Considering the new features put into 0.6's sound modeling it's time for me to finally commit to ditching my realtek onboard sound.

 

I'm completely confused by the X-Fi range of cards and what I need to have in a card. I don't have surround (always use headphones due to noise), I don't do MIDI or "serious" multimedia work (iTunes and Winamp is as far as it goes).

 

I just want to game and play a little music. Also can anyone suggest soundcards other than Creative (who are pants at driver support) that I might look at? I'm looking at around $200 for the deal but that really is a decision made in a vacuum of knowledge of the marketplace.

 

Appreciate any comments.

There was a topic on Overclockers about your exact conundrum. Apparently X-Fi is just a name, when it comes to quality.

 

http://forum.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=589629

 

Honestly What is suggested in http://forum.overclockers.com.au/showpost.php?p=7515523&postcount=5

 

Is probably what it comes down to with PC audio. Omega CLARO is a really nice card and I personally am considering one after tax. And IIRC bammo is the guy who used to have dealings with LSK, so he may have some further PC audio knowledge..