X-Fi Support Syndicate & Owner's Clubhouse

[imperialreign]

X-Fi Support Syndicate & Owner's Clubhouse

This is an owner's club and support thread for owners of Creative's line of X-Fi desktop and notebook audio cards. This thread is intended for people to be able to try and resolve issues with any hardware (and possible software) problems they might be encountering with their X-Fi products, and general discussion regarding the X-Fi lineup of audio cards and 3rd party audio cards making use of the X-Fi audio processors.

Please keep in mind that I am in no way trying to discourage anyone from buying a Creative X-Fi product!!! These truly are amazing sound cards, and you would honestly have to hear the difference to believe it. Plus, they are fairly priced, and readily available at any hardware outlet. Although it may seem that there are a lot of problems with these cards, the vast majority of users don't ever have any issues at all. There are just various quirks that one may possibly encounter, and I just wanted to try and bring as many issues and resolutions into one spot as possible because support information on these cards can be scarce.

If you wish to join, just say so - I'll probably make up an ongoing member list.
To join up, you must currently own (or have owned) a Creative X-Fi desktop or notebook audio card. Please state your X-Fi model or have it listed in you system specs when you ask for admittance.

I've also made a fairly simple signature that you're more than willing to use, if you'd like. I might make a couple more later, I'm not all that sure, yet.


http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/883/xssfu3.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3554/xss02bluero1.jpg


PLEASE!! I'd like for this support thread to be fairly straightforward and easily accessible to not only TPU members, but for the general users just browsing the TPU forums. There are already way too many X-Fi related threads scattered across the internet that are stock full of tripe from either: a) the same question being asked over and over again, b) disgruntled users wanting to pitch a fit and complain about their product and lack of support, and c) thread-hijacks by users wanting to bash on either Creative or X-Fi owners . . . So - NO CRAP!! If you want to go bashing X-Fi owners, Creative's tech support (as difficult as they are to deal with), or just to whine and complain about your hardware with no real purpose or a genuine intent to find an answer - go register at another message board! It's difficult enough to find answers resolving hardware complaints without having to shovel through a sea of tripe.

That being said, I will try to keep up a list of common and uncommon problems and their resolutions, along with posting up rare or odd problems and possible work arounds. Please, keep in mind that these audio cards are constantly evolving, and due to various differences between the audio cards, and individual user hardware and system configurations, any solution I may present to a certain issue may not fix your problem. I cannot give 100% guarantees with hardware resolutions concerning these audio cards, all I can do is present information that I and others have had success with. My intent is to provide a 'knowledge base' for help, in a manner where others can also be willing to help resolve issues if they can. I will update the list of resolutions as I come across them, too . . . I'm willing to try and help with software issues regarding Creative's software, but these issues can be even harder to fix for numerous reasons, and it is usually best to contact Creative's Technical Support regarding their software.

I, nor any other member of this forum, shall be held liable for any damage done to, or any loss of warranty to, any of your hardware, X-Fi or otherwise, by following any posted solutions or advice in this thread!!! If you don't feel comfortable using any resolution or workaround to a problem you encounter, please seek the aide of a professional!

Also, these lists are far from complete, and I will add to them as I have time, and as I run across other situations/solutions that aren't just a one time deal. If anyone would like to add something to the lists, or if you see something that needs to be corrected, please let me know (if you are offering a correction for the X-Fi audio card hardware, could you please provide a link to a reputable source for the information you provide).

Foremost, to any aide that I can offer, there are a couple of major points that need to be emphisized:
1. Make sure your motherboard's on-board audio is turned off, and the hardware drivers are removed (if possible)!!
2. Make sure your Creative hardware drivers are as up to date as possible! If for some reason you can't use any updated drivers provided by Creative, just explain what the problem is - it's usually a hardware problem.
3. Make sure your hardware drivers for the rest of your system are as up to date as possible! General hardware conflicts can arise with out of date drivers!

The most common, re-occuring hardware complaints with the X-Fi's are usually resolved by one of the aforementioned items!!


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Update to thread: 03-11-09
`added an image for the Auzentech X-Fi Home theater 7.1

Update to thread: 07-18-08
`added the Titanium series to the product list
`added Auzentech cards to the product list
`added some info on the new CA20K2 APU

Update to thread: 05-12-08
`edited some used terminology
`added to the "Modding" section; cooling, front panel connectivity, PCB component upgrading, EMI/RFI shielding

Update to thread: 04-02-08
`added information describing the ring architecture
`added diagram for ring architecture provided by btarunr
`resized this update section so that it doesn't get out of hand!
`reminded myself that I need to make some more updates this coming weekend!

Update to thread: 30-01-08
`added new siggie
`concluded to add support for the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 - I will add a section for that card soon

Update to thread: 25-01-08
`added description of ALcehmy driver operation by btarunr
`added mention of 3rd party software for use with X-Fi remote by tigger69
`anotated a possible issue with current beta drivers and UT3 by Batou1986

Update to thread: 18-11-07
`added audio quality section

Update to thread: 10-11-07
`added update section
`added model section and model pics
`added section dividers
`adjusted section headlines

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The most current hardware drivers can be found at Creative's website - note that the Xtreme Audio cards use entirelly different driver packs than the rest of the X-Fi family. (Vista32 & Vista64 current version is 2.18.0008; XP32 & XP64 current version is 2.18.0008; XP MCE current version is *possibly* 2.18.0008 - see #13 below for further details concerning the update drivers and MCE):

http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/


================================================== ================

Up-to-date driver version numbers:


Windows XP / Vista drivers
current XP version is: 2.18.0008
*last driver update: December 17, 2008
current Vista version is: 2.18.0008
*last driver update: December 17, 2008


Windows XP /Vista drivers for the X-Fi Titanium series -
current XP version is 2.18.008
current Vista version is 2.18.008


Linux 32bit/64bit drivers
current linux driver version is: 1.00
*last driver update: November 6, 2008


Linux 32bit/64bit drivers for the X-Fi Titanium series
current linux driver version is: 1.00
*last driver update: November 6, 2008


X-Fi Xtreme Audio current driver number for both WIN XP and Vista: 1.3.02
*last driver update: December 12, 2008

================================================== ==============


If your concern is related to sound playback with a game, please make sure you have the most current version of DirectX installed, and the most current version of OpenAL:

DirectX version 9c - https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2da43d38-db71-4c1b-bc6a-9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en
OpenAL 1.1 (version 2.0.3) - http://developer.creative.com/articles/article.asp?cat=1&sbcat=31&top=38&aid=46



Attention Vista users: The X-Fi drivers for Windows Vista are still going through a lot of changes. New drivers are released for the Vista platform fairly regularly, so please try to keep up to date. Support for the Vista platform is continuing to improve, but I have no ability to aide in Vista related problems as I currently have no experience with this platform. Again, make sure your drivers are current. I will try to also include Vista related fixes here also. Hardware acceleration in Vista is disabled by the OS, although there are developmental drivers that attempt to work around this issue (these are constantly being updated, also):

ALchemy software application (current version is 1.10.01) - http://www.soundblaster.com/alchemy/


a very concise, to-the-point explanation of how the ALchemy software works around the hurdle of the OS Kernel to deliver multichannel support, provided by btarunr:

Alchemy is a compatibility layer that translates DirectSound commands from an application to OpenAL. The EAX effects are processed by the APU and then sent back to be re-sampled to whichever multi-channel configuration the user has (in PCM format) and is sent to the OpenAL subsystem.

Follow the flowchart with the serial number-order of the arrows:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2218204518_74b02d237c_o.jpg

1. Audio data and EAX commands are sent to the driver + ALchemy extension that decode these DirectSound commands.

2. EAX processing to be done, data sent to the CA 20K1.

3. EAX processed, sent back in the raw PCM format, multiple PCM channels.

4. Multichannel PCM data sent to the OpenAL installable client driver in the form of OpenAL commands generated by ALchemy.

5. OpenAL has its own abstraction to the CA20K1 and since the CA20K1 has hardware support for OpenAL, the OpenAL data is sent to the sound card back as output, this time in multichannel PCM like any other OpenAL application.

6, 7: APU > DAC > Output.



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A Brief summary of X-Fi technologies and features:

X-Fi audio processor:
The X-Fi CA201K audio processor is manufactured on a 130nm process, is clocked at 400MHz and utilizes over 51 million transistors that are capable of producing over 10,000 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). In comparison, an AMD Athlon FX-57 is capable of producing 12,000 MIPS at 2.8GHz, and an Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition produces only 9,726 MIPS at 3.2GHz. The X-Fi audio processor features a SRC (Sample Rate Conversion) engine that is precise enough to be able to convert any audio resolution to any other audio resolution at near transparency with 136db SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise) and digitally-matched recordings at rates from 44.1kHz to 96kHz. According to Creative's literature, the X-Fi audio processor is over 24 times more powerful than it's predecessor, the Audigy 2. For further reading regaring the capabilities of the X-Fi audio processor and how it's architecture works, visit: http://techreport.com/articles.x/8884 (http://techreport.com/articles.x/8884)


The X-Fi CA20K2 audio processor appears to be designed off the same manufacturing process as the CA201K APU, with the only major notable change being that the CA20K2 is a native PCI-E processor . . . meaning it will not have to rely on a PCIE translation chip for BUS communications, which would severelly impact audio processing latencies. Little is known of this APU at the moment, more info will be added as it surfaces.



CMSS-3D Virtual / CMSS-3D Headphone:
Creates up to 8 virtual speakers in order to achieve a surround sound effect for gaming and entertainment purposes where surround sound speakers are not available. The X-Fi algorithms upmixes the source and places the sound in it's most natural position. Basically, the hardware can break down a 5.1 channel source, upmix it, and reproduce that source into a 2 channel feed in such a way that it still sounds like 5.1. The capability of the CMSS-3D technology is more noticeable with headsets and 2.1 audio, and becomes increasingly harder to notice as one move up to 7.1 speaker setups. For a slightly more in-depth description of how CMSS-3D works, visit: http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=177&type=expert&pid=6

EAX 5.0 HD:
Environmental Audio eXtensions v5.0 High Definition is an assortment of DSPs (Digital Signal Processing) audio presets that utilizes the audio card's hardware filters to produce highly realistic and immersive sound, enviornmental effects, improved audio positioning, and a improved cinematic sound in games. This feature is inteded to add to the realism and overall effect of gameplay. The EAX 5.0 HD standard brings even more features to the table than the 4.0 standard did, and allows for double the voice count over EAX 4.0. For further reading regarding the capabilities and features of the EAX 5.0 HD design, visit: http://soundblaster.com/eax/abouteax/

X-RAM:
*All Creative X-Fi cards have some amount of onboard memory. The amount of onboard memory varies based upon the card model and revision, with RAM allotments ranging from 2MB to 64MB. The audio processor needs a small amount of memory for storing the APU BIOS, buffering, sampling and playback, and the more memory, the more voices and audio files the APU can handle at a time. The upper-end X-Fi models, are advertised as having 64MB or X-RAM, which really only means that they have 64MB as compared to lower models that may only top out at 32MB.

Found on the upper end cards, the X-RAM is 64MB of RAM native to the audio card, and dedicated soley for use by the X-Fi processor. In theory, the X-RAM would allow for improved gaming performance by unloading much of the audio memmory access from the system hardware and permitting the X-Fi to take over duties of moving audio files into and out of it's own onboard RAM. This would free up more space in the system RAM for use by the CPU, and transference of audio data would be minimized and audio files could also then be loaded and unloaded quicker by the audio processor. Although, only a handful of games currently support use of the X-RAM technology, and support by game developers has been slow to near non-existant. For further reading regarding how X-RAM works, visit: http://www.soundblaster.com/products/X-Fi/technology/x-ram/gamingXram.asp?page=3

24bit Crystalizer:
The 24bit Crystalizer is a processing innovation that is designed to enhance and restore lost information in the audio spectrum due to compression from an audio source, namely MP3s. The Crystalizer attempts to restore those sounds that are lost during compression to bring the MP3 audio sound back to or surpass it's original CDDA form. For gaming, the Crystalizer can bring not only a more crisp sound, but aslo enhance audio depth that can normally be lost through typical sound compression. Although the Crystalizer does, to some extent, do what it is advertised as being capable of, the actual validity of these claims has come under scrutiny. A rather interesting read regarding the Crystalizer technology, and what it's capabilities truly are, can be found here: http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/multimedia/creative-x-fi-part2.html

Ring architecture:
The X-Fi cards use an entirelly different architecture as compared to earlier Creative lineups and their competing cards. Whereas in a typical audio processing stream, components are arranged within a straight line. This type of architecture severelly limits both the number of audio voices that can be processed at a time, and also hampers the overall performance in regards to the amount of time it takes for that voice to be processed from source to playback. The X-Fi's make use of what Creative calls a "Ring BUS" architecture, where all processing components on the PCB BUS are arranged like that of a ring. Each component in the ring can pull the processed audio voice, manipulate it, and place it back into the ring for the next component to access. This design, in turn, allows for thousands of audio voices to be processed simultaneously, and to also be processed faster. If a component does not need to manipulate an audio voice, it never has to come into contact with the processed stream.

btarunr has illustrated in a fairly easy to understand diagram how this architecture works:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/2307715583_094a7b9101_o.jpg



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Creative X-Fi Sound Blaster Models




Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio PCI
The Xtreme Audio is the cheapest of the X-Fi lineup as far as price in concerned. If you’re in the market for a simple audio adapter card, and music and videos is your thing, this would probably be the best choice. Not really recommended for serious gaming, considering this card is designed more for the home entertainment market, and lacks some of the gaming features and support that stand out on the other models. Features CMSS-3D, 24-bit Crystallizer.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xtremeaudio.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio PCI-Express
This card offers the same features as the Xtreme Audio PCI, although it utilizes a PCI-E x1 interface. One of the few pieces of hardware on the market that make use of the PCI-E x1 slots so common on motherboards. This might be alright for mini-towers where space is a major concern, or anyone looking for a solution for a multi-GPU rig. Due to poor reviews, and potential problems with multi-GPU setups and mid-range motherboard chipsets, I honestly can’t recommend this card, yet.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xtremeaudioPCIE.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer PCI
The Xtreme Gamer is targeted specifically at the gaming market, and also serves as a great card for video and audio playback, and audio “tweaking”. Not recommended if you’re looking for a card that can handle serious audio creation. This Xtreme Gamer features Creative’s CMSS-3D, support for EAX 5.0HD, and the 24-bit Crystallizer.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xtremegamer.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music PCI
The Xtreme Music was targeted at audiophiles in general, and also has features catered towards the gaming enthusiast. This model was supposed to pick up where the Xtreme Gamer left off in the line-up, by offering better audio creation support. I believe this card, though, has been superceded by the X-Fi Platinum.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xtrememusic.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
The X-Fi platinum is a package deal. It comes with the Xtreme Music PCI card, plus adds the X-Fi I/O Front Panel Drive and a X-Fi Remote Control. The Front Panel Drive utilizes a 5.25” drive bay, and allows for easy input and output jack access and adjustable volume control.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xfiplatinum.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro PCI
The XGFP is the flagship of Creative’s line-up, boasting full-feature support in all 3 areas (gaming, entertainment, audio creation), and also bringing in 64MB of X-RAM, power indicator LEDs, I/O support, and more. This card is targeted at the audiophile, and those who are looking for the absolute best sound card solution. Until the Auzentechs were released, this was the definitive audio solution. Still capable of competing and surpassing the lower-end models offered by Auzentech, though, I personally recommend this card to anyone looking for the best solution possible, while still being on a budget.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xgfp.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion
This package includes the Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro PCI card, plus the I/O Front Panel Drive and remote.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/xgfchampion.jpg


Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
This package includes the flagship X-Fi card, plus the I/O Console and remote. The I/O console offers the same connect ability that the Front Panel Drive offers, but instead attaches to the back of the card and can be placed remotely. The I/O Console is targeted more at a home entertainment setup, in this respect. The Elite Pro sound card is the current highest audio playback quality card in the lineup, and is a completely different beast from the rest of the X-Fi models, right down to PCB components and component layout.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/prophiseer/elitepro.jpg



Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional
The most recent X-Fi branded card to enter the Sound Blaster line-up, the Titanium is a native PCIE x1 soundcard; being native PCIE, there is no additional audio processing latecny that would be introduced with a PCIE logic translation chip. The card boasts the same audio quality specifications as the Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty cards, and improves upon that with the addition of an EMI shield. This card, though, drops support for the AUD_LINK to the X-Fi reciever from the PCI bracket, and instead adds optical (TOSLINK) support, as well as offering 5 analogue jacks instead of 4 (subwoofer is now a seperate channel). The Titanium is also the first X-Fi card that allows for Dolby encoding as well.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3830/creativesbxfititaniumpg3.jpg



Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional Champion
This package option offers the X-Fi Titanium PCI-E x1 soundcard, and the new X-Fi Titanium Front Panel I/O bay drive. Of note, the new I/O bay drive will readily fit a 3.50" bay, and also includes an adapter to fit a 5.25" bay, allowing for better installation versatility as compared to the earlier X-Fi I/O bay drives. The new drive has seriously timmed down connectivity, though. The 3.50" drive itself offers headphone-out and microphone-in mini-jacks, a volume knob, and a mode selector knob (>correction?<); the 5.25" adapter adds two RCA line-outs to the drive.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/5645/creativefitfcer8.jpg




Non-Creative X-Fi equiped cards:



Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1
Auzentech have made a name for themselves for selling extremelly high-quality audio cards that offer superior versatility and superior audio quality as well. Combined with excellent customer and technical service, Auzentech have cemented themselves within a niche in the audio card market. The Prelude is the first non-Creative owned audio card to carry Creative's hardware. The Prelude boasts the X-Fi CA201K APU, and brandishes the typical high-quality components that Auzentech have become known for. Amidst the upper-end DACs, ADC and OPAMPs, the Prelude even even boasts the ability for the user to swap OPAMPs as they see fit - giving the consumer a DIP socket instead of hard-soldering the OPAMPs to the PCB. These cards feature the audio processing performance that the X-Fi APU has become known for, and offer all the hardware features of Creative's cards. They also support Dolby decoding and encoding as well.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/2199/71precf0.jpg



Auzentech X-Fi Home Theater 7.1
A new card still in the works from Auzentech, again featuring a X-Fi APU. The card will make use of a PCIEx1 slot (rumored to make use of the new CA20K2 native PCIE APU), and will offer HDMI 1.3 support. More information and an image will be added as they become available. This card is not yet on the market, scheduled for release early 2009.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/2059/003lgt.jpg





For owners who have the X-Fi remote found with the 5.25" bay front panel and the I/O Console, 3rd party software exists that offers better compatibility and functionality over Creative's bundled software:

I have just bought this program-

http://melloware.com/products/intelliremote/

Manual-

http://melloware.com/products/intelliremote/Intelliremote%20User%20Manual.pdf

http://img.techpowerup.org/071226/Untitled2.jpg

It is called intelliremote,heres a quick summary-

Intelliremote is a software program that replaces the cumbersome Creative Remotecenter software that is bundled with Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, and X-Fi models. Intelliremote also replaces the EHTray application for Microsoft Windows Media Center. Creative and Microsoft had an excellent idea bundling an infrared remote control with their products...it's just to bad the software doesn't even do what you want it to do!

Intelliremote is roughly 900K in size, and it packs the punch of Microsoft's Intellitype instructions. So any application can be controlled with the IR remote that "listens" for Intellitype messages such as ITunes, Winamp, BSPlayer, Foobar2000, VLC, Windows Media Player, and many more! Each remote key can be assigned to an instruction, a mouse event, application event, or even a windows automation script.







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Common Problems and possible resolutions



Poor Audio Quality
It goes without saying, but, if audio playback is poor quality, or not what you expected - keep in mind that your speaker setup has more to do with audio quality than the sound card does. You can have the best audio card in the world, but it can still sound like total butt running on a cheap set of lacklustre quality speakers. Same holds true for headsets. Some thoughts here:

~Built in monitor/keyboard speakers - are fine for browsing the net or dealing with anything else that only has poor quality encoded audio to begin with. But, if you intend to game or watch movies or anything else with good sound . . . you need to get a set of real speakers.

~Flat panel speakers - are alright, and even though the high end models can still sound very nice, they have a hard time producing very low tones and usually call for a subwoofer to produce any type of low tone at all. They're great if you care about having that sleek, professional look, but, in my own opionion - they still don't cut it when it comes to high audio quality.

~Cone speakers - everything from bookshelf speakers to satellite speakers, cone-based will give you the best audio quality possible. Being fully capable of rendering tones across the frequency range, there really is nothing comparable. Granted, a good setup will still require a subwoofer for that deep bass playback found in most movies and in modern music - but if keeping the neighbors awake with a subwoofer isn't your thing, cone speakers are still capable of enough bass to keep you happy. The biggest thing to look out for when choosing cone speakers, though, are the materials that are involved with their assembly. Cheap sets of cone speakers will still sound horrible, compared to high quality ones.

If you have any questions concerning your audio playback, or how better to tell if your speakers really are the culprit of poor audio quality - either PM me or post a question in this thread.


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Snapping, Crackling, Popping
This is the single most common problem with X-Fi cards, especially the early models. These sounds are various forms of audio clipping which occur when the X-FI sends a BUS data request to the slot controller, and that data request is not serviced in a timely manner. This in turn leads to gaps in the audio playback which can manifest itself in the form of snapping, crackling, popping, screeching, etc. This condition can also arise when the X-Fi's ability to access system memory is slowed down or interrupted. There are a few possible causes and quite a few different possible soultions to this issue:

1.) nVidia nForce 4 chipsets, VGA adapters:
These problems can possibly be cause by nVidia hardware present in the system, specifically, nForce 4 chipsets. Othertimes it can be cause by nVidia VGA adapters. This isn't to say that anyone who owns an nVidia VGA adapter or motherboard with an nForce 4 chipset will have these problems. If you own any such hardware and are experiencing problems; first, make sure your motherboards BIOS is as up-to-date as possible, and that any installed nVidia VGA BIOS is also up-to-date. It is possible that you have an early model X-Fi, and may want to inquire with Creative if they possess a solution for your card (meaning: if they can RMA it - the audio controllers on the later models don't seem to conflict with nVidia hardware as often). Aside from the above options, there aren't many supported solutions to for this condition, although one of the soultions listed below may help.

2.) Pentium 4 processors:
This is a somewhat uncommon problem, and I'm not sure why a Pentium 4 would cause this either, but I've run across a couple of complaints here and there that seem to justify this. It seems to be more of an issue with the lower end, slower clocked Pentium 4's and the P4 models that suport HyperThreading. Overclocking the CPU seems to resolve this issue. If you're not comfortable, or not willing to attempt to overclocking the CPU, check for motherboard updates first. Possibly turning off HyperThreading may help resolve the issue, also.

