparable to the X-Fi desktop model?

 

Here's Gautams review of it http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=146202.

 

Ive got the Xmod USB external soundcard, which encorporates the X-Fi and CMSS3D technology. I love it. I really like the CMSS3D and X-fi tech.

Although with X-Fi, it really helps if you play a low quality mp3 (128kbps) using it, as it really improves the quality. There is not so much noticable benefit when using CD's or high quality mp3s, but it does make everything a bit more sharp, punchier bass that kind of thing. The CMSS 3D tech works really well, especially for movies. Definitely creates a wider soundscape.

If your a gamer, then you'll appreciate EAX. Unfortunately, the xmod doesnt have EAX, but the Xfi soundcard does.

 

Actually, the x-fi don't either, not hardware EAX. It's not a real X-fi, it's a stripped down audigy (aka Audigy SE or Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit). And while the proper audigy's had HW EAX (like the PCMCIA version, which is a barely stripped Audigy 2 ZS, the top Audigy 2 model), these don't.

 

I am a competitive gamer and need the best sound possible for my Sager 2090. I am willing to pay around $300 USD for a card. What would be yalls suggestions for the best notebook sound card to purchase for my specific need?

 

Does you Sager have a expresscard or PCMCIA?

 

I am trying to find that out as we talk... but can't find it anywhere

 

It's express card, since it's a new lappy. The x-fi wil give you a boost of one or two fps. But that's it. I don't know if any expresscard sound card actually has HW EAX...

 

I am not looking for any boost in fps. I want opinions on things such as optimal hearing in game, such as footsteps and things like that. When playing fps competitively, sound is one of the best things you can have in order to kill your opponent before he kills you.

 

well, than the X-fi is not for you, since it's for music and movies. I honestly don't know what works well.

 

Is there a pcmcia or usb sound card which supports EAX 3.0 (or at least 2.0) ?

 

Can the Xmod do 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound? If so how?

Im curious because it was something i was gonna buy, but it didnt seem to have enough ports for 5.1 so i had to go with its predecessor the audigy 2 nx.

 

So.. would the Audigy 2 NX external usb unit be a better option, even when/if the "speaker docking module" for the x-fi card ever comes out?

I have no preference for internal/external, just want the best performance.

Also, Is the Xmod an upgrade to the NX? I need 5.1 compatability.

 

No idea whats best, i didnt go with the express card because of it sticking out, i figured i would break it. As for the docking module, ive seen pictures of it, but its not for sale in the UK so it wasent an option for me and i also think its garbage them not including it anyways. I also didnt get the x-fi expresscard because its not a real x-fi, its a rebranded audigy SE or something, all the x-fi stuff is done in software apparently. Its like the "creative x-fi extreme audio" for desktops, just a rebranded audigy SE.

The xmod is a replacement for the audigy 2 nx. But i couldnt confirm whether or not it actually does 5.1, it seems like it can (because its newer it damn well should!) but theres not enough ports on it so it either uses optical or needs another plug in thingy. Seems like a downgrade from the audigy 2 nx as the nx has tons of ports.

Funnily enough the audigy 2 nx's predecessor is still being sold, the sound blaster live! 24 bit white box thing, and the audigy 2 nx isnt actually being sold. Shame really, i had to go to ebay for one.

 

Hey folks, sorry for the 'newbieness' of this post, I don't know jack about soundcards... Is this the only soundcard in the X-Fi series that works for notebooks? I thought I had read that somewhere... Or, can you stick an X-Fi ExtremeGamer Fatal1ty in your notebook as well? I ask because I have an Audio Notebook coming, but just saw the Fatal1ty card on sale at CompUSA today ($100 - seems like a good deal?). Thanks for any info.

 

no, i don't think you can stick a desktop sound card in a notebook.

 

^^^ Figured probably not. I was just salivating after seeing that deal though. Oh well!

 

Audigy 2 ZS PCMCIA

No

No.

 

Where did you find it for that price? care to share? I'm interested in buying one too

 

oh yeah and a question. Are there any notebook sound cards that actually have onboard processing? I know the x-fi notebook doesn't and I heard that the Audigy NX doesn't either. I'm hoping to get something that would reduce the load during games since I know that turning on EAX in games like BF2 brings down the framerate quite a bit.

 

Audigy 2 Zs, But that's PCMCIA.

 

Here is one for 46.00 USD. The 40.00 site is currently sold out of them. Remember this is just for the card, and you have to buy the module seperate if you desire 5.1-7.1 settings.

http://www.computers4sure.com/product.asp?productid=5608287&affid=10000483

 

I don't think ANY usb sound cards have features to improve your framerate. Your only option would be the audigy 2 Zs, as stated before. And it sucks there's only ONE real gaming audio card for notebooks!

 

Which one would that be?

 

where did you buy the notebook card for 40 bucks? Im planning on buying it and thats pretty cheap.

 

Here ya go

 

Your price$46.95 Ground Shipping $13.20

Not really saving you much

 

what is the site for 40 dollars i can wait for it to go back in stock no worries

 

I've heard of this card. It is not Hardware accelerated and does not support ASIO. Not recommended if you do music recording and what not.

 

https://magnum-pc.com/Products/Overview/?id=M003929840

There are 3 in today... Shipping is $8.00 but still a good price

 

Has anyone ordered from Magnum PC and gotten the right product? I am just worried cause they don't have any information on this product as far as their website goes and I don't want to get the wrong item.

 

I just ordered one of these. I found the card on a few of these random shopping sites, but I -really- don't trust them. Look at the computers4sure description:

"Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio PCI Express - sound card"

Despite, the picture, it says PCI-express, and doesn't say notebook in there anywhere.

And under specs:

"Compatible Slots 1 x PCI Express x1 - full-height "

This sounds like the desktop card to me. And, it mentions it supports EAX, which the notebook version does not. I would NOT buy from there.

I ended up ordering from Dell for about 20 dollars more just so I could be assured I would be getting the correct product =_=

 

That's the desktop version. And it's not hardware EAX, it's software emulated. Which the notebook version also supports. And the laptopslot is called Expresscard.

 

I just called Magnum PC and they said its the desktop version that goes in your PCI slot and not the notebook. The picture displayed is incorrect.

 

This card is a complete load of crap. I tried using it with my Sager 5790, and let me say that it was a complete pain. Vista doesn't like it for whatever reason, and 75% of Creative Support guys don't even know the card exists.

I sent mine back after 3 days.