New Soundcards!

[Kibbles-N-Bits]

Thats it! I have had it! I HATE MY SOUNDCARD! :mad: Its a clunky old SB128 PCI... I need a new one!

What I am looking at:
Soundblaster X-Gamer 5.1 Dolby
Soundblaster Live! Value
Soundblaster Live!
Soundblaster X-Gamer

I haven't the faintest idea if any of those will be compatible with my MoBo... not even sure to find out which MoBo I ahve in this box... without opening it of course. So any suggestions on ANYTHING would be great!! :)

[DarkBls]

MoBo ?
Do you mean Motherboard ?

If you can play INF, you r computer should have a PCI slot. So any of the Sound cards you mentionned can work on your computer.

By the way choose the cheapest ;)

[AtomicAxis]

I generally go the second cheapest. Why, I dont know. Seems to work well tho.

[Kibbles-N-Bits]

Cool... I build PC's, but the person always provides the parts... I put it together... usually for a small fee :)

AA: Yeah, same here... and I always go with the market leader, in this case, Creative SB.

Oh, the other thingy... do most stores let you return opened hardware provided it isnt damaged, etc if it wont fit in my case? :P

[Kibbles-N-Bits]

And yes, I meant motherboard :)

[ShakKen]

SBLive Value is probably as good as you'll need. Got one meself. Very sweet card.

If it ain't Creative, it ain't work buying;)

[Kibbles-N-Bits]

I agree... time to go grab a Live Value! w00t!

[DLL]

Dude, consider this also:

http://www.zdnet.com/products/graphics/pid/450305b.jpg

"I apologize for writing such a lengthy review, but for the first time since the release of Windows 2000, there exists a sound card that gives Creative Labs a serious run for its money without having to use the words: "future drivers." Anyone in the market for an up-market sound card such as the Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 Platinum should strongly consider the Hercules Game Theater XP. With its headphone amplifier, superior connectivity, 8-channel support, and improved 4-speaker positioning, and lower cost, the Game Theater XP is a good match for gaming. On a well-built system, I would expect no system compatibility problems."

http://us.hercules.com/products/audio/gametheaterxp/index.php3

[Kibbles-N-Bits]

Dude... look at the price! :(

[CoffeyCan]

I bought a value for $50 and its been such a good investment, especially compared to my old crappy card, I agree with shakken, go get one now.
CC

[ShakKen]

You can't go wrong with the Value.

The rest are just pumped with mostly uneccesary bells and whistles you won't need unless you're a hardcore sound engineer or a midi artist(the value does more than hold it's own even there).

Your money, but look at them from the Value upwards.

[HanD_of_DarKNesS]

I'd actually go with one of the SB Live! 5.1 cards (I don't know if they have a 5.1 Value version). I just feel that since the original Live's have been replaced by the new 5.1's (which offer Dolby digital 5.1 as opposed to Dolby Pro Logic 4.1 non-digital), they're worth the investment.

In any case, I'd definately go with a Creative Labs SB Live card of some sort.

[LifesBane[4C]]

I use a SBLive! Value...and my computer runs like a gem.
COUGH COUGH.
<Whistles a little tune>
But don't worry, my problems aren't from the soundcard :)

[DLL]

Hercules has a couple of other audio cards, one for $30 and another for $60. The Hercules cards support EAX 1.0 and 2.0 as well as A3D 1.0.

I'm not 'pushing' these cards as I've never used them and in fact do use a SB Live! X-Gamer. I've checked out the Hercules cards though, and they get steller reviews. I've thought about buying one.

[funkstylz]

SB Live Platinum...Expensive, but lovely. Live drive and remote included.Tis what I got, and what I'll stay with for a long time. Although I heard that Game Theatre rig is pretty sweet too....and less expensive?

I hear ya on the second most expensive thing too Mattikins...I think it's cause they're nearly always just missing the fluff you don't need. Like 7 copies of Tombraider and Butt Plug. The Platinum however comes with loads of GOOD stuff...so it was worth the money.

[Kibbles-N-Bits]

ROFL... yeah. The SBLive Plat comes with bells and whistles and programs that start-up with windows and eat up my ram! Damn the platinum package!! lol... SB live value? The card, the drivers, and a nifty box. All I need. Im gonna go grab one when my paycheck decides to hit the bank :P

[-Lost-]

you should do what i did: i got a sb live! value 2 years ago when it was still new for only $30 or so. oem packaging-i got the card and a white box. i think it came with drivers too. i wish i had the 5.1 though, but that is only worth it if you have a surround sound system hooked up to the card...

[hawaiian c]

i dont have any sound card with mac cuz its buld in and is fully automated and upgradble