3.) General hardare conflicts:
Owners of high-end VGA adapters, high-end hard drives, and other high-end hardware may recieve this problem. If you think a high-end component installed in your system to be the cause, check for any motherboard BIOS updates for your system, any possible VGA BIOS updates, and check for any updated drivers for your hardware. If after updating any out-of-date hardware drivers you're still experiencing problems, other possible soultions are listed below.

4.) Insufficient system memmory:
Not enough RAM can also cause this problem, if you're currently only running 512KB of RAM, it would be a wise idea to go ahead and upgrade to at least 1GB of RAM anyhow. As always, check to make sure your motherboard BIOS and hardware drivers are up-to-date. If you're running 1GB or more, try closing out unecessary programs that may be running in the background, and any unecessary programs running in Windows taskbar. If the problem goes away, or doesn't happen as often as before, you might want to consider upgrading your system memmory.

5.) Slow system memory:
Installed RAM that is clocked too slow, or with too high of latencies can also be a cause. If hardware permits, install your RAM in Dual-Channel mode, as this allows for higher memory bandwidth and speed. Check to make sure your motherboards BIOS and hardware drivers are up-to-date. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can try to overclock your system memory some, lower the memory latencies, or increase the CPU BUS. It may be necessary to purchase new memory rated at a higher speed - especially if your current memory is running slower than the system BUS and cannot be clocked higher.

6.) Insufficient audio processor cooling:
Another possibility is that the X-Fi is becoming hot enough to start interfering with it’s ability to carry out commands. Again, make sure your motherboard BIOS and hardware drivers are up-to-date. You can estimate your audio processors temperature by hand while it’s in heavy use (when the problem is noticed). If you put your fingers on the audio processor and it feels very warm or hot to the touch, you’re probably in need of better cooling. If your X-Fi doesn’t have an installed heatsink, you can purchase a small northbridge cooler, and using thermal paste or thermal tape, install it onto the X-Fi processor. If your X-Fi came with a heatsink installed, you can attempt to lap the heatsink (although difficult to do as the factory heatsink is installed with thermal paste), or attempt to install a northbridge fan (also a bit difficult, but can be done).




Other possible snapping, crackling, popping resolutions:

7.) After updating the X-Fi drivers:
If you experience audio clipping (or any other issue) after installing updated X-Fi drivers, this is usually a good sign that other hardware drivers are out-of-date, or your motherboard's BIOS is out-of-date, and that the X-Fi drivers were writting around certain hardware updates. Check for updates as necessary. If the problem still persists, it maybe due to other hardware issues. You can attempt some of the other resolutions I've posted here, but your best bet would probably be to contact Creative's Tech support first (in case there is an issue with the new drivers or otherwise).

8.) In games:
If audio clipping only happens in certain games, and not others, it's possible that the game is trying to load more audio samples than the audio processor can handle (especially possible if the game automatically detects audio hardware). Be sure you have the X-Fi processor set to "Game Mode" in the audio console, first. Also, check to make sure that your playback resolutions are set at 44.1kHz. If playback rates are already set at 44kHz, and if the game has an audio option menu, try adjusting the number of audio channels if possible. If this isn't possible, you might need to do some research on the game and determine if there are any command line audio options or not. If the game employs a "command console" where you can directly change the games behaviour (i.e. Doom3, Quake4), console commands might exist that would allow you change the games audio setup.

9.) Adjusting the PCI slot clock speed:
Some motherboards automatically set the PCI slot clock speed based upon the CPU clock speeds. This can lead to problems with certain hardware not functioning properly. If your motherboard BIOS supports adjusting the PCI clock frequencies, you should first set the clock at the PCI native 33.3MHz. If the problem still persists, you can attempt to increase the PCI clock speed. Be careful to not raise the PCI clock speed to high, as you could potentially damage your hardware. Also of note, if your BIOS does support changing the PCI clock, but does not list a clock speed for each individual PCI slot, and changes to the clock speed in BIOS will affect all installed PCI hardware. Be careful.

10.) Adjusting the PCI latency:
Some motherboards will automatically set the PCI slot latency timer for each piece of installed hardware. Raising the PCI latency timer for the X-Fi can resolve audio clipping issues. If your motherboard supports adjusting the PCI latency timing, try raising it in increments and re-checking to see if the problem goes away. Some motherboards support changing the latency of each individual slot, and others only offer an adjustment that affects all PCI slots. If you raise your latency timings too high, other PCI devices that require frequent access to the PCI BUS could potentially lose data and cause the system to become unstable. Be careful.

11.) Manually setting the X-Fi IRQ:
Be warned that changing a device IRQ to an incorrect or conflicting setting could lead to either the device not functioning properly in Windows, or lead to entire system instability. Considering newer hardware and how device resources are implemented and controlled in Windows XP, it’s rare to have an IRQ conflict between devices.
If a hardware resource conflict arises after installing new hardware, make sure that the drivers for the new hardware are up to date, first. You can also try to un-install and then re-install the hardware drivers. You may also need to un-install the new hardware drivers, and the X-Fi drivers, and attempt a re-install from there. Yet another option is to un-install the new hardware drivers and the X-Fi drivers, then change what PCI slots they are installed into, then re-install the drivers.
There are a couple of methods for going about changing a device’s interrupt request. To start with, you’ll need to actually see what IRQ’s are assigned to what devices in Windows, and see what IRQ’s are available. Go to Start>Settings>Control Panel>System, click on the ‘Hardware’ tab, and then click on the “Device Manager” button to open Windows Device Manager. In Device Manager, open the ‘View’ menu, and select “View Resources by Type”, and then expand the ‘Interrupt Request (IRQ)’ tree. Find the listing for your X-Fi, and make sure that it is the only device assigned to one specific IRQ. If so, any audio issues are 95% probably not because of the devices IRQ assignment. Although, it isn’t unusual for more than one device to be sharring an IRQ channel, certain devices (i.e. the X-Fi) function better when not sharring this resource.
Note: If you can change the PCI slot IRQ in BIOS, and the changes aren’t reflected in Windows Device Manger, you may have to manually change the IRQ settings within Windows itself – you will have to be logged into Windows as an Administrator or Owner to do so.
If there is another device sharring the same IRQ, or a potential conflict, or you just want to set it anyways, make sure the device is not currently in use. Right click on the device listing and open up ‘Properties’ then click on the ‘Resources’ tab. If possible, de-select the “Use Automatic Settings” checkbox, and then select the resource you want to change, the device IRQ (you may have to change the ‘Settings Based On:’ box to a different basic setting to make any changes), and click on the “Change Setting” button. In the new window that opens, use the scroll arrows to set the device IRQ and make sure you set it to a value not currently in use by another device (as in, a number either not listed in Device Manager, or one that is listed as ‘not currently in use’)!!
If you can’t make any changes to the X-Fi IRQ resource, and the device IRQ is conflicting with another device, you can attempt to change the conflicting device instead. The idea is to try and free up the specific IRQ channel for only the X-Fi card.
After changing the device IRQ, you MAY have to change various other resources (I/O Range, DMA, etc.) to enable the device to continue to function properly – I’m not going to get into the various wonders involved with correctly doing this and troubleshooting those changes, if you wish to experiment, feel free to . . . but heed the warning I posted at the beginning of this thread!
If you don’t have access to changing the device(s) IRQ, there isn’t much further you can go with this . . . one option is to uninstall the devices from Windows, re-boot, and hope Windows allocates the IRQ channels a little better. You can swap the components from one PCI slot to the next. Your next option is to change the OS HAL from ACPI to Standard (NOT RECOMMENDED!), which will require a re-install of Windows, or just attempt to do a clean Windows install by itself. If you do re-install Windows, upon initial boot up, follow the information I posted about a clean install of Windows.

12.) Hardware Acceleration disabled
Disabling Hardware acceleration can also cause audio clipping in certain programs. Make sure your hardware drivers are up to date, and if you are encountering problems with a specific game, make sure the game is patched to the most current version. Also, ensure that you are running the most current version of DirectX and OpenAL. To the best of my knowledge, audio hardware acceleration is disabled in Windows Vista (could a Vista/X-Fi owner please verify this for me?). In Windows XP, verify that hardware acceleration is enabled by going to Start>Settings>Control Panel>Sounds and Audio Devices; under 'Speaker Settings,' click "Advanced," in the new window that pops up, click the 'Performance' tab, and make sure the hardware acceleration slider is all the way to the right. If for some reason, the slider keeps being set all the way back to the left, there may be a hardware conflict, see below. In some programs, full acceleration has been known to cause audio clipping also, you may need to move the slider to the left one notch, if that proves unsuccessful, try two. Very rarely will turning off audio acceleration cure an audio clipping concern. You may also need to attempt to lower the playback quality in the same 'Performance' tab, and verify that playback resolution is set to 44kHz within the X-Fi Audio Console.

13.) Incorrect driver version for installed OS
If you notice various audio clipping or other odd issues after installing the update driver from Creative's website, or after updates from Windows/Microsoft Update have been installed, and if you are currently running Windows Media Center Edition 2004/2005, there is a possibility that the most current driver version, 2.09.0007, will not function correctly, leading to various issues, including audio clipping, loss of EAX and hardware acceleration, non-functional CMSS-3D (either won't work at all, or will produce audio clipping), and possibly other issues. Note: it is possible to have this driver installed on a MCE OS without your knowledge, as it is offered through Windows/Microsoft Update. It is listed under the hardware section, and you may have to go to MS Update, uncheck it and hide it so that there is no chance that it will be installed. Your best bet would be to just stick with the audio drivers supplied on the instalation CD. If you did install the updated drivers, rolling back the drivers in Windows Device Manager won't necessarily fix the condition, either - it will call for a clean install of the X-Fi drivers, see below for the procedure. If I notice an update has been posted by Creative specifically for MCE, I will post it in this thread.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



No EAX, OpenAL, or hardware acceleration

Some users may experience a lack of hardware accelaration with the X-Fi, which will also disable EAX and OpenAL compatibility on the card. Hardware acceleration can be verified by use of the DirectX Diagnostic tool (which is installed to the Windows/System/ folder, DxDiag.exe), or by going to Start>Settings>Control Panel>Sounds and Audio Devices - under 'Speaker Settings' click "advanced," click the 'Performance' tab, and verify the hardware acceleration slider is all the way to the right. To the best of my knowledge, Windows Vista does not support audio hardware accelration (could a Vista/X-Fi owner pleasy verify this for me?). First, make sure that your hardware drivers and motherboard BIOS are up to date. Also make sure that the most current version of DirectX and OpenAL are installed.

1.) USB hardware conflict
I still don't understand why this can be a cause of disabled hardware acceleration, I think it has something to do with the X-Fi's ability to interface with X-Fi USB devices, not 100% sure . . . In some instances, having a USB peripheral plugged in can disable the X-Fi's hardware acceleration capabilities, EAX functions, and/or OpenAL support. Certain products have been more well known at causing this condition, most specifically certain brands of gaming keyboards and optical mice. Certain brands of USB webcams can cause issues, also. Note, for this condition to occur, the device does not necessarilly have to be turned on, nor have drivers installed; just the fact of having the USB device plugged in can disable hardware acceleration. This is kind of a process of elimination if you suspect a USB device to be the cause (especially if the condition starts to occur after new USB hardware upgrades). First, remove all USB devices (if you're currently using a USB keyboard or mouse, you'll need to attach a PS2 or other non-USB peripheral) and boot the computer, then check if hardware acceleration is enabled and stays enabled. If so, power down, install one USB device, reboot and recheck. Keep repeating until you have no hardware acceleration after attaching a device. To fix this issue, first check if there are any updated drivers for your USB component. If you are currently up-to-date, you will need to remove the device drivers, and unplug the device. Then completely remove the X-Fi drivers {{{{remember to add how}}}}. Re-connect and re-install your USB device drivers, and then re-install the X-Fi drivers. If this doesn't fix the problem, unless you don't mind leaving the device unplugged when not in use, you may need to contact Creative's Tech Support for further assistance.

2.)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Audio static or other anomolies
If you experience what sounds like faint static, a whirring or whining type of noise that changes frequency and pitch, and isn't always loud enough to drown out the audio sample itself, it's possible that the X-Fi is picking up some form of electronic noise or radio noise, which for pure simplicity's sake I will refer to here as EMI.
Certain components (and especially older ones) can generate electronic noise that highly sensitive audio equipment can pick up on and which will manifest itself as some form of white noise over audio playback.
Also, some of the X-Fi audio clipping issues can sound very similar to EMI, if after attempting various soultions for the audio clipping issue without success, there could be an EMI issues instead.

Possible internal sources:
*A high powered, faulty or failing PSU - it's possible that a cheaply engineered and manufactured high-powered PSU can produce EMI. It's also possible for any PSU to produce EMI if it has become faulty or starting to fail. If possible, swap PSU's and if the noise is no longer present, you've found your culprit.
*VGA adapters - some VGA adapters have been known to produce a small amount of EMI, most likely with cheaply built units, or high-powered ones. Try to install the X-Fi in a slot furthest away from your VGA adapter, if the noise either sounds noticeably reduced or goes away, the VGA adapter is to blame. Either replace the unit, or contact the hardware manufacturer for a possible RMA.
*Wi-Fi adapters and routers - simply because of the very nature of their design. These devices operate by producing a certain RF signal which in and of itself is a form of EMI. These devices are more likely to potentially interfere with the X-Fi itself, or nearby speaker wire. Although the possibly of EMI is more prominent with cheaply made units, even reputable units could potentially cause problems. If you are using a PCI wireless adapter, attempt to install it and the X-Fi as far away from each other as possible. With speaker wire, either but shielded cable, or attempt to route wires away from these devices. If your Wi-Fi adapter makes use of an antenna and is attached to an expansion slot card by means of a cable, attempt to place the antenna as far away from the PC case as possible.
*Other system hardware; CPU, motherboard components, DC brush motor fans, HDDs - although at the bottom of the list, that doesn't mean they are to be ignored. Certain hardware components can produce enough EMI to be noticeable. High-clocked CPUs due to their higher operating frequencies. Specific motherboard components, usually the Northbridge chipset or Southbridge chipset. DC brush operated fans, especially cheaper units - the brush design generates a magnetic field as the motor operates. For the most part, cheaply manufactured components tend to be more of a problem. Attempt to install the X-Fi into a slot furthest away from suspected components

Outside EMI sources:
*Appliances - most home appliances can generate significant EMI, microwaves, blenders, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dish washers, garbage disposals . . . specifically, any appliance that utilizes some form of high powered motor to operate. If your PC is relatively close to a suspected appliance, attempt to set the PC up else where. If the EMI goes away, then you know the appliance was to blame. Also, if an appliance is generating enough EMI to be picked up inside the case by the X-Fi, that EMI signal could potentially be interfering with other components.
*Automobiles - why you would have a PC within a very short distance of a running automobile I couldn't imagine . . . but, newer automobiles generate massive amounts of EMI, especially motors that use some form of electronic fuel injection. The ignition coils under the hood of an automobile are capable of generating voltages anywhere between 10,000 - 80,000+ volts. These extreme operating voltages can generate an EMI signal that even the most impervious appliances could pick up on.
*Neighboring sources - if you live next to a power plant, a transformer park, broadcasting tower, sewage pump station, etc. you could be picking up EMI from these utilities. Not all that much you can do here . . . maybe you can try petitioning your local city/county to relocate their public utilities . . . or you can move further away . . . maybe mod an old 3' refrigerator to ecase your PC, but that will present cooling concerns . . . unless the refrigerator still works :D

Possible fixes for external EMI:
*Shield the system by use of the case - In it's basic form, the PC case in itself will act as an EMI ground, but can only do so when fully enclosed. Make sure the side panels are installed.
*By use of an antenna - this will look odd, though . . . go to an automotive junkyard or parts store, and find a vehicle antenna that is shielded (it will look like it has a wire wound around the antenna, usually under a black coating). Find a bolt or nut that fits the antenna's fastener from a hardware store, then drill a hole in the top of the case and install the antenna.
*By use of shielded cable - if you don't want to bork your case's good looks with an antenna, buy some shielded cable from a local electronics store (shielded speaker cable is alright), then string the cable along the inside of the case. It works best if you can use one continuous length of cable, running along the corners of the case - from the top to the motherboard side panel to the front panel to the bottom, etc. You can use tape or whatever suits you to attach the cable to the case itself. At the very end of the cable, expose the wires from the insulation, and attach them to the case by use of an already installed case screw (loosen the screw, wrap the wire around it and tighten - only one end of the cable need be grounded).



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Modding

Keep in mind that any direct physical modification to the hardware that is intended to, or does, change or alter the way in which the hardware was initially designed to operate will completely void any warranties. That being said, proceede with any modifications to the card at your own risk.


Cooling
Considering the power that the CA20K1 APU is capable of, cooling should be a primary concern. Most newer revision X-Fi cards come with a heatsink atop the APU, which is a good start. If your X-Fi does not have a heatsink on the APU, I fully recommend installing one! Not only will you prolong the life of the APU and further extend the life of the capcitors, the card will process better, and should lead to a very slight increase in audio quality.

For the APU, and decent chipset 40mmx40mm heatsink will do, preferably of the kind that uses thermal tape to affix it. There are no mounting holes near the APU for the kinds of heatsinks that use a "solid" mount. I also recommend using a copper heatsink over aluminum, as copper provides better EMI/RFI shielding qualities. Another decent recommendation, after making sure the heat sink is firmly attached, would be to install a 40mmx40mm fan as well.

Other PCB components I recommend adding a heat sink to: the DAC, ADC, OPAMPs, DRAM modules, and mosfets

For other PCB components, you can use mosfet style passive heat sinks (they're very tiny squares), and for the DRAM modules, you can use DRAM style passive heat sinks.


Front Panel Connectivity

Although not really modding, I thought I'd include it here. Unless you have a newer revision card which actually makes use of an AC97/Azalia style 10-pin terminal, you'll have to jump a couple of hurdles to have front panel support.

For starters, the X-Fi does have a front panel out connector, but it's proprietary and doesn't interface easily with other connectors . . . plus, information as to what each individual pin on the terminal goes to has been scarce. Thankfully, the X-Fi makes use of the same connector and pinout as the older Auidgy cards do.

The initial legwork has been already been taken care of by another user a long while back, and the information on how to add basic connectivity support for the Audigy cards can be found here: http://audigy2zshowto.blogspot.com/

To make use of the proprietary connector on the X-Fi without having to do some extensive soldering/modding, you'll need to purchase the following components from Digi-Key (http://www.digikey.com):
455-1127-1-ND - crimp style female wire terminals to fit the proprietary 10-pin connector
WM2522-ND - 10-pin AC97/Azalia style terminal header(if you want to make an "adapter" style cable similar to the one in the link above)
WM2515-ND - crimp style male wire terminals to fit the AC97/Azalia style terminal header (if you want to make an "adapter" style cable similar to the one in the link above)
455-1151-ND - 10-pin proprietary style connector to fit the 10-pin header on the X-Fi


This is the pinout legend for the 10-pin proprietary connector:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 - Analog ground
2 - Left out
3 - Audio backpanel mute (grounded with headphone jack plugged in - I think this is Left Return)
4 - Right out
5 - same as pin 3 (I think this is Right return)
6 - Mic In from front panel
7 - no pin
8 - VREF Mic out (voltage reference for mic)
9 - Mic In mute (ground when mic isn't plugged in, +12V with mic plugged in)
10 - Audio Detect (ground when headphones plugged in, not normally used)


As I mentioned, the X-Fi uses the same exact setup as the Audigy . . . but what if you want further HD support and connectivity? As best I can tell and have tested with my card, this setup will work:
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/3922/fppinoutco0.jpg
http://img.techpowerup.org/080202/hd.jpg

The connector representing the terminal on the card is number from 1-10; I wrote the legend so that all one needs to do is remove the wire from your AC97/Azalia connector, and insert them into the new 10-pin connector in the order listed.

As I've tested with my card, I have full HD support through the front panel, and the card will also mute rear output when a jack is inserted. The only capability that I don't seem to have, is that of the audio console changing speaker settings to "headphones" . . . I think this might only be supported with use of the X-Fi 5.25" bay front panel.


EMI/RFI Shielding

comming soon


Capacitor, OPAMP and other PCB component upgrading

comming soon



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



XSS Members:




imperialreign
malware
btarunr
Morgoth
thegave
department76
Ninkobwi
happita
Davidelmo
Craigleberry
Shadowfold
ElementImage
Kursah
hbkl
DaveK
Mussels
_jm
pabloc74
Cold Storm
CyberDruid
randomflip

[tigger]

hello,i have a x-fi extreme music card.i'm running vista 32bit,and it seems fine really.at least there is somewere on here that i can post specifically if i do have problems tho'.so thanks for that.

[imperialreign]

no prob, man - I'm more than willing to try and help out if something pops up :toast:

[tkpenalty]

did you type that yourself?

[mitsirfishi]

was it a copy and paste job ? and just did a few little edits of bold ect ect.

[Random Murderer]

thank you, imperial. i do not own an x-fi card, nor do i ever plan to own another creative product, but this 'service' you're providing is definitely worth a thanks.

[imperialreign]

did you type that yourself?

yeah, and I still have quite a bit more to go . . . it's still a bit of a work in progress.

was it a copy and paste job ? and just did a few little edits of bold ect ect.

I typed it in Wordpad, then edited it here.

[malware]

Hi, I also use Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic retail, count me in the club.
Also today I repaired my Creative T7900 remote control, I can upload pictures with the simple repair guide later. Creative T7900 is known for its remote problems and bass disappearance, I think I'm on the right way to find an easy solution to fix that.
Tonight I'm going to repeat what I've done to my own speakers with another broken set...and if it works, I'll post the solution here.

[imperialreign]

Tonight I'm going to repeat what I've done to my own speakers with another broken set...and if it works, I'll post the solution here.

That would defi be awesome - it's the same remote that comes with the I/O Console, correct?

[malware]

That would defi be awesome - it's the same remote that comes with the I/O Console, correct?

Nope, I'm talking about this set and this wired remote:

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/4803/artt7900pdtiy5.th.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=artt7900pdtiy5.jpg)

The problem is, that the second system I tried to repair had other issues which didn't occur while I was testing (strange)...so I'll reserve my final judgement till I'm sure where the problem is. My set works fine.

If somebody has problems with the T7900 wired remote can contact me at any time.

