Looking for the best budget sound card? - Overclock.net

Massive17 · 01-07-09

I'm building a new desktop somewhere in the next 6 months and I'm looking to add a sound card to it. I'm trying to get the Fatlity exteme edition so I need your opinion on what is the best bang for my buck sound card I can get. I'm gonna be using my desktop for gaming and video editing, here's my future build:

Case: Antec 1200 or Cosmos S (still deciding)
CPU:Intel i7 920 (gonna try to overclock to 4.0 Ghz)
CPU Cooler: True Ultra 120 Black
Motherboard: Asus Rampage 2 Extreme
Memory: 6Gb DDR3 Corsair Dominator 1600 Mhz
HDD: 300 GB Western Digital Velociraptor 10,000 RPM's (Raid 0)
GPU: ATI Radeon HD4870 X2
PSU: Corsair HX1000W

Let me know what you think?

Sabzi · 01-07-09

judging from the part you listed your "budget" seems large. What price range are you looking for

TwoCables · 01-07-09

For the lowest price, but still excellent performance, definitely go with the X-Fi XtremeGmer. The lowest price I can find among the reputable dealers is $84.95, and $89.90 after $4.95 shipping. It's at this little-known place called B & H. Here's their product page.

Here's their Google seller ratings page. Compare it to Newegg's.

I promise you that if you get this sound card, then you will feel that you have the best bang for your buck.

**Retrospekt** · 01-07-09

Used XtremeMusic. If you want to spend more, HT Omega Claro rocks.

ericeod · 01-07-09

You can still get an X-Fi Platinum for only $59.99. Or you can get an ExtremeMusic for $44.99 (just the card without the front I/O and remote) at Creative's Refurb sale:

http://us.creative.com/shop/shopcate...0fp16699c0s622

TwoCables · 01-07-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoCables

For the lowest price, but still excellent performance, definitely go with the X-Fi XtremeGmer. The lowest price I can find among the reputable dealers is $84.95, and $89.90 after $4.95 shipping. It's at this little-known place called B & H. Here's their product page.

Here's their Google seller ratings page. Compare it to Newegg's.

I promise you that if you get this sound card, then you will feel that you have the best bang for your buck.

I want to add that I also use the YouP-Pax X-Fi drivers, v.6.25. Everything sounds better with these drivers. There's increased clarity, and the low end is better.

So, if you get an X-Fi card, please try these drivers out.

ericeod · 01-07-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoCables

I want to add that I also use the YouP-Pax X-Fi drivers, v.6.25. Everything sounds better with these drivers. There's increased clarity, and the low end is better.

So, if you get an X-Fi card, please try these drivers out.

I also use these drivers. All I had to do with my Platinum was run the Youp-Pax, then run just the Creative Entertainment Center to from the install CD that came with the card. But also be aware that a new X-Fi driver was released 17 Dec and the it was really well done (finally)!

Massive17 · 01-07-09

Thanks guys I'm probably trying to spend about $50

ericeod · 01-07-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Massive17

Thanks guys I'm probably trying to spend about $50

Then I would highly recommend the ExtremeMusic for $44.99. It is the same as the gamer. The gamer is just a low profile variant of the X-Fi.

Slave One · 01-07-09

Just wondering because I too am looking for a soundcard upgrade... does this XtremeMusic for 44.99 support EAX for games?

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Looking for the best budget sound card?

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