X-ram

Thats up to you to decide, I decided not.

I bought a simple X-Fi extreme gamer just last Friday after my Audigy2 died on me. I was doubtful of the hype about improving your game performance and even an fps increase, but I testify that this is the case.

The sound quality is remarkable compared to my Audigy2.

I've installed the module to switch from game /cinema/creation mode and thats where you note the difference in performance, : you will get more fps in game mode than in cinema, I've tested just to see.
All the processing power goes to the game.
OpenAl is taken in charge by your hardware and I think its that that makes the difference.
Ro uses an OpenAl module as do most game today, Valve games do not but they have something just as good so no loss there.

Whatever, its a good card and can be considered to be a real upgrade.

If you ever want to consider gaming in linux I suggest you dont buy any X-fi related cards. The company refuses to work with the linux community or give any info how these cards work.

If you'r a windows gamer then you'll be fine.

Greetingz, Monk.

Just thought I'd add that I'm running on XP.
On the box it's noted WORKS WITH WINDOWS VISTA.

Just in case...

fiftyone said:

Just thought I'd add that I'm running on XP.
On the box it's noted WORKS WITH WINDOWS VISTA.

Just in case...

Click to expand...

I had that sticker on my sound card, it actually means, works with vista when you download the new drivers. Since mine is a USB soundcard (for a laptop) and therefore aint that popular it took me an age to find the correct drivers as the creative website was rubbish for me.

I have heard troubles with 64bit drivers so bare that in mind. Not had much experience with them myself so i cant give you a solid answer on that.

This card is much better value providing you don't need lots of I/O ports. Make sure you install the audio console with the drivers so you can tweak the EQ. That's when this card really comes into its own.

The X-RAM is gimmicky and support has not really taken off for it. Depending on what you can get the price down to and whether you require the extra I/O ports that model offers, its not really worth the extra $$$.

War_and_Peace said:

*Not to be confused with ex-Ramm, which is what happens to a bot who tries to drive my tank.

Click to expand...

Heh. Good one

You can still get an Xtreme Music here...

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...oductdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=313-4369

...for less than an Xtreme Gamer at Newegg.

X-ram is just a gimmick. Very few companies are, or will use it. Only the high end X-fi cards have it. So even if a company does use it. They aren't going to put much effort (money) into it because so few will benefit (not profitable).

Creative released new drivers for the X-fi cards. At least for XP. I haven't checked Vista yet.