[imperialreign]

Nope, I'm talking about this set and this wired remote:

I see, sorry, I just assumed it was the I/O remote :o

BTW, I've always been curious - how much better is the Creative 7.1 speaker set compared to some other similarly (and higher) priced setups? I've heard they're defi worth the money, and they easily stand up to their competition, but there are a ton of highly reputable companies offering 7.1 combos for the same price, if not a whole lot more.

[malware]

Don't know about other sets, but this particular model T7900 does not perform very well, but it's OK for daily movie/games use until you listen to music. Listening to music on this set is just not right...something's missing, although they have good bass.
Talking about Creative S750 is another story...they sound great.

[imperialreign]

Hmmm . . . big difference in peak wattage, there, too - between the 92W of the 7900 and 700W of the S750. I'd honestly imagine a night and day difference between the two based on those specs alone.

Although, I'd really like to hear them for myself, but all the shops around here only carry the 5.1 Inspire systems, cause no walk in customer in their right mind is willing to spend $500+ on a speaker setup.

I was just curious how they might stand up to Sony's products or Pioneer's. Even though Pioneer doesn't offer a 5.1 or 7.1 package, you can easily buy a couple sets of their bookshelf speakers pairs, the middle channel and a subwoofer that will be in the same price range as the S750. Honestly, between Sony and Pioneer, I find Pioneer's products to be clearer and offer a more dynamic range, plus a bit cheaper than Sony's. If you ever get a chance, take a listen to the sound quality of just 1 pair of Pioneer's bookshelf speakers sound :twitch:


Oh, BTW anyone else reading this, I still plan on adding more to the main post - just been busy and lethargic the last couple of days . . .

[btarunr]

Hey.
I've got an Xtreme Gamer card, this one has the front-panel audio header. However this is of the Intel Azalia HD Audio spec that Creative claims to be incompatible with standard AC97 front-panel headers. My chasis has an AC97 front-panel header. Is there a way I can mod to make my FP work?

http://193.95.171.83/wwimages/audio_int/xfi/xfi_extremeaudio_frontpanel2a.JPG


For your convenience, I'm sending the pin assignments of both HDA and AC97.

1. For Intel Azalia HD (that's on my card)

http://193.95.171.83/wwimages/audio_int/xfi/xfi_extremeaudio_frontpanel1.JPG





Thanks for this clubhouse, we needed it. :rockout:

[malware]

btarunr this might help you: http://www.driverheaven.net/audio-general-technical-discussion/51505-soundblaster-live-audigy-1-2-x-fi-pinouts.html

[btarunr]

btarunr this might help you: http://www.driverheaven.net/audio-general-technical-discussion/51505-soundblaster-live-audigy-1-2-x-fi-pinouts.html

But this page doesn't have the pinouts for the FP_Aud that the Xtreme Gamer card has. Secondly all I want is to know where to plug my case's AC97 pins into the card's HDA Front-panel header so as to make my front-panel work.

[imperialreign]

For your convenience, I'm sending the pin assignments of both HDA and AC97.

1. For Intel Azalia HD (that's on my card)


I hadn't realized any of the X-Fi's were utilizing Azalia's pinout!

Anyhow, just to make sure I understand you correctly . . . your case has connectors for either AC97 or HDA, correct?

Your X-Fi uses an Azalia pinout (like the pinout diagram you pictured), not a straight 10-pin connector?

Just wanting to make sure, as I didn't know that any of the X-Fi's were shipped with the 8-pin azalia pinout.

If so . . . if your case has an AC97/HDA connector, and your X-Fi has an 8-pin Azalia pin configuration, Creative's claims are a big neg-a-tory:

Intel High Definition Audio "Azalia" (http://http://www.intel.com/standards/hdaudio/)

and the pinouts for AC97 and Azalia, which Intel claims are pin-compatible:

Front Audio Panel pinouts (http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-015851.htm)

so, therefore, you can plug an AC97 connector into an Azalia pinout, or plug an HDA (Azalia) connector in to an AC97 pinout and they should work. If not, you might have to do some wire swapping in the connector - just make sure to draw a diagram and label what color wires go to which slot before you remove any of them.

[btarunr]

I hadn't realized any of the X-Fi's were utilizing Azalia's pinout!

Anyhow, just to make sure I understand you correctly . . . your case has connectors for either AC97 or HDA, correct?

Your X-Fi uses an Azalia pinout (like the pinout diagram you pictured), not a straight 10-pin connector?

Just wanting to make sure, as I didn't know that any of the X-Fi's were shipped with the 8-pin azalia pinout.

If so . . . if your case has an AC97/HDA connector, and your X-Fi has an 8-pin Azalia pin configuration, Creative's claims are a big neg-a-tory:

Intel High Definition Audio "Azalia" (http://http://www.intel.com/standards/hdaudio/)

and the pinouts for AC97 and Azalia, which Intel claims are pin-compatible:

Front Audio Panel pinouts (http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/cs-015851.htm)

so, therefore, you can plug an AC97 connector into an Azalia pinout, or plug an HDA (Azalia) connector in to an AC97 pinout and they should work. If not, you might have to do some wire swapping in the connector - just make sure to draw a diagram and label what color wires go to which slot before you remove any of them.

Thanks man, well the following cards use Azalia's pinouts:

SB07xx - Xtreme Gamer PCI, Xtreme Audio PCI, Xtreme Audio PCIe

Intel Azalia pinouts are identical to the HDA pin layout. My system-case has a AC97 pin-set and I want to mod this to work with my card's Azalia pin-set.

Take a look at these pics:

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-006-04.jpg

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-006-03.jpg

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-016-04.jpg

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-007-03.jpg

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-007-04.jpg

[imperialreign]

those must be newer revision cards, the Xtreme Gamer's I've seen don't have the Azalia pinout. I guess that must be following on the heels of the OEM X-Fis Creative have been producing for Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.

I also hadn't realized they've gone to production with a PCI-E interface, nice to see, though, another hardware component that will make use of those near-worthless x1 slots :)

Alright, then, you can plug an AC97 connector into the Azalia HD pinout, they both use they same pin configuration. Some AC97 front panel connections will interface with the Azalia pinout 100% and have full capability, some won't.

so, then, your case doesn't have a second connector for HDA? Just curious cause I'm running a Cooler Master Mystique, and the front panel harness has a connector for AC97, another for Azalia, and also every pin seperate for other configurations.

But, yeah, even though the pinouts are labeled differently on Intel's page (the one I referenced), the harness wires themselves still go to the same components in the same manner. i.e. pin1 is MIC_IN_L, pin2 is AUD_GND, pin3 MIC_IN_R, pin4 AUD_GND/SENSE, pin5 R_OUT, pin6 R_RETURN, pin7 AUD_SENSE, pin8 KEY (no wire), pin9 L_OUT, pin10 L_RETURN

now . . . if Creative decided to use the same pinout setup for the Azalia style connector that they've used with the proprietary 10-pin straight connector on the Fatal1ty and Platinums, that's an entirelly different configuration.

If you haven't done so already, try plugging in the AC97 (if you do have one labeled Azalia or HD Audio use that one instead) connector that would normally go to the mobo into the X-Fi. If you don't have any functions with that connector, it's quite possible it's using a Creative setup which may have a different pin configuration. I might be able to figure that out, if it is . . .

[btarunr]

those must be newer revision cards, the Xtreme Gamer's I've seen don't have the Azalia pinout. I guess that must be following on the heels of the OEM X-Fis Creative have been producing for Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.

I also hadn't realized they've gone to production with a PCI-E interface, nice to see, though, another hardware component that will make use of those near-worthless x1 slots :)

Alright, then, you can plug an AC97 connector into the Azalia HD pinout, they both use they same pin configuration. Some AC97 front panel connections will interface with the Azalia pinout 100% and have full capability, some won't.

so, then, your case doesn't have a second connector for HDA? Just curious cause I'm running a Cooler Master Mystique, and the front panel harness has a connector for AC97, another for Azalia, and also every pin seperate for other configurations.

.


We're now in the same transition phase we were 13 years ago, of that between ISA and PCI busses. We'll see more cards soon. To make things tempting, Creative priced the PCIe X-Fi Xtreme Audio at an OEM price of $31 and Retail $39 ~ $45. But it doesn't have the XFi CA20K processing unit, but uses a Audigy core with bus-translation logic that translates PCIe to PCI for the core. So there really isn't a gain anywhere. Just that today's motherboards have more PCIe slots than PCI and so more people are dropping the idea of buying a sound-card and sticking to onboard audio, the el-cheapo Realteks, ADIs, CMIs etc. So this one way to woo them.

Did you notice the optical out and Co-axial SPDIF outs on the PCIe card? First time for Creative to do that "on" a card without a dumb header.

My case dates back to early 2005 when CoolerMaster didn't really make cases with HDA pins. I love that case as it always stood lucky for my lan-parties. Just upgraded the whole thing step by step. Older card was an Audigy ZS that broke due to a burnt capacitor somewhere. There're no service-centres for an Audigy here in India. So Xtreme Gamer it is. Does this forum cover Auzentech XFi Prelude as well? Becase that's going to be my next card......all solid-state capacitors and an AWESOME set of OPAMPs and Asaki-Kasei Japanese DACs.

You must agree that Japanese analog components far exceed Taiwanese, quality-wise.

Ready to drool?

http://techgage.com/reviews/auzentech/xfi_prelude/auzentech_xfiprelude_09.jpg

http://techgage.com/reviews/auzentech/xfi_prelude/auzentech_xfiprelude_11_thumb.jpg


And ofcourse, do you see the Azalia header next to the CD/Aux_in ? :laugh:

[imperialreign]

I'm still amazed that Creative has gone and put Azalia pinouts on the new cards - damn, I wish mine had one! Those pics are of the Auzenetech, right? I find it curious that the card is packing that much onboard firepower, but lacks the X-RAM module, esepcially considering that Creative haven't scrapped that idea yet.

I completely agree tha Japanese components far excede the Tiawanese components, especially the capacitors. IIRC, the first gen X-Fi's had a problem with the capacitors literally blowing up after a few months. After they went to better caps, it wasn't a problem. If you want even better quality sound out of the card, you can replace all the caps with even higher end models - something I might cover when I do a "mod" section.

We're now in the same transition phase we were 13 years ago, of that between ISA and PCI busses. We'll see more cards soon. To make things tempting, Creative priced the PCIe X-Fi Xtreme Audio at an OEM price of $31 and Retail $39 ~ $45. But it doesn't have the XFi CA20K processing unit, but uses a Audigy core with bus-translation logic that translates PCIe to PCI for the core. So there really isn't a gain anywhere. Just that today's motherboards have more PCIe slots than PCI and so more people are dropping the idea of buying a sound-card and sticking to onboard audio, the el-cheapo Realteks, ADIs, CMIs etc. So this one way to woo them.


I think Creative using the old Audigy APU is simply for first gen testing. Given enough time they'll start slapping the X-Fi APUs back on the cards, and prob up the performance of the card even more. Still, I'm glad to see someone is finding a use for those x1 slots - it seems ever mobo has at least one, positioned where it just is a waste of space (like, for instance, on my mobo, there's an x1 slot right above the primary x16 - it'll never be used). I dont ever really see Creative building on the x16 platform, but ya never know sometimes . . .

Onboard audio is generally tripe. Realtek has been busted before for sub-par HD capabilities, and most ever onboard chipset suffers from noise interference, especially with the addition of a high-end GPU. Creative even has their own "X-Fi" chipset for certain manufacturers now, too - although, IMO, it can't be called X-Fi without the APU, y'know?

Does this forum cover Auzentech XFi Prelude as well? Becase that's going to be my next card......all solid-state capacitors and an AWESOME set of OPAMPs and Asaki-Kasei Japanese DACs.

I'm guessing so - I don't know as much about these cards, except for the fact that they're using the X-Fi APU and utilitize the same style memory ring hub as Creative's cards (due to the processing architecture of the X-Fi APU, they don't have much of a choice here); so, I figure the cards will probably still run into very similar problems that the Creative cards encounter, although, hopefully not as often or as severe.

So, have you been able to get your front panel to work yet? If not, what exact Centurion model is it, I'll try to look up your cases front panel pins and see how they match up . . .

[btarunr]

I'm still amazed that Creative has gone and put Azalia pinouts on the new cards - damn, I wish mine had one! Those pics are of the Auzenetech, right? I find it curious that the card is packing that much onboard firepower, but lacks the X-RAM module, esepcially considering that Creative haven't scrapped that idea yet.

No, the Auzentech XFi Prelude does have the 64 MiB X-RAM do you see those Micron Technology 256 Mb banks next to the CA 20K1?



I think Creative using the old Audigy APU is simply for first gen testing. Given enough time they'll start slapping the X-Fi APUs back on the cards, and prob up the performance of the card even more. Still, I'm glad to see someone is finding a use for those x1 slots - it seems ever mobo has at least one, positioned where it just is a waste of space (like, for instance, on my mobo, there's an x1 slot right above the primary x16 - it'll never be used). I dont ever really see Creative building on the x16 platform, but ya never know sometimes . . .

No they're not using the Audigy APU (EMU 10K1) in that PCIE version, it's the same chip they used in the Audigy SE cards, which is a host-signal-processing chipset, not an audio processor, it depends on the system's CPU to do its audio processing jobs. So since the chipset was designed for PCI, they just added a BTL (bus translation logic). Yeah, some mobos from MSI feature a "XFi Audio" well actually this is a gimmick. On your card, you will see a small square chip from Cirrus Logic, that's the DAC. Now this tiny chip draws its processing from the CA 20K1 processor. But, the chip itself is Intel HDA bus compatible, so it could work with the Intel southbridge chips' HDA bus, much like how those ALC850, ADI 1885 chips work. Now, this chip has no driver developed by Cirrus Logic and so depends on the Creative's driver and hence also comes with all the XFi dsps.


I'm guessing so - I don't know as much about these cards, except for the fact that they're using the X-Fi APU and utilitize the same style memory ring hub as Creative's cards (due to the processing architecture of the X-Fi APU, they don't have much of a choice here); so, I figure the cards will probably still run into very similar problems that the Creative cards encounter, although, hopefully not as often or as severe.

Well, the XFi prelude at the outset, is a better card for audiophiles than gamers. Factoid: The XFi Xtreme Gamer line of cards perform better in games than the Elite Pro. Reason: too much circuitry increases latency. And in the same way, Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty professional outperforms the XFi Prelude. But the audio quality of the Auzen's card far exceeds any card ever made by creative, thanks to the God-grade analog circuity. And coupled with the Auzentech X-Tension DIN card, this card has more capabilities than the external module of the Elite Pro. The XFi prelude has a 116 dB SNR, beyond the original XFi specs. None of the Blue-cards you see in the pics above have the XFi APUs. Creative claims than any product that supports the XFi Crystalizer and CMSS 3D be deemed an XFi product. Did you know, Creative makes an XFi noise-cancelling headphone called the Creative Aurvana XFi (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=437&subcategory=439&product=16975) ?

Yeah, I'm working out a mod based on the pinouts you gave me.

...and I'm looking fwd eagerly for your capacitor mod. Please do a capacitor mod for the Audigy ZS too, If I had a PCB map of the Audigy, I'd have replaced the burnt cap long back.

[imperialreign]

No, the Auzentech XFi Prelude does have the 64 MiB X-RAM do you see those Micron Technology 256 Mb banks next to the CA 20K1?

yeah, I noticed that. But, X-RAM is a different module on the cards, it's a 64MB chip - not the 256 Mb chips that all the cards have, those memory modules are to help out the buffers and filters more than anything else. The X-RAM itself is for onboard audio file storage should a game support it. I'll see if I can take the cover off the mem module on my card and snap a pic of it tomorrow . . .

I will say, though, that most of the cards I've seen only have one 256 Mb chip (even my high-end Creative). Two of them buggars should really help the processor out and cut back on the card's BUS over-dependancy. By the looks of them, I really don't think they'd ever have any problems what so ever, as long as Creative supplies them with non-faulty drivers.

Yeah, some mobos from MSI feature a "XFi Audio" well actually this is a gimmick. On your card, you will see a small square chip from Cirrus Logic, that's the DAC. Now this tiny chip draws its processing from the CA 20K1 processor. But, the chip itself is Intel HDA bus compatible, so it could work with the Intel southbridge chips' HDA bus, much like how those ALC850, ADI 1885 chips work. Now, this chip has no driver developed by Cirrus Logic and so depends on the Creative's driver and hence also comes with all the XFi dsps.


so the "X-Fi" mobos are really just using the DAC? :laugh: The brilliance of marketing!

Well, the XFi prelude at the outset, is a better card for audiophiles than gamers. Factoid: The XFi Xtreme Gamer line of cards perform better in games than the Elite Pro. Reason: too much circuitry increases latency. And in the same way, Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty professional outperforms the XFi Prelude. But the audio quality of the Auzen's card far exceeds any card ever made by creative, thanks to the God-grade analog circuity. And coupled with the Auzentech X-Tension DIN card, this card has more capabilities than the external module of the Elite Pro. The XFi prelude has a 116 dB SNR, beyond the original XFi specs. None of the Blue-cards you see in the pics above have the XFi APUs. Creative claims than any product that supports the XFi Crystalizer and CMSS 3D be deemed an XFi product.

I agree, Creative has gone full overboard with their marketing approach for the X-Fi's, which has left many people just broadsided by the equipments actual capabilities. The lower end cards are farily weak (except for the XG), and I've tended to recommend to people to either grab an XG, or if you're willing to spend the extra $80, an Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro (I think they just call it the Fatal1ty at this point). The XGFP is the head of the Creative line-up, and offers the best performance of the bunch, all the while packing 136db SNR and capable of handling up to 128 voices simultaneously - although, within Doom3 and Quake4, using the console, I've seen upwards of 160 seperate voice files loaded with no clipping.

But, you can't get that same power with the XG, XM, or the XA, there's a major difference in card architecture. The next closest in Creative's lineup is the XG (which for some reason surprises a lot of people).

But, I defi know the Auzens are much better cards, but they can be quite a bit pricey, and no one within this region where I live carries them. Again, part of the reason I recommend to people here to just grab an XGFP, $150 on the shelf, and audio is competitive with Auzens lower-end cards. Most people won't hear any difference past this anyhow with their hoards of mp3's and youtube streams . . .

and defi on the caps mod - soon as I can get around to it and purchase all the caps I need to swap them all out - there's a friggin ton on my card.

[btarunr]

yeah, I noticed that. But, X-RAM is a different module on the cards, it's a 64MB chip - not the 256 Mb chips that all the cards have, those memory modules are to help out the buffers and filters more than anything else. The X-RAM itself is for onboard audio file storage should a game support it. I'll see if I can take the cover off the mem module on my card and snap a pic of it tomorrow . . .

I will say, though, that most of the cards I've seen only have one 256 Mb chip (even my high-end Creative). Two of them buggars should really help the processor out and cut back on the card's BUS over-dependancy. By the looks of them, I really don't think they'd ever have any problems what so ever, as long as Creative supplies them with non-faulty drivers.



so the "X-Fi" mobos are really just using the DAC? :laugh: The brilliance of marketing!



I agree, Creative has gone full overboard with their marketing approach for the X-Fi's, which has left many people just broadsided by the equipments actual capabilities. The lower end cards are farily weak (except for the XG), and I've tended to recommend to people to either grab an XG, or if you're willing to spend the extra $80, an Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro (I think they just call it the Fatal1ty at this point). The XGFP is the head of the Creative line-up, and offers the best performance of the bunch, all the while packing 136db SNR and capable of handling up to 128 voices simultaneously - although, within Doom3 and Quake4, using the console, I've seen upwards of 160 seperate voice files loaded with no clipping.

But, I defi know the Auzens are much better cards, but they can be quite a bit pricey, and no one within this region where I live carries them. Again, part of the reason I recommend to people here to just grab an XGFP, $150 on the shelf, and audio is competitive with Auzens lower-end cards. Most people won't hear any difference past this anyhow with their hoards of mp3's and youtube streams . . .

and defi on the caps mod - soon as I can get around to it and purchase all the caps I need to swap them all out - there's a friggin ton on my card.

First off, 256 Mb is 32 MB. And every XFi Card that has the X-RAM tag comes with two of these banks including the Elite Pro.

The Elite Pro and XG FP have different PCB layouts. and the Elite Pro has two memory banks, one on each side of the PCB. Here, take a look at this babe, an Elite Pro:

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-015-09.jpg

And here's the back side:

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-015-10.jpg

Do you notice a 256 Mb bank above the sticker?

Now compare this PCB with that of your card, where both the banks sit beside the APU:

http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/29-102-014-06.jpg

And there's nothing on the back side.

Yeah, you're right, Auzen cards cost an arm especially in a third-world nation like mine and I'm saving for one. Just love that card.

[imperialreign]

sorry bout that, you're right on the X-RAM - that's what I get for debating something while drinking heavily! :laugh: I had just gotten confused on it . . .

Although, my card only has the one Micron chip right above the APU (sorry bout the poor image quality):

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9937/xfizv3.jpg

there's nothing on the backside of the card at all. Y'know, makes me wonder . . . cause my card would have to have two of those chips to equal the advertised 64MB on the box - I think I'll have to pull the card out sometime today and look up the mem number on it. Eventhough Creative says the onboard DRAM is only used for file storage in games that support it, that memory is used heavily by the APU when buffering voice files . . .

I tell ya it's hard to keep up with the new X-Fi revisions, seeing as how Creative tends to re-invent the PCB's and the lineup near about twice a year at this point.

Oh, did you want me to add you to the member list here?

[btarunr]

Jeez...yours is SB046X rev 2U PCB. I really don't know if that single bank that your card has, is 512 Mb (64 MB). Yours looks to be MT. Only three vendors sell memory banks to CT today: MT (Micron Technology), Samsung, Hynix Hyundai. If there's something that looks like a mt (greek "mu" t) it has to be Micron Tech.

Send me its string (whatever is printed on the chip) and I'll tell you if its the expected 512 Mb.

On the back side of the PCB do you notice an unoccupied memory bank place-holder above the batch info sticker?

Yeah, add me as a member. I can solve problems as well.

The PCB your card has is exotic for the North American region, it's made by Creative's Singapore homebase for the Koren, Aussie and Japanese markets. Wonder how it got there. Decades later you could put it up in your living-room in a laminated shelf as an awesome show-piece. I did that that to my 1996 Creative Ensoniq ES1730 PCI card (all Japanese/American components, 0% Taiwan). :laugh:

[imperialreign]

The PCB your card has is exotic for the North American region, it's made by Creative's Singapore homebase for the Koren, Aussie and Japanese markets. Wonder how it got there. Decades later you could put it up in your living-room in a laminated shelf as an awesome show-piece. I did that that to my 1996 Creative Ensoniq ES1730 PCI card (all Japanese/American components, 0% Taiwan).

