New Creative Labs X-Fi Drivers

[Ruslan74]

Grab the whole enchilada here. (http://ve3dboards.ign.com/Message.aspx?topic=24286083&brd=10538&replies=1)

For Windows XP SP2 users e-click e-here (http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/download2.asp?Product=14065&dlcentric=9363&Product_Name=X%2DFi+Platinum&OSName=Windows+XP) and for Windows XP64 e-click e-here. (http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/download2.asp?Product=14065&dlcentric=9363&Product_Name=X%2DFi+Platinum&OSName=Windows+XP+Professional+x64+Edition)

Some of the note's contents listed below :

Includes Creative Audio Console, which enables you to use the Sound Blaster X-Fi features and functions.
Does not address all the reported general "crackling" issues, but it does resolve some specific issues with crackling. Investigations with some motherboard manufacturers are ongoing, and we hope to provide a general solution soon.
Resolves some issues to improve your overall audio experience.
Added Feature:

Supports OpenAL 1.1
Game Fixes:

For Prey

Resolves the issue of the computer not responding
For Quake 4; (version 1.04)

Resolves the issue of the computer not responding when the error message "Quake 4 has encountered an error and needs to close" is displayed
Resolves the issue of mono speaker out in surround sound environments
Allows you to hear audio from speakers when you select the OpenAL X-Fi option as the audio driver
Allows audio channels to stream to correct speakers
For Battlefield 2;

Allows the Ultra-High Audio setting in a multi-player game
For Battlefield 2 (version 1.12)

:blink:Allows you to hear audio from speakers when the X-Fi audio driver option is selected

[Bass]

Thanks !! Will try out this evening .. :D

[Brawler]

Thanks !! Will try out this evening .. :D

ah so you got it then baas? what you think?
I decided against getting one in favour of a samsung HDTV.

[Bass]

Hmmm .. the sound quality is definitely MUCH better than onboard !! :D

I am still playing round with the CMSS settings - it seems like one has much more spatial awareness with it on. - just need to see how I can turn it on/off while playing to see what difference it really makes !

So far, enjoying the difference ... :D

[fivel]

Bass, have you only tried woth headphones on or with the whole 5.1 surround on speakers. I am keen to go xfi, but I play most of my life with headphones on, so not really sure that it is worth it?

[Ruslan74]

you wont get much difference when going from an Audigy 2 ZS to a X-Fi... from a mobo soundcard to X-Fi its well worth it though. ;)

@Bass - note that CMSS is mostly useful for music or movies, when playing games its reccommended you disable CMSS.

[Albereth]

Fivel, me too. Also spend most gaming time with headset on. The biggest benefit of a sound card is that it reduces the workload on your CPU giving more resources for the game - it made it noticably less choppy on my rig. I went from Realtec 97 to Audigy 2 to X-Fi. No real reason for the last upgrade except I needed to look at Cullen Doom's machine - so he is getting the Audigy 2.

[fivel]

Alb, from who did you buy your X-Fi from?

[Albereth]

Fivel - picked it up at Budget Technologies. I think it can be bought a little cheaper through Rectron or similar.