X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

**Talus** · 12-19-2005, 08:56 AM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

BF2 doesn't even use the X-RAM. Nothing does yet. Maybe nothing will. Who knows.

I went with the XtremeMusic edition. The price was right and I didn't get any of that extra junk that somehow makes up over double the price.

XM edition is the same card minus the X-RAM. Same support, same sound quality.

If you're loaded, go with the FPS edition by all means.

**|AFF|Soupyblister** · 12-19-2005, 09:14 AM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

Originally posted by Talus

BF2 doesn't even use the X-RAM. Nothing does yet. Maybe nothing will. Who knows.

I went with the XtremeMusic edition. The price was right and I didn't get any of that extra junk that somehow makes up over double the price.

XM edition is the same card minus the X-RAM. Same support, same sound quality.

If you're loaded, go with the FPS edition by all means.

Here is where I found that BF2 uses the X-RAM, maybe I am miss understanding what Gamespot is saying:

Originally posted by Gamespot

The differentiator between the Fatal1ty FPS and the other mainstream versions of the X-Fi is the 64MB of X-RAM on the former. Creative tells us that the X-RAM is essentially SDRAM, and it can be used to hold uncompressed audio on the sound card, rather than storing compressed audio in main memory, which then has to be decompressed when needed. However, Creative tells us that only games that use EAX 5.0 can take advantage of the X-RAM, so older games won't benefit from it, though they will still benefit from the X-Fi's processing power and improved sound quality. While future games will undoubtedly support EAX 5.0, there are very few currently on the market. Perhaps the biggest game that currently supports EAX 5.0 is Battlefield 2, and the X-Fi lets you unlock the ultrahigh sound settings in that game. Battlefield 2 was already an excellent-sounding game, but it sounds even better with the Fatal1ty FPS 2

I am not loaded. I just like to make a big upgrade if its worth it in the long run. That X-Ram is the only thing that is making me lean toward this card. I really wish they made a in-between card. I can care less for the remote and that face plate for extra hook ups.

**Talus** · 12-19-2005, 09:19 AM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

It isn't using the X-RAM.

Just because a game support EAX 5.0 doesn't mean it uses the X-RAM. I seriously doubt BF2 really supports EAX 5.0 anyway. DICE has always had terrible audio implementations in their games. Actually, I doubt BF2 actually uses EAX Advanced HD.

KingOfKhaos would be the guy to ask..he has an FPS card. He'll probably reply soon

I was also hoping for an X-RAM equipped OEM card without the extra crap...but that probably won't happen for a long time. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my XM model

**Berrern** · 12-19-2005, 09:22 AM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

I've got the Fatal1ty myself, and the reason I bought it was the same as yours; games in the future will most likely benfit from the X-RAM. I almost never buy soundcards, so when I do I want one that is "future compatible".
I'm very happy with the card - it was hell in BF2 until Creative released their latest drivers - but now it's all good.

It's not easy to answer mate, only you can decide whether or not this is cost feasible for you.
You need someone with more X-RAM knowledge to be sure.

**Talus** · 12-19-2005, 09:24 AM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

Hit the Creative forums for some insight into the pros and cons...

http://forums.americas.creative.com/creativelabs/board?board.id=soundblaster

**|AFF|Soupyblister** · 12-19-2005, 09:32 AM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

Thanks for your feedback guys. $270.00 upgrade is no easy decision. I will check out that fourm Talus. Thanks agian

**Talus** · 12-19-2005, 12:02 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

No problem..if you EVER hear of an OEM X-Fi card or some such that includes any amount of X-RAM without any of that other garbage...post it here ASAP

**Jofaba** · 12-19-2005, 02:55 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

I'm thinking of getting a soundcard after the New Years as well, but I'm only going to get one if it gives a PEFORMANCE boost. My motherboard already gives great sound at any volume. I mean, of course I'm intrigued by the concept that with a soundcard the game "comes to life" as so many posts/reviews have said, but I hardly ever play loud enough to where that'd be noticed (I think).

Mainly, I want to get one if it takes a load off my videocard/motherboard, which logically it must. But just because it technically lightens that load doesn't mean there's a noticable peformance increase.

Do what I'm going to do: buy one at Best Buy/Circuit City to try it out. They have no questions asked return policies (just remember that Circuit City now has a 15 day return policy on PC hardware, recently changed over from the standard 30 day).

**jayhigh** · 12-19-2005, 02:59 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

i got the xtreme music and i am happy with it

AMD64 4000+ San DIego @2.4ghz
2gb OCZ Platinum 2-3-2-5 @400mhz
BFG 7800GTX OC' PCI-e
2x WD Raptor 72G (RAID-0 config)
Asus A8N Deluxe

**Talus** · 12-19-2005, 04:18 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

@Jofaba

If you are using on-board sound..you WILL see a performance increase.

It's the audio quality increase though that will wow you.

**NoSoup4You** · 12-19-2005, 04:32 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

Originally posted by Talus

It isn't using the X-RAM.

Just because a game support EAX 5.0 doesn't mean it uses the X-RAM. I seriously doubt BF2 really supports EAX 5.0 anyway. DICE has always had terrible audio implementations in their games. Actually, I doubt BF2 actually uses EAX Advanced HD.

KingOfKhaos would be the guy to ask..he has an FPS card. He'll probably reply soon

I was also hoping for an X-RAM equipped OEM card without the extra crap...but that probably won't happen for a long time. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my XM model

Well I wouldn't REALLY doubt it.

I have the card and I love it. The sound is super clear, super crisp, I never miss anything. If people are walking up behind me I can hear them in time to react. Infact I can usually tell where they are before I even turn around the sound is so clear. Also I can hear people talking down hallways etc. and it will echo. The arty sounds insanely real, same with the guns.

Here is where I will put an "if" statement in.

IF you don't have high quality speakers or high quality headphones then skip it.

I have it I love it. My two cents are in.

Oh and if you're tight on money get the Xtreme Music, its the same card minus the X-RAM. I got my FPS for the same price as the Xtreme Music (perks of the job).

**rombaft** · 12-19-2005, 04:41 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

many reviews of prof sites have already proven there isn't a gain in FPS, not at all !!!

**Jofaba** · 12-19-2005, 05:28 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

Actually, I'm hoping to avoid stutters over FPS. As long as a game stays above 30fps it looks perfect. But even in games like HL2 I get stutters, usually when I turn left or right. In HL2 that means coming down from 200fps to like 60/80, which is still way above 30 obviously, but the defect is there nonetheless. High FPS is overrated. Basically, the only good it does is give you bragging rights and reassure you that you're not just about to go out of date. I'm just looking for seamless play, regardless of the fps/quality settings.

**AlphaNut** · 12-19-2005, 05:30 PM

Re: X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

I decided to buy an X-fi xtreme music, and I do not regret it. I had an audigy 2ZS before, and would say that the difference between those two cards in BF2 is huge. I use a good sennheiser headset which enables me to locate other people by the noise they make. It does not just work to the side, really amazing how it gives me a 360 degree hearing angle.
I have soundsettings to ultra-high and I can finally hear all the voices in the game. Including the nades killing me which I coulnd't hear with my old soundcard.
I love this piece of hardware the soundquality it produces is amazing imo.

X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS

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