:laugh: I had an Ensoniq, too - still layin around here somewhere, along with my old SB cards. I've just about had the whole lineup: Sound Blaster 2.0, Sound Blaster Pro, Sound Blaster Pro 16, Sound Blaster AWE32 and a Sound Blaster Live! I've considered, every now and then, to clean 'em up really well and build a shadow box for them.

(I also considered doing this for my 3DFx VooDoo3 3000 PCI)

Yeah, add me as a member. I can solve problems as well.

Done, and glad to have the help, too :toast:

Send me its string (whatever is printed on the chip) and I'll tell you if its the expected 512 Mb.

yeah, it's the Micron 512 - MT 48LC32M16A2 - 8x16x4; and no, there isn't any unused mem socket on the back of the card. The card is a completely different breed for the US market, even the Xtreme Audio card which has the same PCB dimensions and a similar look is different in architecture. The XGFP is built for pure audio firepower, it's just that the quality of some of the caps is sub-par (Jamicons, which have been known for going thermo nuclear on these cards). Granted, the XGFP can readily compete with Auzens lower end cards without too much of a hassel, but if one was to swap out the caps for higher quality components . . . :D

[btarunr]

yeah, it's the Micron 512 - MT 48LC32M16A2 - 8x16x4; and no, there isn't any unused mem socket on the back of the card. The card is a completely different breed for the US market, even the Xtreme Audio card which has the same PCB dimensions and a similar look is different in architecture. The XGFP is built for pure audio firepower, it's just that the quality of some of the caps is sub-par (Jamicons, which have been known for going thermo nuclear on these cards). Granted, the XGFP can readily compete with Auzens lower end cards without too much of a hassel, but if one was to swap out the caps for higher quality components . . . :D

Right, the MT 48LC32M16A2 is a 512Mb bank.

Here's how to find out, for the MT chips -- 48LCxMyA2 : x*y=z where z is the capacity in megabits z/8 = capacity in megabytes.

So, for your chip, that'll be 32*16=512. 512/8 = 64.

I need better capacitors badly since the place I live is very hot. The CA 20K1 is an absolute toaster, at full-load processing for EAX4 HD in Doom 3 for 30 minutes, the temp. for the APU goes upto 54 C. I'm working on a heatpipe mod once I buy the Auzen XFi prelude. This XG I'm using now will become my toy then, and on it, I can work out all my capacitor and heatpipe mods.

[imperialreign]

Right, the MT 48LC32M16A2 is a 512Mb bank.

Here's how to find out, for the MT chips -- 48LCxMyA2 : x*y=z where z is the capacity in megabits z/8 = capacity in megabytes.

So, for your chip, that'll be 32*16=512. 512/8 = 64.


Thanks! I'll have to remember that seeing as how there's a ton of hardware that use MT components.

I need better capacitors badly since the place I live is very hot. The CA 20K1 is an absolute toaster, at full-load processing for EAX4 HD in Doom 3 for 30 minutes, the temp. for the APU goes upto 54 C. I'm working on a heatpipe mod once I buy the Auzen XFi prelude. This XG I'm using now will become by toy then, and on it, I can work out all my capacitor and heatpipe mods.

I'm interested in hearing how the heat pipe mod works out for you, and what all is involved with doing that. If your card has a heatsink over the APU, you can attach a 40mm chipset fan . . . although, the fan is a bit larger than the heatsink itself. I'm still working on trying to remove the stock heatsink from the APU on mine - I think they used some form of thermal epoxy on it, as I just can't break it at all - rubbing alcohol and the use of an old credit card just can't loosen it, and I'm leary about using any stronger cleaner . . . acetone would destory the PCB, brakekleen could do so also . . . anyhow, once I get the buggar off, I plan on installing a 100% copper NSB cooler on it, and a 40m fan - I would just need to fashion some form of retention mechanism for the heatsink.

If you're looking to replace your caps, this is a "guide" I ran across that I plan on somewhat following:

x-fi cap replacement (http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:wIGrtuRqWlMJ:forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message%3Fboard.id%3Dsoundblaster%26message.id%3D1 02568+replace+x-fi+capacitors&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us)

if nothing else, it at least names high quality components to use - there are so many various component manufacturers, y'know? But, I've done PCB repair before, so I'm not at all worried about damaging the card . . . not sure when I'll get to this, though . . . if nothing else, you should at least get the Jamicons off the card - especially if you live in a warm climate.

[btarunr]

Thanks! I'll have to remember that seeing as how there's a ton of hardware that use MT components.



I'm interested in hearing how the heat pipe mod works out for you, and what all is involved with doing that. If your card has a heatsink over the APU, you can attach a 40mm chipset fan . . . although, the fan is a bit larger than the heatsink itself. I'm still working on trying to remove the stock heatsink from the APU on mine - I think they used some form of thermal epoxy on it, as I just can't break it at all - rubbing alcohol and the use of an old credit card just can't loosen it, and I'm leary about using any stronger cleaner . . . acetone would destory the PCB, brakekleen could do so also . . . anyhow, once I get the buggar off, I plan on installing a 100% copper NSB cooler on it, and a 40m fan - I would just need to fashion some form of retention mechanism for the heatsink.

If you're looking to replace your caps, this is a "guide" I ran across that I plan on somewhat following:

x-fi cap replacement (http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:wIGrtuRqWlMJ:forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message%3Fboard.id%3Dsoundblaster%26message.id%3D1 02568+replace+x-fi+capacitors&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us)

if nothing else, it at least names high quality components to use - there are so many various component manufacturers, y'know? But, I've done PCB repair before, so I'm not at all worried about damaging the card . . . not sure when I'll get to this, though . . . if nothing else, you should at least get the Jamicons off the card - especially if you live in a warm climate.

:eek: Dude! don't try to remove the heatsink off the PCB. That'll rip the chip off the board!!!
The CA 20K1 is soldered to the PCB using its weak ball-grid-array and the the conductive material between the chip and the heatsink is NOT a paste or gel by nature, rather a ceramic-silicone polymer that acts like quick-setting cement between two surfaces and is hard and the ceramic component of it acts as the thermal conductor. This material is a strong adhesive. So never attempt to pluck it off the chip!!!!

Here's what I have in plan: I'm using the same silicone-ceramic adhesive to fill each and every groove of the top side of the heatsink and using a mold made from match-boxes making a 12mm*12mm*4mm cuboid block in which during its semi-solid state, I'll dip two Al heatpipes, and keep it inside for the "cement" to set. After which the other end of the pipes will either go into a radiator the size of a deck of cards or I'll use a fusion block to connect a liquid cooler system. This trick will step-down the temp by upto 30 C. I'll make the radiator from the fins of one of our broken air-conditioner lying in the backyard. pipes come from Al suit hangers. And the thermal-cement come from Arctic Silver. And the whole assembly won't be suspended at the mercy of the chip's soldering with the PCB but I'm also working on a clip-clasp assembly that'll sling the thing onto the PCB like tiny bench-presses. I'll wire a pic once I make it, don't worry.
:rockout:

[imperialreign]

Dude! don't try to remove the heatsink off the PCB. That'll rip the chip off the board!!!
The CA 20K1 is soldered to the PCB using its weak ball-grid-array and the the conductive material between the chip and the heatsink is NOT a paste or gel by nature, rather a ceramic-silicone polymer that acts like quick-setting cement between two surfaces and is hard and the ceramic component of it acts as the thermal conductor. This material is a strong adhesive. So never attempt to pluck it off the chip!!!!

Yeah, I had noticed the APU didn't look all that wonderfully attached, wich is why I didn't dare even think about doing any prying to the hsink. The TIM has that distinctive greyish color of a form of epoxy or cement. Some can be defeated though, but this stuff can't. I was getting it soaked with some 90% rubbing alcohol, and then using an old credit card to 'saw' through the stuff, but it didn't do anything at all. Which is why I've about given up on it. Strong adhesive is an understatement. I have chemicals at work that will eat right through any epoxy - but they're meant for working on cars! That stuff would destroy a PCB.

It woulda been nice to have a card without a heatsink, which woulda given me the option of installing whatever I want . . .

Here's what I have in plan: I'm using the same silicone-ceramic adhesive to fill each and every groove of the top side of the heatsink and using a mold made from match-boxes making a 12mm*12mm*4mm cuboid block in which during its semi-solid state, I'll dip two Al heatpipes, and keep it inside for the "cement" to set. After which the other end of the pipes will either go into a radiator the size of a deck of cards or I'll use a fusion block to connect a liquid cooler system. This trick will step-down the temp by upto 30 C. I'll make the radiator from the fins of one of our broken air-conditioner lying in the backyard. pipes come from Al suit hangers. And the thermal-cement come from Arctic Silver. And the whole assembly won't be suspended at the mercy of the chip's soldering with the PCB but I'm also working on a clip-clasp assembly that'll sling the thing onto the PCB like tiny bench-presses. I'll wire a pic once I make it, don't worry.


yeah, I defi want to see that. I've got some other ideas for the stock heatsink seeing as how I've given up on removing it, I just got to think it over some more . . .

[btarunr]

It woulda been nice to have a card without a heatsink, which woulda given me the option of installing whatever I want . . .


No, thank God they put that heatsink. You already know that the first few batches of the XFi series didn't come with the heatsink and many cards from those batches had blown capacitors?
You know, that increase in temperature increases resistivity for conductors but decreases resistivity for semiconductors, right?

Now the CA 20K1 would soar to 57' c when doing multi-channel EAX HD processing in an ambient temperature of 20' c. And at 57 degrees, the conductor-part of the chip steps up resistance while the semiconductor part (internal micro-resistors, micro capacitors wheatstone/dhrystone bridges, etc) decrease resistance....which means the chip at that temperature becomes more "power-hungry". But all through the BGA, the PCB's wiring and the capacitors and clock-generators outside won't be able to meet the demand because their resistance just stepped up due to increase in temp. within a highly limited thermal envelope. So hence, many electrolytic caps "blow-up".....leak. Because more temperature = more power = clock-generator increasing capacitor discharge frequency = capacitors going bust eventually.

So by adding the heatsink + TIM that steps up mfg cost by hardly a dollar, the CA 20K1 stays at a calculated lower temperature that'd keep other components safe enough.

Sure, we've modders, enthusiasts and nerds leaking in TPU Forums but not every common-man who's a audiophile with a Xtreme Music or a musician with an Elite Pro or a wanna-be teen gamer with an Xtreme Gamer would know much about cooling a sound-card's chipset, had the cards come without a heatsink. They'd use it just the way they're meant to be used, like any ordinary electronics consumer. After all, who would've imagined a couple of years ago that a sound-card would have heating-issues far worse than some video-cards? And who would've thought they'd have a 10 fn thousand MIPS of raw power into a chip the size of a postage stamp?:laugh:

[imperialreign]

No, thank God they put that heatsink. You already know that the first few batches of the XFi series didn't come with the heatsink and many cards from those batches had blown capacitors?
You know, that increase in temperature increases resistivity for conductors but decreases resistivity for semiconductors, right?

yeah, it was the biggest problem with the older cards - and part of the reason why the older cards were more prone to audio clipping, too. I just meant that it'd be nice to be able to put a better cooler on it, y'know? The stock one is decent, and gets the job done, but I'd still prefer cooler. IDK, maybe with future revisions, they'll present a PCB that has chipset mounting holes like what is commonly used for a NSB or SSB cooler - either pushpins or a retention clip.

To be honest - when I first got my card and opened the box, I was shocked to see a heatsink on the APU. It wasn't until I started researching the X-Fi APU that I realized just how powerful it really is. Hell, even at it's 400MHz clock, it can perform more MIPS than a low end Pentium4 at 2GHz.

[yzfboy]

Hello their you may be able to help me, i'am running a asus p5k deluxe wifi board a E6850 3 gig o/c to 4 gig 2x ati 2900xt's i purcashed the sb820 pci-e soundcard mainly because the 2 2900's cover the pci slots and installing this card takes down the crossfire option so only 1 2900 is shown all i can think is its a IRQ problem but not having much luck solving it ,the on board sound is ok but get bad feedback and hissing with the mic installed which you dont get with the creative card and the sound is much better so would like to use it but also crossfire my 2 cards cheers

[imperialreign]

just to be certain, xFire did work before installing the X-Fi, right?

Have you tried re-installing ATI Catalyst after the X-Fi and driver's were installed? If not, you might want to go ahead and give that a shot - use the ATI Software removal utility (found under the Add/Remove Programs control panel), and then reboot. Once WIN boots back up, install whichever Catalyst drivers you're running, reboot, and see if Crossfire is available.

[btarunr]

Hello their you may be able to help me, i'am running a asus p5k deluxe wifi board a E6850 3 gig o/c to 4 gig 2x ati 2900xt's i purcashed the sb820 pci-e soundcard mainly because the 2 2900's cover the pci slots and installing this card takes down the crossfire option so only 1 2900 is shown all i can think is its a IRQ problem but not having much luck solving it ,the on board sound is ok but get bad feedback and hissing with the mic installed which you dont get with the creative card and the sound is much better so would like to use it but also crossfire my 2 cards cheers

Buddy, your board has a P35 chipset. Now, the P35 chipset has a total of 20 PCI-Express lanes in all. So, when you install two video-cards, the PEG lanes are not negotiated as x8 , x8 between the two cards, it's the other way round, the primary card gets a full 16 lane-width and the second card is supposed to get 4 lanes, so that's x16, x4 and not x8, x8 for your cards. Now any PCI Express video-card requires a number of PCIe lanes that's the multiple of 2 as in x2, x4, x8, x16 only.

So remember I said that P35 has 20 lanes in all? now with 16 lanes for the first video-card and one lane to your sound-card, three lanes remain and the second video-card will not function.

Solution: Check your BIOS for PCIe lane negotiation options, which I doubt they exist for a P35 based board. Try removing the soundcard for the second vid-card to be detected.

[yzfboy]

did that before and no difference crossfire worked before i installed the soundcard and when i removed it crossfire was back again ,my board as 2 pci-e slots for the soundcard and its same in both of them :(

[btarunr]

did that before and no difference crossfire worked before i installed the soundcard and when i removed it crossfire was back again ,my board as 2 pci-e slots for the soundcard and its same in both of them :(

That's the point:

You cannot have 2 video cards + the PCIe soundcard because out of the 20 available PCIe lanes from the P35:

16 go to the primary graphics card
1 goes to the sound card
3 remain, and a second video card cannot function on three lanes, it's asymmetric and the device stays disabled.

You can have 2 video cards OR 1 vid card and 1 snd card because:
16 go to the first card and 4 go to the second
OR
16 go to the first card and 1 goes to the sound card.

Single lane devices get their lanes negotiated before multi-lane devices.

[imperialreign]

You cannot have 2 video cards + the PCIe soundcard because out of the 20 available PCIe lanes from the P35:

16 go to the primary graphics card
1 goes to the sound card
3 remain, and a second video card cannot function on three lanes, it's asymmetric and the device stays disabled.

You can have 2 video cards OR 1 vid card and 1 snd card because:
16 go to the first card and 4 go to the second
OR
16 go to the first card and 1 goes to the sound card.

Single lane devices get their lanes negotiated before multi-lane devices.

he's absolutely right, I shoulda checked your mobo specs first (I didn't even think of it :o).

Exactly which P5K board do you have? ASUS P5K-E/WiFi or ASUS P5K Deluxe/WiFi?

check for setup options in the BIOS, there might be PCIE options listed under "Jumperfree Configuration" or the "Chipset" menu - they might also be labeled as PEG controls. If there is an option titled 'PEG Port Force x1' . . . you could enabled that . . . it will force one of the x16 slots to x1 - not sure, but it might might force the primary slot to x1 . . . that might hurt your Crossfire performance significantly, though . . .

[tigger]

is there a way to get a coaxial digital out from the extreme music? i know the flexijack does digital out with the module.

i did find this tho'

http://img.techpowerup.org/071018/ad_ext.jpg

[imperialreign]

I'll research it some - I think that you can run off the AUD_EXT pinout, but the S/PDIF pins follow the TTL interface, which is somthing like 5v/0v pulsed as compared to a coaxial connection which is .5v . . . so, I think you'd need to run a converter to correctly use it . . .


Honestly, man . . . this would probably be your best bet:

Creative Digital I/O Module (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=1780)



Creative used to make a S/PDIF digital I/O TTL <=> Coaxial internal converter module, but it was only for the Live! and Audigy SE series . . . maybe at some point they'll offer one for the X-Fis.

[yzfboy]

he's absolutely right, I shoulda checked your mobo specs first (I didn't even think of it :o).

Exactly which P5K board do you have? ASUS P5K-E/WiFi or ASUS P5K Deluxe/WiFi?

check for setup options in the BIOS, there might be PCIE options listed under "Jumperfree Configuration" or the "Chipset" menu - they might also be labeled as PEG controls. If there is an option titled 'PEG Port Force x1' . . . you could enabled that . . . it will force one of the x16 slots to x1 - not sure, but it might might force the primary slot to x1 . . . that might hurt your Crossfire performance significantly, though . . .


its a P5K deluxe/wifi i have stuck my audigy 2 in and thats fine but is covering my 2nd card quite alot ,i have put extra fans in to blow on the bottom card ,managed to stick the soundcard in a pci slot but the mic works fine now :ohwell:

[imperialreign]

so . . . I'm a little confused . . . Do you currently have the X-Fi PCIE installed with your XTs?

Is it working at all, or . . . ?

[yzfboy]

so . . . I'm a little confused . . . Do you currently have the X-Fi PCIE installed with your XTs?

Is it working at all, or . . . ?


lol not pci-e using my well old pci card got a spare audigy 2 zs so managed to sqeeze that in between the 1st and 2nd card but like i say because its a full card it blocks part of the intack fan of the 1st card so not ideal but all working that way ,
could do with a smaller pci soundcard by this i mean shorter but i dont think creative do one :cry:or i could be wrong cheers kev

[imperialreign]

well, if you've got enough room between the two GPUs for an Audigy, then you should easily have enough room for a X-Fi. Granted, it'll be a bit of a squeeze by anymeans, but if case airflow from the front is on-par, then it shouldn't be a problem. It's not like the back of the X-Fi card gets all that warm, anyhow. It's a shame not much else can be done to get all 3 PCIE components to work properly, but it's also not worth sacrificing a rather expensive VGA adapter for a soundcard . . .

So, I guess you're going to return the X-Fi PCIE, then? Or did you order it online? I'm curious, though, how much are the PCIE versions running?

[Morgoth]

can i join? :)

[imperialreign]

can i join?

sure, no prob . . . I'll add ya to the list . . .

sometime soon I really need to add more to the main post and organize it some more, too (I've just been a bit lazy recently) :p

[btarunr]

how much are the PCIE versions running?

There's only one card in production from the X-Fi stable, and that's the Xtreme Audio PCI-Express. The lowest price from an online store is from Newegg, click here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102016)

Many regard this as the worst sound-card from Creative till date.

[imperialreign]

wow, that's cheaper than even the low end PCI cards.

Many regard this as the worst sound-card from Creative till date

reviews have been that bad, huh? I haven't even had the time to research it at all over the last few weeks . . . somehow, though, it doesn't surprise me . . .

[btarunr]

reviews have been that bad, huh?

Yes. Infact Creative isn't entirely responsible for this, it's the direction in which the industry is moving which it to be blamed.

While a common man like you and I would think of PCI Express as an advancement of the computer bus and that we have to make a shift to this bus, the biggest flaw with the PCI Express is that it greatly affects devices that hate electromagnetic-interference like sound-cards and video-capture devices.

Reason: The PCI Express is a bi-directional bus, in which data moves in both directions per clock-cycle, and the clock-speed of the bus itself is high. The clock-generator is located inside the hub, usually the northbridge. Now, data moving in both directions causes 'collisions' of data streams much like how we had 'packet collisions' in our networks before CSMA-CD.

Result: With 16 or more PCIe lanes going to a video-card, you can expect huge levels of EMI within the hub despite the PCIe itself being a 'non-shared' bus like the PCI.

Impact: Devices sensitive to EMI like sound-cards and HDTV-capture cards experience loss of output quality.

PCI must survive.

[imperialreign]

Result: With 16 or more PCIe lanes going to a video-card, you can expect huge levels of EMI within the hub despite the PCIe itself being a 'non-shared' bus like the PCI.

Impact: Devices sensitive to EMI like sound-cards and HDTV-capture cards experience loss of output quality.


agreed! and for anyone else that might not be aware of it, there's a section in post #1 that covers various EMI with the X-Fi.

But, the only reason I had originally figured they wanted to move towards PCIE was because of how much of a BUS hog the X-Fi is. There are far too many generic, OEM and low to mid range motherboards on the market that don't negotiate the PCI BUS well and it leads to a lot of audio clipping. Someone going out and buying a mid-range eMachines or Dell and then trying to upgrade to a XGFP might not be happy with how the card sounds in-game.

I agree, too, that PCI must continue, and I'm sure within the next couple of years we might actually see another advancement in the PCI architecture as it is. There's no way Creative would be dumb enough to develop an AGP card, considering that AGP is very slowly being phased out . . . but if their next gen audio processors are more powerful than the X-Fi, they'll have to do something . . .

[mysticjon]

hey i have owned an soundblaster x-fi fatal1ty edition for sometime, sorry if this has been mentioned before, but does the red LED that illuminates the fatal1ty block on the card, can it be taken off.

[imperialreign]

potentially, it doesn't look that hard to do. My only reservation, I don't know if those circuits feed any other component on the card.

If you're trying to keep them from lighting up, remove the two screws that hold the LED cover in place, and on the inside of it, you can put a small piece of electrical tape or duct tape to cover where the Fatal1ty logo shows through. It'll block the LEDs from illuminating it.

If you have the guts to take the risk, though, the two LEDs should unsolder from the PCB without much of a problem - but that's your call, you could seriously damage the card doing so . . .

[mysticjon]

potentially, it doesn't look that hard to do. My only reservation, I don't know if those circuits feed any other component on the card.

If you're trying to keep them from lighting up, remove the two screws that hold the LED cover in place, and on the inside of it, you can put a small piece of electrical tape or duct tape to cover where the Fatal1ty logo shows through. It'll block the LEDs from illuminating it.

If you have the guts to take the risk, though, the two LEDs should unsolder from the PCB without much of a problem - but that's your call, you could seriously damage the card doing so . . .

yeah thank you, i wasnt sure if somehow the the circuits powering the LED were intertwined with other circuits that could be useful in other areas of the card. i actually wanted to switch out the LED to a different color and used "less" power" if thats even the case.

[tigger]

I think it would be safe to remove the leds,why would the circuit neet to be for anything else.

[imperialreign]

I think it would be safe to remove the leds,why would the circuit neet to be for anything else.

I would tend to agree - but you can never be sure sometimes, y'know?

i actually wanted to switch out the LED to a different color and used "less" power" if thats even the case

that's defi doable. Again, they'll have to be removed with a soldering gun and installed the same way, but it's not too hard if your careful.

I'm not sure on the voltage spec for the LEDs, though. I couldn't imagine that they'd be 12v, and I eve doubt 5v. More than likely they're either 3.3v or 1.2v LED - if they're in series with each other, probably 1.2. Anyhow, you can either take a voltage reading at the LED pins themself - or just go ahead and try replacing them with a different unit.

If you do notice any markings on them, try googling them and see if you can run across some specs for them.

[namrac]

I have had this card for 3 weeks now and I can't seem to get the card to work all the time. The problem is every few hours or more of gaming the card goes to a high pitch constant sound that can only be stopped by rebooting. If I change to a different mode in the console it will stop the screech however the card will not work (no sound or Mic) until a reboot. I have requested a refund from newegg however I still have a few more day to solve this before I have to send it back and throw away $27 dollars and I love the sound! This is a problem that other people have since it is on creative forum with no one having a clue how to resolve this.


This is the thread on creative if interested

http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=soundblaster&message.id=76653&view=by_date_ascending&page=8

HELP !!

Asus P5N3sli Premium
Intel Duel Core 6600 3gh oc
2 Gig Ram
SLI Mode 2 EVGA 8800 GTS Cards
Antec 900 case
Roswell 650w CERTI SLI power
XP service pack 2 lastest
ALL Drivers Bios etc are latest

[imperialreign]

a few questions right off the back . . .

1. What X-Fi model do you have? And, which interface does it use, PCIE or PCI?

2. Did your X-Fi come with a heatsink over top the audio processor?

3. Aside from your 2 8800s, do you have any other adapter cards installed in any of the PCIE or PCI slots?

4. What on-board hardware do you have enabled, and you do have onboard disabled, correct?

It sounds to me like it's either an overheating issue, the card is losing control of the PCI BUS, or its interrupt isn't being answered by the motherboard's chipset.

[namrac]

a few questions right off the back . . .

1. What X-Fi model do you have? And, which interface does it use, PCIE or PCI?

Creative 70SB046A00000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series

2. Did your X-Fi come with a heatsink over top the audio processor? Yes

3. Aside from your 2 8800s, do you have any other adapter cards installed in any of the PCIE or PCI slots?

No I have removed evertythng including the onboard sound card

4. What on-board hardware do you have enabled, and you do have onboard disabled, correct?

I have disabled the sound card and removed all drivers there is no onboard video and I have the nic's enabled.

It sounds to me like it's either an overheating issue, the card is losing control of the PCI BUS, or its interrupt isn't being answered by the motherboard's chipset.

I believe it is an interrupt by reading the hundreds of posts on creative. Some say this card cannot share an interrupt and that is the problem.

Thanks for the quick reply

[imperialreign]

I don't think the onboard NICs would interfere with the PCI BUS, so that shouldn't be an issue . . .

Do you have an option in BIOS that allows you to adjust the PCI slot latency? If so, try bumping the PCI latency from [32] to [64] or from [64] to [96] (depending on the default value). This may help.

Also, you have WIN XP installed, not WIN Media Center Edition, correct (wanted to make sure, as some programs look at MCE as XP)?


Out of curiosity, do you have this audio problem if you only run one GPU?

[namrac]

Yes I am running XP and I will check on the other things tonight. I have not tried to run just one PGU however many others have posted that even 1 gpu and sli board will cause this problem. Out of curiosity did you happen to look at that thread I posted on my previous message I know that you are very knowledgeable about this and may find it interesting reading.

[imperialreign]

The only reason I asked if you still had the issue with only one GPU installed, is that would tell me it's definitely a problem with the chipset not negotiating the BUS correctly, and allowing the two GPUs to have more control than they should.

Even one GPU on an nVidia chipset is known to cause this problem, too . . .

Increasing the PCI latency of the BUS might help the audio card to retain control of the BUS long enough it can carry out it's business, but it won't always work, either.


I just get the feeling this might be out of my ability to help solve as I'm fairly certain it's a conflict problem on the hardware level. I'll still try to help you pinpoint exactly where or what is causing the problem, though.

Check with nVidia to see if there are any chipset/INF updates (ASUS should have the newest updates available on their site). But, you might have to continue to pester ASUS, nVidia and Creative over this issue.

Out of curiosity did you happen to look at that thread I posted on my previous message I know that you are very knowledgeable about this and may find it interesting reading.

I only kind of glanced over it, I haven't had the time yet to read through most of the thread. I do intend to, though.

[namrac]

Thank you for your time I had to make a decision today either keep the card and trouble shoot without hope or send it back to Newegg for a full refund (man I love Newegg). I decided to pickup a Barracuda AC-1 gaming audio card since it has been reported that there are no bugs for my chipset. Thanks for your time and help on this matter. BTW does it bother you that Creative has known about this forever and has not addressed it as of yet.

I did try what you suggested and still got the screech which is why I sent card back this morning.

[imperialreign]

Thanks for your time and help on this matter. BTW does it bother you that Creative has known about this forever and has not addressed it as of yet.

hey, it's no problem, man. You gotta do what you gotta do.

I can't really say that it bothers me, but I think it's rather pittiful on Creative's part - my own opinion, I don't think they spent enough time product testing the X-Fis before going to market with them. Also, the numerous problems with only nVidia chipsets has a bit to do with nVidia's architecture - they've designed chipsets in the past that allow the graphics card(s) to have almost full reign of the BUS. It allows for much better frame rates and performance, which is what they're after. I don't really like it, but it's how they do things. Creative just didn't really take the time to research and address the issue.

Best of luck with your new card, man!

[segovich]

Hi imperialreign I need some help, something interesting happened to me today, I have a year and half old X-Fi extreme music card, from the beginning was working kind of ok some pop and clicks but hell I get used to it! but then one day after I booted up the machine started doing some kind of a high pitched noise, the only way to get rid of it was booting again! and it became an every day practice for months just around July 2007 I installed again my windows Xp due to a new harddrive installation and I found from TECHPOWERUP website a BETA Driver downloaded and was working flawlessly until TODAY

http://www.techpowerup.com/?35990

well the driver I had timed out today was very difficult for me to put my machine back to work after I tried using the latest 2006 driver from sound blaster website my machine crashed and was into an infinite loop until I cleaned the drivers leftover in SAFEMODE and physically pulled out the card from the PC

for now I'm using the stinking on board audio very sad that SB doesn't release any newer driver the the 2006 and solve a lot of the existing problems!

how we can use that beta driver unlocking the due date? there any solutions??
Thanks!

my machine is (no over clock):
AMD X2 4800+
MSI K8N NEO4 platinum NF4 ultra PCB1.0
2GB RAM OCZ DDR400
EVGA 7900GT KO SC 512MB
2 WD Raptors RAid 0 74GB
4 WD5000AAKS
Thermaltake TR2 500 PS

[imperialreign]

well, if the beta driver timed out, there isn't much you can do about that, honestly. Sometimes, manufacturers will 'time' their beta drivers during their testing period.

Just to make sure, have you checked for any updates to your motherboard BIOS and motherboard's chipsets?

To be honest, it sounds more like a hardware problem with the card - the drivers for it have nothing to do with any sound the device might put out when the system in initially booted up . . . the driver doesn't come into play until WIN starts to boot. First, though, check you speaker connections on the back of the card. A loose plug, or one that is falling out can pickup feedback when the system boots and the card is powered up.

If your speaker connections are alright, and if possible, you might want to try installing the X-Fi into a different PCI slot. Turn off the computer, move the audio card to a different slot, and boot up. If you don't have the issue that you had before, you should be alright, but that would indicate that there might be a problem with the motherboard. If everything seems alright with the card in a different slot, turn the computer back off, remove the audio card and reboot, then, remove all the drivers from WIN using the driver setup utility in the C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster X-FI\Program directory. Then run a registry cleaner, if you have one, and remove all the old Creative driver references. Turn the computer off, re-install the X-Fi into the good slot, boot up and install the driver from the installation CD.

Let me know how that works out for ya!

[segovich]

imperialreign the X-Fi problem is a combination of hardware and software problem, it is well known that X-Fi cards have incompatibility issues with NFORCE chipsets nothing new there but the questions is that the beta driver I had was working ok much better than the one I used before from the creative website, now because expired we don't have a replacement until today I found this link I will try that later I'm lazy to open the machine again

http://connect.creativelabs.com/beta/default.aspx

thanks!
Leo

[imperialreign]

yeah, the first chipset that was recognized as actually having a problem was the NF4s. I would've recommended the beta driver sooner, I guess I just got confused as to what you were explaining. No problem.

If in the future you need to check on what the most current drivers are, both beta and alpha, check post #1 in this thread - I update the listed driver numbers as soon as I notice that there has been a newer release. Plus, there are links to where the most current drivers can be obtained.

[namrac]

WOW I wonder if this beta would have helped me with my problem? I guess I will never know until I find a cheap X-FI somewhere just to satisfy my curiosity.

[imperialreign]

WOW I wonder if this beta would have helped me with my problem? I guess I will never know until I find a cheap X-FI somewhere just to satisfy my curiosity.

Maybe - but I typically don't recommend installing beta drivers for what is typically a hardware conflict, simply because beta drivers aren't supported and could cause more problems than they're worth . . .

it would really help, though, if Creative would mention what the beta drivers are supposed to address and for what cards and OSes they're released for, instead of just posting them with no desccription about them. :mad:

[segovich]

I'm very surprised that Creative Labs is still in business with such a lousy customer service and support we need another company to produce something and put some pressure on them, just like between Nvidia and ATI

hails
LEO
PS. The Beta one was working perfect for me!

[btarunr]

another company to produce something and put some pressure on them, just like between Nvidia and ATI.

Creative already has pressure, from the el-cheapo AC'97 / HDA compliant audio-codec manufacturers, like those of Realtek, Analog Devices, C-Media, etc. People either choose a Creative card or stick to the audio their motherboards came with, that's the competition Creative faces with. Now since these audio-codec mfgs don't have a customer support of their own since the motherboard manufacturers like Intel, Asus, MSI, etc manage technical support of the audio-codec as well, you very well know the standards of tech-support from Intel or Asus.

In another way, there's no pressure on Creative because they're the only manufacturers of hardware-accelerated audio. We had Nvidia SoundStorm about five years ago, which was a little more capable than X-Fi, with the function of real-time Dolby-Digital encoding, something even the powerful X-Fi can't handle. But Nvidia was stupid-enough to stop it's production. The day they modify the SoundStorm to function on discrete PCI / PCIe add-on cards, it's good-bye Creative.

[imperialreign]

In another way, there's no pressure on Creative because they're the only manufacturers of hardware-accelerated audio.

Vista would've leveled the playing field in this area - but Creative has found a work-around with the Alchemy drivers. But, anytime that there is a strong competitor to Creative that comes along, either the go out of business or just stop produncing any audio hardware. The SoundStorm is a good example - remember the Ensoniq PCI? First audio card to use a multichannel design and DirectSound3D . . . until Creative bought them out.

[btarunr]

Nyaah. The ALchemy thing didn't really improve things very much. Sure you get multi-channel audio from the games that were originally coded for the DirectSound 3D and the EAX extensions, but all you get is the multi-channel positional audio and not the brilliant reverb and environment-specific effects that the CA 20K1 and EAX 5.0 HD were originally made for....what a waste!

ALchemy is basically a compatibility layer between the application's DirectSound commands and the operating-system's OpenAL api. Windows Vista lacks DirectSound. So all those pre-Vista games that had those amazing multi-channel audio effects that relied on DirectSound, now send their commands to the OS HAL, and ALchemy forms a pre-layer to the HAL and captures these commands, translates them into OpenAL commands and sends it to the ICD (Installable client driver). Stacks from here now go to the OS kernel and finally to the hardware. ALchemy can't translate EAX 5 commands and hence, it's goodbye EAX for us. So this completely defeats the purpose of having a 10000+ MIPS audio processor.:cry:

[btarunr]

Today is a Red-letter day. I bought and installed an Auzen X-Fi Prelude. Wow! what a sound !!! I was listening to a DTS encoded movie and the sound of an aircraft flying above actually made me look up with reflex. Only a second later I realised it came from the speakers.

Okay, so with the entry of this card my old one, an Xtreme Gamer is now my lab-mouse. I'm buying solid-state capacitors to replace all the electrolytic ones on the card. Also to follow, is the heatsink mod. Any suggestions on which brands and makes of capacitors I should be using, would be appreciated.

Oh yeah...my first mod for the Xtreme Gamer: Gold electro-plating of the expansion bracket.

[Morgoth]

anny one knows if Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro PCI supports dual channel sound recording?

[imperialreign]

Today is a Red-letter day. I bought and installed an Auzen X-Fi Prelude. Wow! what a sound !!! I was listening to a DTS encoded movie and the sound of an aircraft flying above actually made me look up with reflex. Only a second later I realised it came from the speakers.

Okay, so with the entry of this card my old one, an Xtreme Gamer is now my lab-mouse. I'm buying solid-state capacitors to replace all the electrolytic ones on the card. Also to follow, is the heatsink mod. Any suggestions on which brands and makes of capacitors I should be using, would be appreciated.

Oh yeah...my first mod for the Xtreme Gamer: Gold electro-plating of the expansion bracket.

I'm defi interested how the cap mod will turn out - as I plan on doing that as soon as I can afford to. I posted somewhere in this thread a link to a "guide" that lists good parts . . . it might be worthwhile to ask on a circuit forum, people that work on PCBs all the time, y'know?

But, I'd defi like to hear how a modded X-Fi compares to a Prelude. I've heard rumor here and there that they're very comparable, I'd just like some confirmation :toast:



anny one knows if Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro PCI supports dual channel sound recording?

I believe so . . . I haven't done any recording with it yet . . . I'm not sure how well dual channel would turn out using just the mic input on the back of the card - you may need to snag the I/O console of Front Panel to have good seperate L/R inputs.

I'm certain the card can do that kind of work, but I don't know about Creative's bundled software. Your best bet would be to look into a copy of SoundForge. It'll give you much better support than Creative's software.

[btarunr]

I plan on doing that as soon as I can afford to.

Afford to do so? In a context, a fresh set of caps from say Matsushita Japan wouldn't cost you over $20 if you go to a good components store. In another context, yes you'd need some first-rate soldering equipment.

[imperialreign]

Oh, I've got the equipment, that's not an issue - it's just around here, we don't have many places that sell decent circuit components to the public. The few that do only sell sub-par stuff. It'd be better to order online - but I want to get my current bills down some more first.

[btarunr]

Oh, I've got the equipment, that's not an issue - it's just around here, we don't have many places that sell decent circuit components to the public. The few that do only sell sub-par stuff. It'd be better to order online - but I want to get my current bills down some more first.

Discount equipment? Nope. I'm talking retail prices here.

Futurelec.com (http://www.futurelec.com) is for you

[imperialreign]

I'll take a look around there at capacitor prices and whatnot . . . at least I don't need to buy the soldering equipment and all, my equipment is old but still works great.

[btarunr]

Sure, besides equipment what we need is the precision when it comes to the slum of capacitors that's located near the audio ports. The caps there are just so jam-packed. My soldering gun is over 6 years old. And yes, it's not very high-end. Just that is has a wooden handle that has all those Indian carving art on it. I even modded a soldering gun...haha.

[imperialreign]

I even modded a soldering gun...haha.

LOL!! :roll: That's hardcore, man! :rockout:

That qoute just might get put into my sig, too! :laugh:

[imperialreign]

<BUMP>


All seems to be quiet on the X-Fi front . . . I haven't run across any news or updates, etc . . . I'm planning on adding some more to post #1 this weekend . . .

[btarunr]

<BUMP>


All seems to be quiet on the X-Fi front . . . I haven't run across any news or updates, etc . . . I'm planning on adding some more to post #1 this weekend . . .

Unlike all those non- X-Fi users who piss and moan at Creative, we think differently. Our sound-cards are trouble-free. So this thread not having updates is a good sign:laugh:

Just installed 7.1 speakers to the Auzen card. Man..this sounds noisy than immersive in comparison to 5.1.

[Batou1986]

might wana add on there not to try creatives new beta drivers for ut3 cause they don't work at all killed my sound in windows and there a PITA to remove

[imperialreign]

might wana add on there not to try creatives new beta drivers for ut3 cause they don't work at all killed my sound in windows and there a PITA to remove


I'll make a mention about it. Betas are kinda a "use at your own risk" sorta deal. It'd be nice, though, if Creative would specify what the beta is trying to address, y'know?

Unlike all those non- X-Fi users who piss and moan at Creative, we think differently. Our sound-cards are trouble-free. So this thread not having updates is a good sign

Just installed 7.1 speakers to the Auzen card. Man..this sounds noisy than immersive in comparison to 5.1.

Honestly, I really don't get what the big deal is with people's gripes against Creative. Sure, Creative's Tech Support is pure crap at this point, but everyone seems to forget just how many different motherboards, processors, VGA adapters, network adapters, DRAM modules, etc are on the market nowadays as compared to 10 years ago - it's almost impossible to not have issues with some hardware sooner or later down the line.

Also funny how many people that bitch about Creative have never used their products, or, bought the cheapest thing they could find, or some hand-me-down part off of ebay and whine when it doesn't work right with other legacy components.

[btarunr]

What pisses me off about these Creative haters is that they don't want to spend on good sound. but spend heavily on video cards saying:

"My Realtek 'sounds' just as good as your XFi when not gaming, and just listening to music"

My reply:
"Yeah? then an Intel Extreme graphics 'looks' just as good as your 8800 GTX when not gaming and in 2D".

The point is you need both, performance and quality. An 8800 GTX can give you both (Even a 2900 XT can :D ), just as an XFi does.

Their biggest complaint about Creative is of the drivers being too "complicated". Pray how? On the other hand they're smart enough to do CPU modding, overclocking, video-card flashing and shit (how ironic).

I'd much rather spend $500 on a 8800 GTS and a X-Fi XG Pro than on a single 8800 GTX. These people lack buying sense. They don't realize that they're not only missing better sound quality but also genuinely high overall system performance.




Tidbit: The X-Fi processor, CA-20K1 was originally designed by the VLSI team of E-MU. E-MU designed all the audio-processors for Creative even after the takeover. Even when the X-Fi released the processor was originally called EMU-20K (successor of the EMU10K that drove the Audigy ZS). Creative renamed it to CA-20K1. The "1" for an added 8-bit ring-bus to the 64bit ringbus that connects the processor's logic. The "CA" meaning Creative was a clear indication that Creative would be licensing the processor to 3rd parties like Auzen, and it would be inappropriate carrying "EMU", a subsidy.

[imperialreign]

I completely understand - but, I think a lot of people have gotten wrapped up in all the hardware that review sites are pushing; and the lack of follow up reviews to the same product . . . like, with the first gen X-Fi cards, how the caps went thermo nuclear and people were complaining left and right - but no one corrected their arguments when Creative corrected the problem and, to the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been a problem since.

Or - the issues with the X-Fi's and nVidia chipsets and GPU's . . . everyone blames Creative for designing a product that isn't 100% hardware compatible, even though with the nVidia hardware, the chipset doesn't want to give up the GPU's reign of the BUS . . . and needless to say, Creative's products weren't the only hardware experiencing problems with those pieces of equipment.



TBH, my absolute biggest gripe with people complaining about their audio playback - is when they start ranting that they spent $100+ amount on a supposed "leading audio card (X-Fi)" and the audio playback still sounds like butt . . . then you realize they're running on some $10 2.1 setup or, my absolute favorite, a $300 set of flat panel speakers with no sub woofer :shadedshu

[btarunr]

X-Fi cards run just fine with NForce. I had a NF 570 Ultra and there were no issues. Issues are something people cook up as lame excuses because they don't want to buy a $100 sound card for playing their YouTube streams (low-quality encoded audio) and porn (that's all loud screams of enacted orgasm, for which they lower the volume anyway), their Realtek chips the size of a 10yr old's finger-nail can do the job. When gaming, the el-fatto Crossfire or SLI setup compensates the choppy audio with better visual experience.

The best equipment to test the output quality of a sound card is a good pair of noise-canceling headphone, any brand would do. Infact, I'd strongly recommend you to buy the Creative HN-605 for $40. This is a giant-killer. Use this with your XFi to listen to http://somafm.com/groovesalad48.pls using Winamp with the Crystalizer turned on to medium. Listen for 30 minutes. It's a 64 kbps AAC stream that'll easily sound better than lossless WMA. You'd want to pull your card out at once and kiss it.


Explanation: The AAC+ is so encoded that every MPEG frame of audio data has different kbps size to suit the fidelity of the the stream. And the CA20K1 is capable to hardware-decode AAC in realtime with Winamp 5.5 's in_mp3 plugin. Being a Windows XP user, make sure you use DirectSound and not Wave_out as your Winamp output plugin, else no hardware decoding. Vista users are unlucky, no DSound. Nullsoft is working on a OpenAL plugin.
http://img.techpowerup.org/071206/dsnd.jpg

[yzfboy]

i solved my problem while trying to run 2 x 2900xt and xfi together ,the answer was to sell the 2 2900;s and buy a 8800gtx and put that in with the xfi and works a treat .their wasnt room for the creative card running crossfire so they had to go as on board sound isnt up to much even when it says it 7.1 :laugh: and anyway the 8800gtx is better than the 2 2900;s was anyway so its win win :D ,but its true people buy expensive vid cards and forget about sound :confused: it makes the game's come alive just as much as the graphics does :)

[btarunr]

Performance-wise, 1x 8800 GTX <<< 2x HD 2900 XT.

Absolutely nothing can prove that wrong.

[yzfboy]

Performance-wise, 1x 8800 GTX <<< 2x HD 2900 XT.

Absolutely nothing can prove that wrong.


:laugh: i can cos run it on my system and telling u 1 8800gtx o/c edition is better than 2 2900xt's on crysis the xt s on high settings run choppy but playable on the 8800gtx smooth as silk and noticed hlf2 episode 2 runs better on the gtx and thats a ati game :wtf: but to be honest i was a big ati fan but not anymore :D

[btarunr]

benchmarks, son. show me one popular reviewer chart or review showing 1 8800 GTX > 2 2900 XT, regardless of the 8800 being OC'ed.:p

[yzfboy]

benchmarks, son. show me one popular reviewer chart or review showing 1 8800 GTX > 2 2900 XT, regardless of the 8800 being OC'ed.:p


lol oh no i found the person who plays benchmarks and not real games :D dont care what benchmarks say it when u play the game you notice the difference ,
i can remember a few years ago 1 of the so called big 2 wrote a program into the bios of their card so when u run say 3dmark 05 it turned loads of stuff off or down and then it had really good benchmarks :laugh: anyway dont wont to get into a argument about it :banghead: just said wot i found using both set ups :p

[imperialreign]

i solved my problem while trying to run 2 x 2900xt and xfi together ,the answer was to sell the 2 2900;s and buy a 8800gtx and put that in with the xfi and works a treat .their wasnt room for the creative card running crossfire so they had to go as on board sound isnt up to much even when it says it 7.1 and anyway the 8800gtx is better than the 2 2900;s was anyway so its win win ,but its true people buy expensive vid cards and forget about sound it makes the game's come alive just as much as the graphics does

yeah, I had to re-arrange my PCI layout when I got my 2nd 1950. I don't like having my X-Fi being neighbor to a power hungry GPU. Thankfully, my mobo has enough slots that I was able to keep everything seperate enough for my taste.

The best equipment to test the output quality of a sound card is a good pair of noise-canceling headphone, any brand would do. Infact, I'd strongly recommend you to buy the Creative HN-605 for $40. This is a giant-killer. Use this with your XFi to listen to http://somafm.com/groovesalad48.pls using Winamp with the Crystalizer turned on to medium. Listen for 30 minutes. It's a 64 kbps AAC stream that'll easily sound better than lossless WMA. You'd want to pull your card out at once and kiss it.

I've actually been looking into another, better headset than what I currently have. Granted, my headset isn't some cheap, junk model . . . I just think it could be better. I only use a headset when gaming or working late at night, otherwise I've got a decent speaker setup for whatever.

I'll check that dl out a bit later for sure, it's got my curiosity. TBH, I've got a few specific tracks on my system that I use for "fine-tuning" the software mixers and all, mostly because the audio range in the tracks is phenomenal, and being digitally recorded music, there is so many different layers to each track that it's easy to tune to my tastes . . . but, I still find it amazing tracks like that, though - because ever time you listen to it, you notice something else that you never heard before, and it breathes life back into the recording. If you ever want to check any of it out, you can PM me.

Plus, having an audio processor that can handle and reproduce that kind of a range is key - I've listened to those tracks in my car's beefed setup, or on other peoples computers, even on some high-end shelf units . . . and I still feel that the best sounding playback is with my X-Fi . . .


. . . except for that super high $1500 Pioneer audio system . . . unbelievable :twitch: :twitch: :twitch:

[imperialreign]

<bump>


all quiet on the Creative front . . . it's been quiet, too quiet, to say the least. There have been a couple of new product releases, but no PC hardware.

I just realized this thread has had over 3,000 views in the 2 and a half months it's been up, but not too many problems have surfaced (which is good, IMO). I can only assume, then, that people have found a use for it, which is great.

[Craigleberry]

Hi I did have a problem with my old drivers... They were always switching to 2 channel mode and I was forever having to go back and change to 5.1. I updated the driver and voila problem solved.

[imperialreign]

That's kinda odd, but defi was a driver issue. Only thing I can think of on that was your initial drivers might not have installed correctly.

At least it's working for you now, man.

[Craigleberry]

I was using the same driver with my last rig and had the same issue... I put it down to the fact I was using a VIA chipset at the time maybe a conflict, but when it done the same thing with my P35 I started to wonder and in the end found it was the driver!

[imperialreign]

Thanks for that info - I hadn't realized there were some driver issues causing the hardware to revert back to 2 channel mode. I'll look into it some more and decide if it needs to go on the front page.

[Craigleberry]

Yep I have the audigy 4 series card. I am sorry I cannot tell you what driver version it was. (I threw the disc out):laugh:

[imperialreign]

Yep I have the audigy 4 series card. I am sorry I cannot tell you what driver version it was. (I threw the disc out)

maybe it was only the Audigy's, then, as I haven't found anything on X-Fi's acting like that.

Anyhow . . . <bump>

[imperialreign]

Alchemy drivers have been updated to version 1.00.30. Taken from Creative's website:

This download is an application for Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ series of audio devices. It restores 3D audio and EAX® effects for certain DirectSound®3D games in Microsoft® Windows Vista™. For more details, read the rest of this web release note.

This download supports the following audio devices only:

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty® Pro
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion Series
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio Notebook
Fixes:

Enables the DirectSound3D game audio to be processed by your Sound Blaster X-Fi to deliver EAX effects, 3D audio spatialization, sample rate conversion and hardware audio mixing. Without this, most DirectSound3D games will be reduced to stereo output without any EAX effects.
Supports an additional 42 DirectSound3D games.

you can download them here: Creative Alchemy (http://www.soundblaster.com/alchemy/)

[tigger]

I have just bought this program-

http://melloware.com/products/intelliremote/

Manual-

http://melloware.com/products/intelliremote/Intelliremote%20User%20Manual.pdf

http://img.techpowerup.org/071226/Untitled2.jpg

It is called intelliremote,heres a quick summary-

Intelliremote is a software program that replaces the cumbersome Creative Remotecenter software that is bundled with Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, and X-Fi models. Intelliremote also replaces the EHTray application for Microsoft Windows Media Center. Creative and Microsoft had an excellent idea bundling an infrared remote control with their products...it's just to bad the software doesn't even do what you want it to do!

Intelliremote is roughly 900K in size, and it packs the punch of Microsoft's Intellitype instructions. So any application can be controlled with the IR remote that "listens" for Intellitype messages such as ITunes, Winamp, BSPlayer, Foobar2000, VLC, Windows Media Player, and many more! Each remote key can be assigned to an instruction, a mouse event, application event, or even a windows automation script.

If anyone has a creative or vista remote and wants a better program to run it,PM me and i will send you it,or the exe that unlocks it.I doubt i will be allowed to post it on here even tho' i have just paid for it.

[imperialreign]

It is called intelliremote,heres a quick summary-

Intelliremote is a software program that replaces the cumbersome Creative Remotecenter software that is bundled with Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, and X-Fi models. Intelliremote also replaces the EHTray application for Microsoft Windows Media Center. Creative and Microsoft had an excellent idea bundling an infrared remote control with their products...it's just to bad the software doesn't even do what you want it to do!

Intelliremote is roughly 900K in size, and it packs the punch of Microsoft's Intellitype instructions. So any application can be controlled with the IR remote that "listens" for Intellitype messages such as ITunes, Winamp, BSPlayer, Foobar2000, VLC, Windows Media Player, and many more! Each remote key can be assigned to an instruction, a mouse event, application event, or even a windows automation script.

If anyone has a creative or vista remote and wants a better program to run it,PM me and i will send you it,or the exe that unlocks it.I doubt i will be allowed to post it on here even tho' i have just paid for it.

Nice find, man! Let me know how well that works out for you with all the available features and all - I might add that info to the main post . . . looks like it'd come quite in handy for remote control users!

[tigger]

It works great.I have the creative upgrade remote control with the usb reciever.It works great on wmp/wmc,not tried nowt else yet but i will.You have to pay £7 to unlcok it,but i dont mind shareing it if anyone wants it.

This is what creative should have had with the remote,not the software that came with it.

[strick94u]

I got my extream music a few months ago marked down to 50 bucks at office depot was just there yesterday and saw 2 more marked down to 50 I am tempted to co get them also.
Great card and no problems

[tigger]

Get the upgrade remote,the proggy above is tops for the x-fi and remote.i can use it for everything on vista now.it does work on xp too tho'

[jlmike]

This looks like a great idea to me. Thanks

[imperialreign]

I got my extream music a few months ago marked down to 50 bucks at office depot was just there yesterday and saw 2 more marked down to 50 I am tempted to co get them also.
Great card and no problems

I thought those were no larger being sold . . . maybe they were just after stock . . . good card's, though. IMO, they're a step down from the Fatal1ty PRO. If you can snag 'em for $50, even better (I think original retail was about $120). :rockout:

[btarunr]

Where did he get that from again?

[imperialreign]

Where did he get that from again?

not sure what you mean . . . :confused:

[Craigleberry]

P.M him for more info yo.

[Widjaja]

Is there any big improvement with Xfi-Xtreme Gamer over the Audgy 2 ZS if you only use 2.1channel config?

[imperialreign]

you mean, as in, sound quality? Yeah - most defi, even with a 2.1 or a headset - even more so if you play a lot of games that make use of EAX, the X-Fi can support the newer EAX implimentations, and does a ton better job of audio positioning. TBH, even if you use some cheapo $10 headsets, you'd be amazed at how the X-Fi can pull off 3D sound (although, 3D capable headsets are better).

As for processing power - the X-Fi can handle more voices in game than an Audigy can, too, plus it can process them much faster.

Although, the Audigy is a highly capable card in itself, and is still capable of dealing with even newer games - and they've never really sounded that bad, either . . . it's really up to you, though.

[acousticlemur]

i was just wondering how the X-Fi and the Audigy 4 Pro stack up against each other. i have the audigy 4 pro with the external box-o-gadgets connected by the adlink and fire wire and a remote, so they are similar but as far as sound quality what is the dif?

[Craigleberry]

I like the performance of my Audigy 4. Although have not heard an X-fi so I cannot say the difference but I know my Audigy sounds heaps better than onboard.

[imperialreign]

i was just wondering how the X-Fi and the Audigy 4 Pro stack up against each other. i have the audigy 4 pro with the external box-o-gadgets connected by the adlink and fire wire and a remote, so they are similar but as far as sound quality what is the dif?

well, TBH, the X-Fi and the Audigy (even the Audigy 4 PRO, which is kinda the creme de la cream of the Audigy series) are two completely different beasts.

Although the X-Fi is capable of EAX HD 5.0, CMSS-3D (environmental audio positioning), Dolby 5.1 and a few other piddly features - unless you do a lot of gaming or DVD watching, you're probably not likely to notice a major difference over the Au4. Gaming, though, is a whole other story. The X-Fi can "position" sounds in an unbelievable manner, even if you use a cheap headset, you'll be amazed by it. The X-Fi can also handle more voices in game than an Audigy processor can, and can manipulate, buffer, and playback those files a lot faster also. Creative pretty much went back to the drawing board for the newer processors, and whipped up something that is in essence designed for gaming performance.

If you spend a lot of time watching DVD's and HD media, you'll more than likely hear a difference here, too. The built in Dolby decoders for the card bring out what those high dollar 5.1 and 7.1 setups can offer, and when combined with the environmental positioning, you can be sure that the APU is putting sounds exactly where they need to be.


I hope that kinda answered your question . . . unless you wer ewanting me to get into the technical differences between an Audigy and a X-Fi . . .

TBH, though, if you're looking for the all-out best audio quality you can get for your setup, forget Creative and try to find yourself an Auzentech X-Meridian, if that's not possible - the Auzentech X-Fi Prelude. Either of those two card's outperform even the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro in the realm of audio quality . . . but, if gaming is your forte, and you want a soundcard that can handle massive amounts of audio files, and process them extremelly fast, look for the Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty PRO.

[acousticlemur]

well that was exactly what i was looking for. thanks alot. i have been thinking about getting a new sound card for a while now as creative dropped the ball on vista support for the au 4 pro. as far as vista is concerned my au 4pro sounds like a 15$ no name card. they only offer driver support and not the EQ, THX, EAX and other apps that really made this card sound amazing. and that is truely the only reason i have not made the switch yet. now dont get me wrong i like vista for it's eye candy and DX 10. but if the sound is shit then the gaming / movie experiance is lame. any way thanks alot man :rockout:

[imperialreign]

well - the X-Fi's still sound great on Vista . . . but as for anything that relies heavily on audio acceleration - like DirectSound - it's kinda touch and go. Vista doesn't support audio accelearation, so by the standard Creative drivers - EAX, goes out the door (as with a couple of piddly things). Creative have been toiling on a work-around for this issue, the ALchemy drivers for Vista. OpenAL drivers are a good start, too. I don't really forsee Creative working on any Vista drivers for the Audigy series until they get the X-Fi line-up into a "peaceful" state (meaning that there aren't a lot of complaints about various issues, y'know, when things quiet down).

Although, if you're more interested in re-enstating audio acceleration for your Audigy in Vista, Creative does offer ALchemy drivers for the Audigy: http://www.soundblaster.com/alchemy/, the shit part, though, is that they ask you to pay $10 for 'em :shadedshu - PM me on this if you'd like to learn more . . .

All Creative's Vista drivers for the X-Fi's are still a little buggy here and there, and they update to new beta drivers quite often - but they're slowly getting things squared away. As much as I hear people left and right blaming this on Creative, it's not their problem. MS recieves the honors for this foul-up.

[tigger]

I agree,microsoft shafted creative.

[imperialreign]

Creative X-Fi beta driver 2.14.0001 for WIN XP have been released:

This download is a beta driver providing Microsoft® Windows® XP support for Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ series of audio devices. For more details, read the rest of this web release note.

Take note of the following:

*THIS IS AN UNSUPPORTED BETA DRIVER. There is no technical support for this driver.
*We recommend that only experienced users install this driver. Do not install this driver on a system used to perform critical tasks.
*Users who are looking for stable drivers should wait for the final release. When this happens, user should install the latest Sound Blaster X-Fi series XP driver available.

This download supports the following audio devices only:

*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum
*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty®
*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi

Fixes:

*Resolves the issue for systems with 4 GB of RAM.
*Resolves the Digital I/O detection issue when restarting your computer.

Known Issues:

*Before installing this driver, close the Creative MediaSource Go! application on your desktop and restart your computer. (After you have installed this driver, you may manually launch the MediaSource Go! application from the Start menu)
*When adjusting the master volume in any of the Mode Console, there is no sound output in the rear speakers. (Use the Microsoft Volume Control panel to adjust the master volume)

Requirements:

*Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows XP Media Center Edition (MCE) 2005 or Window XP MCE 2004
*Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi audio devices listed above

Notes:

*Do not install this driver for Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio.


you can d/l it here: Creative.com (http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/download.asp?MainCategory=209&nRegionFK=&nCountryFK=&nLanguageFK=&sOSName=Windows+XP&region=1&Product_Name=Sound+Blaster+X-Fi+XtremeGamer&Product_ID=15853&modelnumber=&driverlang=1033&OS=10&drivertype=11&x=9&y=9)

[Skrabrug]

I've been after to get a X-Fi sound blaster for awhile but i was just going to get the fatal1ty one through some online store because it was fairly cheap, But today i checked e-bay for any cheap ones and someone is selling a "Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic Xtreme Music"

and they said in their listing:

"This card is better than X-Fi Gamer and X-Fi Audio, Don't buy X-Fi Xtreme Audio if you play games or create music as it doesnt have EAX for Games or music

creation mode. X-Fi Xtreme gamer doesn't have Audio Creation mode either (And i am still selling it cheaper than X-Fi Gamer !!!!)



This card is the TRUE complete X-Fi, Other X-Fi cards have featured removed !!! Don't settle for second best and my Price is still cheaper !!!"


and i was wondering is it true? (its like $60 AUD cheaper too)

[imperialreign]

I've been after to get a X-Fi sound blaster for awhile but i was just going to get the fatal1ty one through some online store because it was fairly cheap, But today i checked e-bay for any cheap ones and someone is selling a "Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic Xtreme Music"

and they said in their listing:

"This card is better than X-Fi Gamer and X-Fi Audio, Don't buy X-Fi Xtreme Audio if you play games or create music as it doesnt have EAX for Games or music

creation mode. X-Fi Xtreme gamer doesn't have Audio Creation mode either (And i am still selling it cheaper than X-Fi Gamer !!!!)



This card is the TRUE complete X-Fi, Other X-Fi cards have featured removed !!! Don't settle for second best and my Price is still cheaper !!!"


and i was wondering is it true? (its like $60 AUD cheaper too)

Yes and no. If you look at post #1 (http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=470700&postcount=1) of this thread, I list the current Creative X-Fi lineup pretty much in order from the most basic card to their top of the line model (which is the X-Fi Fatal1ty). The early versions of the Xtreme Gamer, IIRC, didn't support audio creation mode, but I believe they do so now - although, it's still lacking in it's capabilites of the higher end cards. TBH, the Xtreme Gamer is targeted specifically at gamers, as it's gaming features are more advertised. The Xtreme Audio is the basic, bottom line X-Fi card - it's really targeted more at home entertainment, instead of gaming and performance.

The Xtreme Music was a discontinued card - but it looks as if Creative are offering the card for sale again . . . it's intended to be the next step up from the Xtreme Gamer, offering good gaming support (although, not the same performance the XG does), but better audio creation capabilities and playback over the XG card. TBH, both the XG and XM cards are very similar in price.

Not sure what your budget is, but I personally recommend the Xtreme gamer Fatal1ty Pro, if you can afford it. It's the top of the line X-Fi, pretty much packing all the features of the others into one piece of hardware.

Here's some links from some '4 star' sites with decent prices for the XGFP card:

Comp-U-Plus (http://www.compuplus.com/i-Creative-Sound-Blaster-X-Fi-XtremeGamer-Fatal1ty-Pro-Series-Sound-Card-70SB046A00000-1008941~.html?sid=9x601n864zc778y)

CompUSA (http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2687622&Sku=C44-3336)

Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102005) - would be your best bet; $50 mail-in rebate = $85 after rebate

[btarunr]

I always end up confusing USD with AUD.

Didn't Creative stop the production for Xtreme Music? It's been out-of-stock on the Creative store for over seven months now and most American and Britt online stores as well. The only ones you find are those sold used on ebay and Amazon.

[Skrabrug]

Does newegg ship to Australia?
Also the rebate is for US citizens only :( (but its still cheaper even without the rebate)

edit:

this was where i was going to get the X-Fi fatal1ty before:
http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/21427/

[btarunr]

Nope, Newegg doesn't ship outside of US.

[Skrabrug]

Damn i r full of fail!!

Guess I'll check ebay again on pay day and if theres no ebay store ppl selling them I'll get it from scorptech xD

[tigger]

My xtreme music is fine,and tbh i would never buy any of the fatlity branded stuff,its just marketing guff.Does the fatality one make you a better gamer or make your pc run the games better.....nope.

Each to his own tho' i guess.

[btarunr]

I know but the sad part is that all the Creative X-Fi cards that have the 64 MB X-RAM are now Fatal1ty branded except the Elite Pro. Marketing stuff on Fatal1ty's name doesn't make sense to me at all. We used to buy a popular English-willow cricket bat made by Sunridges. They later started branding the same bat after Brian Lara, the WI batsman and its sales crashed.

[tigger]

I dont think the onboard ram particulary does anything.The xtreme music has a ram chip on it,not 64mb i guess.

[btarunr]

I dont think the onboard ram particulary does anything.The xtreme music has a ram chip on it,not 64mb i guess.

Nope, it's a 2048 KB bank that stores the BIOS for the CA20-K1 processor. I have an old abandoned blog entry on what this bank does in detail. If you want to give it a reading, feel free:

http://btarunr-gd.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-2-mib-sdram-bank-on-x-fi-xtreme.html

[Skrabrug]

My xtreme music is fine,and tbh i would never buy any of the fatlity branded stuff,its just marketing guff.Does the fatality one make you a better gamer or make your pc run the games better.....nope.

Each to his own tho' i guess.

actually funny thing is the Fatal1ty brand is cheaper here in PC stores than the same product without the branding mainly because ppl try to avoid buying it.

i honestly don't care if it has a brand on it or not. I'm buying the cheaper out of the two : /

[Kursah]

Nope, it's a 2048 KB bank that stores the BIOS for the CA20-K1 processor. I have an old abandoned blog entry on what this bank does in detail. If you want to give it a reading, feel free:

http://btarunr-gd.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-2-mib-sdram-bank-on-x-fi-xtreme.html

Very nice info for sure beta! I have an Extreme Music and it's a great card, and yes it only has the 2mb chip on it which I now know what is actually used for. I will say that some games seemed a tad smoother when using an add-in sound card in comparison to my bunk on-board sound (my on-board is only bunk because if a crap chip that Asus put on this MB model...I've ran on-board on my MB's without issue or need for an add-in card before).

:toast:

[imperialreign]

Didn't Creative stop the production for Xtreme Music? It's been out-of-stock on the Creative store for over seven months now and most American and Britt online stores as well. The only ones you find are those sold used on ebay and Amazon.

I'm fairly certain that the XM was removed from the lineup, but during that time Creative didn't even have the card listed in their store or on the main site under "Products." IDK, though, as now it's listed under Products again, but it still doesn't appear on the Creative Store :confused:

I thought, though, the reason why it was removed from the lineup was because of how similar it was to the XGFP; there are very few differences between them as far as capability (although the XGFP still had better quality and performance), and TBH, the XGFP was just a better buy at the time.

My xtreme music is fine,and tbh i would never buy any of the fatlity branded stuff,its just marketing guff.Does the fatality one make you a better gamer or make your pc run the games better.....nope.

Each to his own tho' i guess.

Usually, the "Fatal1ty" name is just thrown around as a marketing gimmick - and most propducts brandishing that name don't really offer much more that another product by the same manu already offers. As to Creative's card - even if you remove the "F1" name from the product, it still really is the best card out of the lineup. Although, I'd much rather see it called the X-Fi Elite or something else to signify top-o-tha-line. Using a name like Fatal1ty is just a fad - what is a company to do once he's ousted as a gaming champ? All celebrity endorsements are short lived.

Damn i r full of fail!!

Guess I'll check ebay again on pay day and if theres no ebay store ppl selling them I'll get it from scorptech xD

sorry, man - I hadn't even noticed you were in Aus. Didn't even think to look. :ohwell:


I dont think the onboard ram particulary does anything.The xtreme music has a ram chip on it,not 64mb i guess.

btarunr's link there does a great job describing the purpose of the "X-RAM." All X-Fi cards have some amount of on-board RAM, but the XGFP is the only one advertised as having 64MB. TBH, even though it only supposed to be used in certain supported games; I've gotten the impression before that the APU also uses the on board memory for temporary storage of files it's working with (i.e buffering, downsampling, etc), instead of it being solely used to store loaded up audio files. It removes a lot of the dependancy on using the SYS MEM for temporary storage of working files. I'm sure it's used more than Creative have come to advertise, because saying that it's only for 'gaming' (and advertising it only on the XGFP) makes people think they're getting something specifically designed for a specific purpose. It's just, with 64MB, an APU can process more sounds faster at any given time than a card only stouting 16MB.

damn, I best shut up cause I feel like I'm babbling an not making any sense :o

[affinity0]

Are any of you using 5.1 analog output on your X-Fi's? I have the XtremeGamer and when set to 5.1in the control panel (and in Windows settings) I am only getting left and right channels. The only way for me to get 5.1 is though CMSS Running Windows XP SP2 32bit, tried drivers on cd on the newest.

[btarunr]

Have you configured them in the Creative console in both Entertainment and Game modes?

Okay welcome to my second rig. This one runs my older Xtreme Gamer. Take a good look at the screenshot, under the calibration tab, make sure these are the default values, click on 'default'. Under the speaker-selection tab, click on the polarity button, keep clicking next one time each to hear the test noise from each of your speakers including the sub-woofer, choose a polarity setting that works with your speaker set. Run the Creative Diagnostics tool if required.

Screenshot:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2202839095_ecce07c434_o.jpg

[affinity0]

5.1 works, but it seems only in games that are taking advantage of EAX. So far of the games i have installed, just Bioshock and STALKER are using 5.1 appropriately. Even games that do support 5.1 are not always getting 5.1 output. UT3 works as well. But some games, like FarCry for isntance, even when set to 5.1, is not outputing in 5.1. Oblivion is another game that supports 5.1 but i only get 2 channel. I guess i hate Creatives way of implementing 5.1. My integrated Realtek makes everything 5.1. I really wish i had kept my Auzentech X-Plosion, was a GREAT sounding card

[btarunr]

I don't see any 'special implementation' on Creative's part. The games have to be properly configured to exploit the multichannel capabilities. Your Realtek codec doesn't make everything 5.1, it just spreads the same left/right stereo channels to even the rear speakers, the center/sub channel is left+right channels downmixed to mono....not really 5.1 you see. With a X-Fi card, every sound source gets its right channel arrangement. i.e. when there's a stereo source, you'll only have the FL, FR channels giving out output then again, if you want, you can configure Winamp to use 'WaveOut Output' as your default output plugin in the place of DirectSound if you want your music to come from all the speakers (while still technically being stereo).

[bud951]

I have a Prelude 7.1 that i just installed last night on my new 780i system. It turned a completley stable system into a wreck. At first i was having the high pitch noise and constant hang ups. I figured it was heat related since the card is cramed between an 8800gt and my 750 psu in a coolermaster cosmos case. Since I have browsed this thread I am now thinking it is an incompatability with my mobo. I set the pci latency from 32 to 64 and no help. Should I even try to reintall this card in my other pci slot that does have alot more breathing room or am I just hoplessly screwed? I love the sound but hate the probs. I would hate to have to go to another mobo just to keep the sound card but I may just do it. Are there any suggestions? Thanks.

[imperialreign]

I have a Prelude 7.1 that i just installed last night on my new 780i system. It turned a completley stable system into a wreck. At first i was having the high pitch noise and constant hang ups. I figured it was heat related since the card is cramed between an 8800gt and my 750 psu in a coolermaster cosmos case. Since I have browsed this thread I am now thinking it is an incompatability with my mobo. I set the pci latency from 32 to 64 and no help. Should I even try to reintall this card in my other pci slot that does have alot more breathing room or am I just hoplessly screwed? I love the sound but hate the probs. I would hate to have to go to another mobo just to keep the sound card but I may just do it. Are there any suggestions? Thanks.



I'd defi recommend moving the card to a more open area, if possible. The X-Fi can pick up a lot of EMI from a GPU.

Also, double check to make sure that your BIOS is up to date, too. If need be, you can try to bump up the PCI latency another step to 96; anything higher than that won't really help, though.

[bud951]

I'd defi recommend moving the card to a more open area, if possible. The X-Fi can pick up a lot of EMI from a GPU.

Also, double check to make sure that your BIOS is up to date, too. If need be, you can try to bump up the PCI latency another step to 96; anything higher than that won't really help, though.

Hi. I nstalled it in the other slot and it has not locked up or given the high pitch noise since even though I have not had alot of time to test it. I still get a crackle from just the right front channel in games and music. I was getting this before but the lockups overshadowed it. Could this be the sign of a bad card? Maybe a bad d/a or somthing? Thanks for the help.

[btarunr]

nope, it's a sign of electro-magnetic interference from the video cards.

Do this DIY:

You need some transparent cellophane sheet, some Aluminum foil from the kitchen. using the cellophane and some sealing tape, over the back side of the Auzen card, cover half of the top side while leaving the X-Fi processor exposed. Now, cover the cellophane cover with aluminum foil, make a small cut at the Front panel header at the NW of the PCB if required. Now you have your very own EMI shield. The Cellophane sheet electrically insulates the components from the aluminum foil, the aluminum foil absorbs the EM waves, you can use a double sheet of the foil if required.

No your Auzen card can't be defective. Auzen's build quality is the best in the industry for sound cards at the moment.

[bud951]

nope, it's a sign of electro-magnetic interference from the video cards.

Do this DIY:

You need some transparent cellophane sheet, some Aluminum foil from the kitchen. using the cellophane and some sealing tape, over the back side of the Auzen card, cover half of the top side while leaving the X-Fi processor exposed. Now, cover the cellophane cover with aluminum foil, make a small cut at the Front panel header at the NW of the PCB if required. Now you have your very own EMI shield. The Cellophane sheet electrically insulates the components from the aluminum foil, the aluminum foil absorbs the EM waves, you can use a double sheet of the foil if required.

No your Auzen card can't be defective. Auzen's build quality is the best in the industry for sound cards at the moment.

Thanks for the info. Would you happen to have a pic of this? It sounds easy enough but I am hoping not to short anything out using foil in the pc. I have just watched two DVD movies and I dont get the crackle but when I fire up a game or mp3 music it is there. Weird. This mod could tide me over until the 9800 GX2's come out which should give the same or better performance as my 2 8800gt's but without butting one up against the sound card. Thanks again for the info.

[btarunr]

Thanks for the info. Would you happen to have a pic of this? It sounds easy enough but I am hoping not to short anything out using foil in the pc.

Which is why I've suggested the use of cellophane layers. Cellophane is a plastic sheet that insulates plus also absorbs static charges.I Don't have a pic since I haven't tried it with mine yet but later this year when I plan to buy a GA-X38-DS4 and two HD3870 cards, I will need to do that to my card. Maybe I'll try that out with my card this weekend and keep you posted with pics, kk?

[bud951]

Which is why I've suggested the use of cellophane layers. Cellophane is a plastic sheet that insulates plus also absorbs static charges.I Don't have a pic since I haven't tried it with mine yet but later this year when I plan to buy a GA-X38-DS4 and two HD3870 cards, I will need to do that to my card. Maybe I'll try that out with my card this weekend and keep you posted with pics, kk?

Sounds good. Thanks.

[imperialreign]

nope, it's a sign of electro-magnetic interference from the video cards.

Do this DIY:

You need some transparent cellophane sheet, some Aluminum foil from the kitchen. using the cellophane and some sealing tape, over the back side of the Auzen card, cover half of the top side while leaving the X-Fi processor exposed. Now, cover the cellophane cover with aluminum foil, make a small cut at the Front panel header at the NW of the PCB if required. Now you have your very own EMI shield. The Cellophane sheet electrically insulates the components from the aluminum foil, the aluminum foil absorbs the EM waves, you can use a double sheet of the foil if required.

No your Auzen card can't be defective. Auzen's build quality is the best in the industry for sound cards at the moment.


damn, btarunr beat me to it! :toast: +1 on Auzen's build quality and the EMI bit.

Seeing as how at this point you only hear interference in the RF channel - how are the speakers connected to your card? I'm guessing you have Line1, Line2 and Line3 plugged into the back, or do you use a seperate console plugged into the AUD connector, or do you only have one line and seperate remote channel splitter?

Reason I ask, is that EMI can also interfere with the signal being sent through the cable - if you have 3 seperate plugs at the back of the card, the one leading to your front channel might be picking up EMI from some appliance or other high powered device (Plasma TV, some DVR tuners, etc). If this might be the case, you can try re-routing your audio cables, and if it gets better, but the noise is still present, you might want to look into buying some shielded audio cable.


EMI, is a PITA, honestly - the clearer and more "high def" our audio capabilities are becoming, the more they become succeptable to noise interference, too. And to top that, the more powerful other electronic appliances become, the more EMI they produce - it's kinda a lose/lose situation :ohwell:

[btarunr]

Something tells me his system is starving (overloaded PSU). At least if I calculate things using the Newegg.com wattage calculator. The Ageia PhysX card draws 30W~35W peak, the X-Fi draws 15W "when switching modes", 12W in game mode, 8W in entertainment/ac mode. External EMI has disastrous effects on the X-Fi series cards when switching modes. Wanna know in detail?

[bud951]

Something tells me his system is starving (overloaded PSU). At least if I calculate things using the Newegg.com wattage calculator. The Ageia PhysX card draws 30W~35W peak, the X-Fi draws 15W "when switching modes", 12W in game mode, 8W in entertainment/ac mode. External EMI has disastrous effects on the X-Fi series cards when switching modes. Wanna know in detail?

actually, I am not using the Ageia right now. i am trying to get the soundcard ironed out first. I cant imagine that i am overloding my PSU even with Ageia but you guys know more than me. Its a good one that peaks at 825w.

"Seeing as how at this point you only hear interference in the RF channel - how are the speakers connected to your card? I'm guessing you have Line1, Line2 and Line3 plugged into the back, or do you use a seperate console plugged into the AUD connector, or do you only have one line and seperate remote channel splitter?"

"Reason I ask, is that EMI can also interfere with the signal being sent through the cable - if you have 3 seperate plugs at the back of the card, the one leading to your front channel might be picking up EMI from some appliance or other high powered device (Plasma TV, some DVR tuners, etc). If this might be the case, you can try re-routing your audio cables, and if it gets better, but the noise is still present, you might want to look into buying some shielded audio cable."


As far as EMI due to cables, that may be an issue as I am using the 3 analog wires that came with my speakers. I cant remember if it crackled using toslink with DDLIVE. I will check that out. It sounds much better using the analog out since I get the benifit of the Auzen hardware. I will try moving the analog wires around since they are surrounded by all kinds of other power lines and wiring. So far, other than the crackle, everything is ok since I moved the card. Thanks for the input guys!

[imperialreign]

As far as EMI due to cables, that may be an issue as I am using the 3 analog wires that came with my speakers. I cant remember if it crackled using toslink with DDLIVE. I will check that out. It sounds much better using the analog out since I get the benifit of the Auzen hardware. I will try moving the analog wires around since they are surrounded by all kinds of other power lines and wiring. So far, other than the crackle, everything is ok since I moved the card. Thanks for the input guys!

no prob - glad to help. As to the PSU, it's defi something to consider (sorry, I didn't take that good of a look at your specs earlier). A PSU that is either overloaded, or beginning to fail can produce stoopifying amounts of EMI . . . it usually isn't too much of a problem, though, as the PSU is generally quite far seperated from the PCI slots . . . unless your PSU is housed at the bottom of your case.

Anyhow, the more advanced these audio adapters are getting, the more succeptable they are to the minute stuff we haven't had to think about over the last 20 years. Sadly, though, as these audio cards become more powerful and easy prey to the other ever increasingly powerful components in a setup, people have gotten on a kick about blaiming Creative (mostly) or Auzen of poor build quality.

TBH - I forsee the audio card going one of two routes - either they start implementing some form of EMI shielding on the card itself, or moving the card entirelly external.

[bud951]

no prob - glad to help. As to the PSU, it's defi something to consider (sorry, I didn't take that good of a look at your specs earlier). A PSU that is either overloaded, or beginning to fail can produce stoopifying amounts of EMI . . . it usually isn't too much of a problem, though, as the PSU is generally quite far seperated from the PCI slots . . . unless your PSU is housed at the bottom of your case.

Anyhow, the more advanced these audio adapters are getting, the more succeptable they are to the minute stuff we haven't had to think about over the last 20 years. Sadly, though, as these audio cards become more powerful and easy prey to the other ever increasingly powerful components in a setup, people have gotten on a kick about blaiming Creative (mostly) or Auzen of poor build quality.

TBH - I forsee the audio card going one of two routes - either they start implementing some form of EMI shielding on the card itself, or moving the card entirelly external.


My PSU is on the bottom and the soundcard was directly between it and my 2nd 8800gt. Maybe thats why I was having so much trouble before I moved it. I was having hangups at startup and when I wasent playing games or listining to music. Now its just the crackle in the R/F. I havent had a chance to move the cables around yet but I will tape them up and away from everything else if it helps. They just arent that long. Do you know where I can find some longer quality sheilded analog cables with the mini jacks for PC use? Thanks.

[imperialreign]

. Do you know where I can find some longer quality sheilded analog cables with the mini jacks for PC use? Thanks.

I think something like this might be what you're looking for: http://www.impactacoustics.com/ (http://www.impactacoustics.com/product.asp?cat_id=812&sku=40601&cm_mmc_o=dyBBTkwCjC-EzkBT%20-ApbBCjCN.DFF%204zkwC4zkw%20Zwzp5tBEwCjCSixiv)

[bud951]

This is weird, I cant get x-fi alchemy to recognize Fear Combat. I try to update alchemy and it says There is no supported product installed. Does that mean x-fi or Fear? Fear Combat is supposed to be supported by Alchemy. Its the only legacy game I have installed and of course it does not give me EAX in Vista.

[imperialreign]

This is weird, I cant get x-fi alchemy to recognize Fear Combat. I try to update alchemy and it says There is no supported product installed. Does that mean x-fi or Fear? Fear Combat is supposed to be supported by Alchemy. Its the only legacy game I have installed and of course it does not give me EAX in Vista.

It's possible that it's FEAR Combat - I believe that uses a different executable over the original FEAR and Extraction Point, IIRC . . . not sure, though, TBH. I think the ALchemy drivers need to be able to recognize the game executable to que them to fire up - yeah, I just looked at the most recent games list on Creative's site (http://www.soundblaster.com/alchemy/), and FEAR Combat isn't listed yet . . . Although, TBH, I'm not really sure how it works, as I don't run Vista and haven't messed around with it too much . . .

If you have FEAR or Perseus Mandate, or some other title listed on Creative's site - give that a shot and see if you're having the same issue.

[bud951]

I found a way to get it working by editing the alchemy.ini file. Sounds pretty good now. I think the new alchemy program restores more of the reverb eax effects. I need to get that working now.

[imperialreign]

I never would've guessed there was a configurable .ini file with the drivers. Funny how easy it can be sometimes :D

[bud951]

I never would've guessed there was a configurable .ini file with the drivers. Funny how easy it can be sometimes :D

Isnt Alchemy a program? Yea it was easier than I thought. I googled it and there were some regpaths already made up on websites with info on how to add it to the .ini file. Editing .ini files is trickier in Vista than XP but just copy, edit, delete old, paste new and boom! I had all of the EAX settings available in FEAR Combat. It actually sounds damm good. Not as good as XP but I will take it over 4 way stereo.

[imperialreign]

Isnt Alchemy a program? Yea it was easier than I thought. I googled it and there were some regpaths already made up on websites with info on how to add it to the .ini file. Editing .ini files is trickier in Vista than XP but just copy, edit, delete old, paste new and boom! I had all of the EAX settings available in FEAR Combat. It actually sounds damm good. Not as good as XP but I will take it over 4 way stereo.


ALchemy isn't really a program - it's more a set of drivers that bypass the designed limitations of Vista. In essence, it's a work-around to re-enable audio hardware acceleration

[btarunr]

Alchemy is a compatibility layer that translates DirectSound commands from an application to OpenAL. The EAX effects are processed by the APU and then sent back to be re-sampled to whichever multi-channel configuration the user has (in PCM format) and is sent to the OpenAL subsystem.

Follow the flowchart with the serial number-order of the arrows:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2218204518_74b02d237c_o.jpg

1. Audio data and EAX commands are sent to the driver + ALchemy extension that decode these DirectSound commands.

2. EAX processing to be done, data sent to the CA 20K1.

3. EAX processed, sent back in the raw PCM format, multiple PCM channels.

4. Multichannel PCM data sent to the OpenAL installable client driver in the form of OpenAL commands generated by ALchemy.

5. OpenAL has its own abstraction to the CA20K1 and since the CA20K1 has hardware support for OpenAL, the OpenAL data is sent to the sound card back as output, this time in multichannel PCM like any other OpenAL application.

6, 7: APU > DAC > Output.

[imperialreign]

Alchemy is a compatibility layer that translates DirectSound commands from an application to OpenAL. The EAX effects are processed by the APU and then sent back to be re-sampled to whichever multi-channel configuration the user has (in PCM format) and is sent to the OpenAL subsystem.

Follow the flowchart with the serial number-order of the arrows:

. . . .

1. Audio data and EAX commands are sent to the driver + ALchemy extension that decode these DirectSound commands.

2. EAX processing to be done, data sent to the CA 20K1.

3. EAX processed, sent back in the raw PCM format, multiple PCM channels.

4. Multichannel PCM data sent to the OpenAL installable client driver in the form of OpenAL commands generated by ALchemy.

5. OpenAL has its own abstraction to the CA20K1 and since the CA20K1 has hardware support for OpenAL, the OpenAL data is sent to the sound card back as output, this time in multichannel PCM like any other OpenAL application.

6, 7: APU > DAC > Output.


that's a lot more concise than how most sites describe it, and even the MS Paint diagram is easier to read without really needing an explanation (but, y'know all the other sites that describe it are aimed at us hardware audiophiles that understand the jargon and concepts already).

If it's cool with you, I was thinking of putting that diagram and explanation in post #1; I'll cite you for it, too.

[btarunr]

go ahead. MSPaint FTW :rockout:


Edit: Gee I didn't realise the X-Fi support syndicate sigpic was free for use by members :p

[imperialreign]

Edit: Gee I didn't realise the X-Fi support syndicate sigpic was free for use by members :p


s'all good - I've been thinking about doing something a little better . . . the one I currently use I had just kinda slapped together in like a 5min Photoshop session.

BTW, y'all - I'm glad to see this still fledgling thread has registered over 6,000 views already, and is the third link listed if you google "X-Fi support," right behind Creative's sites (and it's the 2nd listed if you google "xfi support") :rockout:

Surely hope we're helping people out!!

[btarunr]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2222620925_f257f5cb8d_o.jpg
Yup, it takes a TPU effort to beat Microsoft's forums, the MSDN. This thread is the best non-Creative online resource in terms of hitrate and Google's listings.

[Anomaly]

Hi all

I'm a newbie here, and I've been reading the posts to find a solution to my problem with my sound card. BTW, great intro page with some useful information @imperialreign, it's just my own stupidity and fear of damaging my new setup that has prevented me from trying all listed solutions.

Here's the skinny. I have complete loss of sound through my Creative speakers (this happened on both the Inspire 6.1 set and now the Gigaworks S750 7.1 set) but if I turn my system volume up on full, there is a faint crackling that sounds vaguely like the track that I'm currently playing. The weird thing is, if I plug my headphones into the creative port in my 5.23 bay, sound is absolutely fine as if there were no problems. Initially I thought it was the speakers so I got the new set (as if I needed an excuse!) I then overhauled my system. Here's some specs:

My first system;
Asus A8R32-MVP Deluxe Motherboard
AMD Athlon FX60 CPU
4 X 1gb OCZ Platinum XTC DDR ram (possibly running at 333mhz due to all banks being full)
Western Digital Raptor 150gb HDD
Asus EAX1900XTX GDDR3 512mb PCI-E Graphics Card
FSP Sparkle Epsilon 700w ATX 2.0 PSU
Windows Vista x64 Ultimate Edition OEM
and
THE DREADED SOUND CARD that never worked properly from the start but I thought it was something I was doing wrong.

So I got a new system built up:
Asus Maximus Formula Mobo
4 X 1gb Transcend AXERAM PC2 - 8500 1066mhz Ram
Intel q6600 Quad Core CPU
WD Raptor 150gb (running Vista x64)
WD Raptor 150gb (running XP x86)
FSP Sparkle Epsilon 700w PSU
and the same poxy sound card.

I got the dual-boot system up and running the other day and sound worked great on both operating systems (unlike the first rig when I first installed the sound card and it DIDN'T work for the first day but magically started working on the second), but then it proceeded to shut down to the present problem on XP (after which I then get an error in the device manager on one of the Windows devices - something like Winmm WDM audio something-or-other), now sound won't even work on Vista (but does in the headphones).

I looked at the IRQ 17 which is where my card is listed, but next to it are some intel root thingy's that I really didn't feel like messing with. I looked at flashing my video card but couldn't backup the existing vga bios let alone get the new one to work.

I've done everything (I even called creative in Ireland a couple of times just for them to suggest the same fixes that I wouldn't have the knowledge or the nuts to go through with!) The only thing I would have liked to try but didn't know how, was to sort out the pci resources in the bios, but I'm not even sure that my system would have the option!

After all my ranting and raving, can anyone help me, or has anyone had similar problems before?

I really appreciate your time, and thanks in advance for putting up with me!

[imperialreign]

so, I take it you're currently running a dual boot system? Which audio card do you have? If you have an X-Fi, which driver sets are you using? Also - your XP install, is it a version of Windows Media Center?


anyhow, first off, just to make sure, you do have onboard audio disabled in BIOS, right?


Do your speakers need to be plugged into a power source (curious, because mine do, and will sound the same exact way as you described, although the headphone plug from the RF speaker works even with power off)?

also, just occured to me . . . go into WIN Device Manger, and make sure that there are no ADI audio drivers installed, either. If there are, r-click on them and disable those drivers, and then see if you have the same issues or not.

[Anomaly]

Hi imperialreign, thanks for the rapid response.

Yes I'm on Dual-boot with XP professional SP2 (not Media Center), but the issue was exactly the same when I have just Vista on a single Raptor HDD on the old rig.

I'm running a Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion which is about 6 months old, I only set the new rig up 3 days ago so I tried the latest web release drivers on Creative's website (I believe I have tried Beta and final releases in the past with no difference to the main issue).

The board has it's own Asus Extreme audio card that I just put to one side, I then disable the HD audio in the BIOS.

The Gigaworks speakers are externally powered, I leave it plugged in at all times (as were the Inspire 6.1), all I do is switch off the control box every night.

In terms of audio drivers (in Vista at present), all I can see installed are ATi T200 Unified AVstream Driver, and Creative SB X-Fi. Should I disable the ATI T200 Unified AVstream Driver? I just wanted to double-check.

Thanks again.

[imperialreign]

Hi imperialreign, thanks for the rapid response.

Yes I'm on Dual-boot with XP professional SP2 (not Media Center), but the issue was exactly the same when I have just Vista on a single Raptor HDD on the old rig.

I'm running a Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion which is about 6 months old, I only set the new rig up 3 days ago so I tried the latest web release drivers on Creative's website (I believe I have tried Beta and final releases in the past with no difference to the main issue).

The board has it's own Asus Extreme audio card that I just put to one side, I then disable the HD audio in the BIOS.

The Gigaworks speakers are externally powered, I leave it plugged in at all times (as were the Inspire 6.1), all I do is switch off the control box every night.

In terms of audio drivers (in Vista at present), all I can see installed are ATi T200 Unified AVstream Driver, and Creative SB X-Fi. Should I disable the ATI T200 Unified AVstream Driver? I just wanted to double-check.

Thanks again.

odd, I've never seen that ATI driver before - not really sure what it's purpose is. Doing some digging, it seems people have had issues with that drivers for various other hardware problems . . . you can try disabling it and see what happens with your sound.

everything else is looking peachy, though . . .

when do you experience the audio cut out? is it only when using Win Media Player, or only while gaming, both, etc?



<edit>:

come to think about it - the headphone jack on the X-Fi front panel works, right? How about plugging the headphones in directly to the back of the card? Do your speakers work if you plug them into the front panel?

[Anomaly]

odd, I've never seen that ATI driver before - not really sure what it's purpose is. Doing some digging, it seems people have had issues with that drivers for various other hardware problems . . . you can try disabling it and see what happens with your sound.

everything else is looking peachy, though . . .

when do you experience the audio cut out? is it only when using Win Media Player, or only while gaming, both, etc?

I disabled the ATI driver and no change to anything noticeable. I still get the sound through the speakers when the system volume is turned up to max. It sounds as if it would on full volume (heavily distorted), but at a really low volume level (if that makes sense!), even when I plug in the headphones I can still hear it through the speakers until I check the box on the audio console that says 'Automatically mute speakers', then I get normal sound through headphones and nothing at all through speakers.

In terms of the cut out of sound in general, I have not found a specific time when it is lost or when it returns. I used to try to ascertain whether the system was overworking but that can't be the case otherwise it would drop out during gaming. In Vista and XP I have had no normal sound all day today (ever since boot up), but last night I was playing Crysis for over 3 hours with no issues. There is no consistency whatsoever for loss or regain of sound. Occasionally it will comeback out of the blue, I will have been playing music on media player all day waiting and it will come on and scare the crap out of me!

I really can't work it out. The only thing I can think of (being a useless tool at this sort of thing) is that I should try to seek a replacement. I may try disabling the front panel first though. What do you think?

Usually when the sound comes back on it stays on for a few hours, when it goes off again it stays off for days sometimes without any normal sound.

[Anomaly]

come to think about it - the headphone jack on the X-Fi front panel works, right? How about plugging the headphones in directly to the back of the card? Do your speakers work if you plug them into the front panel?

Unfortunately I only have a single jack on the front panel, the Gigaworks have to be plugged into the 4 coloured jacks that are on the back of the card. The real bummer is that I use the system as my media system to as I have the 7.1 Gigaworks all around my living room. We haven't been able to watch a DVD in a couple of days now!

[imperialreign]

odd . . .



y'know, just for shits and giggles . . . open up the Creative Volume Panel, Windows Media Player (if installed), and Windows Volume Panel (Start>Control Panel>Sounds and Audio - then open up speaker volume and device volume). Go to your mixer settings in all the windows, and look for anything that is almost all the way down - either a master level, wave, line out, etc.

In the Creative Volume Panel, also check to make sure you're audio is setup for playback through a speaker setup, instead of a headphone - and also check the THX panel for anything odd, too.

The way you're describing it there, it's making me think that some types of media are almost muted, while other's aren't being affected . . .


if everything seems fine there . . . yeah, you can try disabling the front panel. I guess just unplug it's power source, and/or remove the cable that connects to the X-Fi.

I really don't think that would impede output from the back of the card, but, I'm not certain. I know it's a dumb question, but you do unplug the headphones from the front panel when not using them, right?

[Anomaly]

odd . . .



y'know, just for shits and giggles . . . open up the Creative Volume Panel, Windows Media Player (if installed), and Windows Volume Panel (Start>Control Panel>Sounds and Audio - then open up speaker volume and device volume). Go to your mixer settings in all the windows, and look for anything that is almost all the way down - either a master level, wave, line out, etc.

In the Creative Volume Panel, also check to make sure you're audio is setup for playback through a speaker setup, instead of a headphone - and also check the THX panel for anything odd, too.

The way you're describing it there, it's making me think that some types of media are almost muted, while other's aren't being affected . . .


if everything seems fine there . . . yeah, you can try disabling the front panel. I guess just unplug it's power source, and/or remove the cable that connects to the X-Fi.

I really don't think that would impede output from the back of the card, but, I'm not certain. I know it's a dumb question, but you do unplug the headphones from the front panel when not using them, right?

Yeh, I have a case door that I always keep closed so I rarely plug the headphones in!

I tried tinkering with the mixer but all levels were on full. Interestingly enough the THX controls appear to have dissappeared, ever since reinstalling Vista I don't seem to have the volume control in the system tray either so I can't even run the diagnostics. I only have the Windows looking speaker but it does control the audio console too so I guess its ok.

I'm not current;y in a position to be able to unplug the console but I'll try it tomorrow and post any updates on that.

Also, I just spent the last half hour uninstalling and reinstalling all Creative drivers and programs, I didn't even get a crackle from the sound (and I still didn't get the creative system tray control!)

I really am losing it with this card!

[imperialreign]

hmmm . . . not having the Creative's Volume Control Panel isn't set to load at startup. Go to Start>Programs>Creative>Sound Blaster X-Fi>Volume Control Panel. It should put the icon into the taskbar. r-click on the icon and make sure 'Load at Startup' is checked. Also, double click on the icon to bring up the audio console, and double check to make sure that "synchronize with Control Panel" is selected.

Some ques . . . where'd you buy the Fatal1ty Champion from? Was it brand new or open box?


TBH - some of the issues you mention make it sound like it's a software issue, others make it sound like it's hardware (especially considering that it was acting the same on your old system), and the fact that you're having the same issue in Vista as you are in XP.

You've changed out the motherboard, the CPU, and the DRAM - same issues mean to me that it can't be a problem with the PCI BUS.

Your video card isn't known for a being a problem at all with the X-Fi's, except for EMI. - by chance, though, you do have the X-Fi as far away from the video card as possible, right?

If it was just the Vista install, I'd recommend installing the ALchemy drivers and OpenAL drivers; you can still give that a shot, though, but I really don't think it'll fix anything.

I doubt it's your speakers - maybe, slightly, a bad connection at their power connector to a wall outlet - you might try a different wall outlet if possible, or a different outlet on your control box. If you're up to it - remove the X-Fi, enabled onboard audio, and plug the main speaker connector into the onboard outlet on the motherboard, or try to connect them to some other device (like a tv or home stereo). TBH, though, I get the feeling it's not speakers.

My only other thoughts, at this point, would be to completely wipe the creative drivers and software off, and then install just the audio driver (if it came with Vista drivers), the audio console and the volume control panel from the Installation CD - don't even worry about any of the software at this point.

Make sure the card is 100% fully seated in the motherboard slot, too.

But, TBH, I'm starting to think the card might have been faulty out of the box and needs to be RMAed.


<edit>

I'm curious . . . what all were Creative's recommendations?

[btarunr]

An interesting question that pertains to both the X-Fi Elite Pro and the Auzen X-Fi Prelude 7.1 was posed to my by a user, let me share the PM conversation, it is useful:

Hello Btarunr,

First of all, thank you for your posts, reading them with interest. New here, as well new to HD:). I did submit a question about sound options (mobo+HTIB vs. Prelude vs. HT Omega Claro Plus vs. Asus D2)
http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=50909
and wanted to ask you about the Prelude.

Is front panel header taking stereo output directly from LM4562?

Sorry for repeating this question from my post: is Prelude capable to output 24bit/96kHz 7.1 TrueHD/DTS-HD for BD/HD-DVD using s/pdif? How about analog output HD? 5.1 digital spdif? 5.1 digital spdif for games?

The Prelude was an option number one for me, but unfortunately I did not yet (10 days) receive response from Auzen about these questions using their e-ticket system. And people are talking (newegg) about their poor customer support, so I am hesitant.

Highly appreciate your answers.
Thank you,
bratan

Hello,
The LM4662 is the OPAMP for the front channel routed to a dedicated AKM DAC. The FP_Out pin header isn't routed to the LM4662 but with a bypass logic to the CA20K1 processor, just thru the Front channel's DAC (bypass logic as in the system driver chooses the FP output vide the Intel Azalia specifications of 2006 (includes the pin-header layout, jack sensing logic and the ability to mute the Front Channel / All channels of the analogue output if a headset is plugged into the FP_Out. As per the Azalia specifications, the CA20K1 audio processor infact has 10 channel audio out, just like the CMI8788, some high-end onboard CODEC's such as ALC888, ADI1988B, etc. Channels 9, 10 go to the front-panel output and aren't routed to an OPAMP and the DA conversion are carried out by the Front-channel DAC. Don't confuse Front panel out to Front channel. Front channel is the Front-left Front-right speaker output in the stereo setup commonly having a green coloured 3.5 mm connector.

Besides the LM4662 gives out a screaming 5V output to the Front channel analogue out. You really don't need that when running even the most up-market headsets. A normal headphone/headset/in-ear monitor can use the direct output of the AKM DAC upto 2V, if it's routed to the 5V OPAMP, you will encounter distorsions, extreme loudness, loss of variations, etc. which can be corrected only by lowering the volume by software (Volume Panel) and as you know, lowering the system volume while connecting a low-input device such as a headphone to a screaming OPAMP, will cause loss of audio information, get the logic? am I clear enough?

So my verdict, it seriously isn't a big deal if the FP_Out isn't routed to the OPAMP, it need not be. Even in the X-Meridean, the FP_Out goes thru a similar bypass mechanism.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2225152488_0832c50880_o.jpg


rgds,
btarunr.

[bassmasta]

odd . . .




The way you're describing it there, it's making me think that some types of media are almost muted, while other's aren't being affected . . .




I know the answer! before I gave up on my x-fi, I found that sometimes it felt like putting 5.1 or 7.1 through random jacks, regardless as to whether or not you have more than two speakers. i.e. in BF2, sometimes I could only hear gunshots from behind me in 2.1, and in AOE 3, I couldn't hear gunshots unless I used my rear speakers as side speakers {to simulate 7.1}

[Anomaly]

hmmm . . . not having the Creative's Volume Control Panel isn't set to load at startup. Go to Start>Programs>Creative>Sound Blaster X-Fi>Volume Control Panel. It should put the icon into the taskbar. r-click on the icon and make sure 'Load at Startup' is checked. Also, double click on the icon to bring up the audio console, and double check to make sure that "synchronize with Control Panel" is selected.

Some ques . . . where'd you buy the Fatal1ty Champion from? Was it brand new or open box?


TBH - some of the issues you mention make it sound like it's a software issue, others make it sound like it's hardware (especially considering that it was acting the same on your old system), and the fact that you're having the same issue in Vista as you are in XP.

You've changed out the motherboard, the CPU, and the DRAM - same issues mean to me that it can't be a problem with the PCI BUS.

Your video card isn't known for a being a problem at all with the X-Fi's, except for EMI. - by chance, though, you do have the X-Fi as far away from the video card as possible, right?

If it was just the Vista install, I'd recommend installing the ALchemy drivers and OpenAL drivers; you can still give that a shot, though, but I really don't think it'll fix anything.

I doubt it's your speakers - maybe, slightly, a bad connection at their power connector to a wall outlet - you might try a different wall outlet if possible, or a different outlet on your control box. If you're up to it - remove the X-Fi, enabled onboard audio, and plug the main speaker connector into the onboard outlet on the motherboard, or try to connect them to some other device (like a tv or home stereo). TBH, though, I get the feeling it's not speakers.

My only other thoughts, at this point, would be to completely wipe the creative drivers and software off, and then install just the audio driver (if it came with Vista drivers), the audio console and the volume control panel from the Installation CD - don't even worry about any of the software at this point.

Make sure the card is 100% fully seated in the motherboard slot, too.

But, TBH, I'm starting to think the card might have been faulty out of the box and needs to be RMAed.


<edit>

I'm curious . . . what all were Creative's recommendations?

I finally gave up and RMA'd the card (it's only taken me since August!) It was a brand new retail unit from Ebuyer so no problems there, they even collect by courier.

I tried different variations of the software and drivers but to no avail, I also tried disconnecting the front panel with no change. Since I had to pack up the card for return I broke out the Extreme Audio Card that came with my Maximus formula board, the speakers fit in but unfortunately because the output jacks are slightly different I don't get anyting from my two side speakers, the rest however, work like a charm. The Sound Blaster card was seated in the furthest PCI slot originally, the video card got my suspisions up because other than the Raptor (which I have now tried two) it was the only other constant that would appear to give me trouble.

All I can hope is that there were some bad connections somewhere but as I am getting a direct replacement I'm not confident that I won't experience the same issues.

Creative's recommendations were not too dissimilar to your own (maybe exactly the same, sorry can't remember), I dod find their recommendations on their website after talking with them over the phone.

Everyone else's problems seem to be crackling noises which I only experienced very rarely when the sound was in the process of dropping out so all I can do is hope that the card itself was faulty and that I will never experience this again with the new card on arrival.

I will of course post the outcome, and thank you for your help thus far.

Cheers.

[imperialreign]

I finally gave up and RMA'd the card (it's only taken me since August!) It was a brand new retail unit from Ebuyer so no problems there, they even collect by courier.

I tried different variations of the software and drivers but to no avail, I also tried disconnecting the front panel with no change. Since I had to pack up the card for return I broke out the Extreme Audio Card that came with my Maximus formula board, the speakers fit in but unfortunately because the output jacks are slightly different I don't get anyting from my two side speakers, the rest however, work like a charm. The Sound Blaster card was seated in the furthest PCI slot originally, the video card got my suspisions up because other than the Raptor (which I have now tried two) it was the only other constant that would appear to give me trouble.

All I can hope is that there were some bad connections somewhere but as I am getting a direct replacement I'm not confident that I won't experience the same issues.

Creative's recommendations were not too dissimilar to your own (maybe exactly the same, sorry can't remember), I dod find their recommendations on their website after talking with them over the phone.

Everyone else's problems seem to be crackling noises which I only experienced very rarely when the sound was in the process of dropping out so all I can do is hope that the card itself was faulty and that I will never experience this again with the new card on arrival.

I will of course post the outcome, and thank you for your help thus far.

Cheers.

No problem - sorry we couldn't have been of more help. I'd really like to hear, though, if the RMA fixes it up. Usually, with an RMA, they just send you another known good unit - it might be brand new, or as close to the condition of yours as possible. It's rare that a company takes the effort to diagnos out which component(s) on the board are failing and replace them. I know getting a defective product right out of the box is a PITA, but it does happen now and then with every company - my ASUS motherboard had to be RMAed within the first month (faulty temp sensors), and I've had a couple of ATI cards back in the day dead out of the box.

It's very rare, though, for the problem to still exist as a software issue when you've changed out the major organs of a system . . . I shoulda caught it quicker, but it's usually a dead give away to a hardware problem, especially considering that you weren't getting staticy or crckling type sounds, which is a whole other issue.


Hello,
The LM4662 is the OPAMP for the front channel routed to a dedicated AKM DAC. The FP_Out pin header isn't routed to the LM4662 but with a bypass logic to the CA20K1 processor, just thru the Front channel's DAC (bypass logic as in the system driver chooses the FP output vide the Intel Azalia specifications of 2006 (includes the pin-header layout, jack sensing logic and the ability to mute the Front Channel / All channels of the analogue output if a headset is plugged into the FP_Out. As per the Azalia specifications, the CA20K1 audio processor infact has 10 channel audio out, just like the CMI8788, some high-end onboard CODEC's such as ALC888, ADI1988B, etc. Channels 9, 10 go to the front-panel output and aren't routed to an OPAMP and the DA conversion are carried out by the Front-channel DAC. Don't confuse Front panel out to Front channel. Front channel is the Front-left Front-right speaker output in the stereo setup commonly having a green coloured 3.5 mm connector.

Besides the LM4662 gives out a screaming 5V output to the Front channel analogue out. You really don't need that when running even the most up-market headsets. A normal headphone/headset/in-ear monitor can use the direct output of the AKM DAC upto 2V, if it's routed to the 5V OPAMP, you will encounter distorsions, extreme loudness, loss of variations, etc. which can be corrected only by lowering the volume by software (Volume Panel) and as you know, lowering the system volume while connecting a low-input device such as a headphone to a screaming OPAMP, will cause loss of audio information, get the logic? am I clear enough?

So my verdict, it seriously isn't a big deal if the FP_Out isn't routed to the OPAMP, it need not be. Even in the X-Meridean, the FP_Out goes thru a similar bypass mechanism.

. . .





quite interesting . . . so, that type of setup is only found on the Prelude and Elite Pro cards? So, if I read that correctly (sorry if I'm getting confused, just got home from work :p), plugging in a headset or similar device to the FP will technically "mute" output to the FC output, right?

[Skrabrug]

I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro PCI and was wondering if there was a way to wire up the front side audio pannel on my case to my X-Fi card?

the wireguide for my case is kind of horriable though.

i have the NZXT Alpha case... which according to a reveiw on this site it can connect to soundcards

"The front I/O connections are as expected, but NZXT goes all out on the audio plug, even providing individual pins so that you will be able to connect it no matter what. This even gives you the option to connect sound cards to the front audio which do not officialy have an HD or AC '97 audio header."

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NZXT/Alpha/images/ioconnectors.jpg

[btarunr]

quite interesting . . . so, that type of setup is only found on the Prelude and Elite Pro cards? So, if I read that correctly (sorry if I'm getting confused, just got home from work :p), plugging in a headset or similar device to the FP will technically "mute" output to the FC output, right?

In respect to the question whether the FP_Out is routed to an OPAMP or not pertains only to Elite Pro and X-Fi Prelude because that's where there are separate DAC's for every two output channels:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2227028759_f43cf3d0eb_o.jpg

In the X-Fi Prelude, do you notice the front-channel DAC and the lage OPAMP in an odd position? The guy was asking if the FP_Out is routed to that OPAMP. It's really loud for a headphone and it isn't routed. Many reviewers have noted the FP_Out to have more clarity when using a headphone than plugging the headphone to the Front-Channel jack on the sound card. The odd front-channel DAC+OPAMP:
http://www.guru3d.com/admin/imageview.php?image=10904

Regarding the headphone plugging in to mute front-channel thing, every Intel Azalia compliant audio device be it Elite Pro or Realtek ALC885 are capable of it.

[btarunr]

I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro PCI and was wondering if there was a way to wire up the front side audio pannel on my case to my X-Fi card?

the wireguide for my case is kind of horriable though.

i have the NZXT Alpha case... which according to a reveiw on this site it can connect to soundcards

"The front I/O connections are as expected, but NZXT goes all out on the audio plug, even providing individual pins so that you will be able to connect it no matter what. This even gives you the option to connect sound cards to the front audio which do not officialy have an HD or AC '97 audio header."

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NZXT/Alpha/images/ioconnectors.jpg

The X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro and X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion cards do not have a Azalia compliant pin-header to the front-panel. Instead the AUD_Ext (that connects to the internal 5.25" bay expansion module has pin locations so you could manually mod your FP_Out if you don't have the expansion module:

AUD_EXT connector pin assignments

Note

ADC stands for Analog-to-Digital Converter

Pin Name Description
1 VCC +5V power supply
2 VCC +5V power supply
3 GND Ground
4 AC97CLK 24.5 MHz clock output
5 GND Ground
6 GP_SPDIFIN#2 SPDIF input signal
7 GND Ground
8 GND Ground
9 SPDIFO#3 SPDIF Out signal
10 GPO1 General Purpose Output #1
11 GPO2 General Purpose Output #2
12 GND Ground
13 GPO0 General Purpose Output #0
14 GND Ground
15 GP_SPDIFIN1 SPDIF Input signal
16 GND Ground
17 SPDIFO#0 SPDIF Out signal

18 GND Ground
19 SPDIFO#1 SPDIF Out signal
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 SPDIFO#2 SPDIF Out signal
23 GPI0 Digital Input (GP Input 0; Reserved)
24 GPI1 Digital Input, (GP Input 1; Reserved)
25 OUTMIDI MIDI Output
26 GND Ground
27 INMIDI MIDI Input
28 GND Ground
29 KEY
30 KEY
31 ADCSDO2 I2S audio data input.
32 GND Ground
33 ADCSDO1 I2S audio data input.
34 GND Ground
35 ADCSDO0 I2S audio data input.
36 GND Ground
37 I2SCLK I2S serial bit clock.

38 GND Ground
39 I2SFS Frame sync.
40 GND Ground

Copyright © 1998-2000 Creative Technology, Ltd.

Here is the reference Azalia front-panel pin-out:

http://193.95.171.83/wwimages/audio_int/xfi/xfi_extremeaudio_frontpanel1.JPG

To make things visual:
http://img.techpowerup.org/071018/ad_ext.jpg

[tigger]

whats the floppy power connector on the x-fi for? mine has one o them,just wondering.

[btarunr]

If you're hinting at the floppy power connector, its actually for powering the card. While the card can function without it, it's strongly recommended that you connect floppy-power to it else it loads the motherboard heavily when in Game mode. It's more of a power stability thing, ironically the Auzen X-Fi Prelude doesn't have it.

[imperialreign]

The X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro and X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion cards do not have a Azalia compliant pin-header to the front-panel. Instead the AUD_Ext (that connects to the internal 5.25" bay expansion module has pin locations so you could manually mod your FP_Out if you don't have the expansion module:

AUD_EXT connector pin assignments

Note

ADC stands for Analog-to-Digital Converter

Pin Name Description
1 VCC +5V power supply
2 VCC +5V power supply
3 GND Ground
4 AC97CLK 24.5 MHz clock output
5 GND Ground
6 GP_SPDIFIN#2 SPDIF input signal
7 GND Ground
8 GND Ground
9 SPDIFO#3 SPDIF Out signal
10 GPO1 General Purpose Output #1
11 GPO2 General Purpose Output #2
12 GND Ground
13 GPO0 General Purpose Output #0
14 GND Ground
15 GP_SPDIFIN1 SPDIF Input signal
16 GND Ground
17 SPDIFO#0 SPDIF Out signal

18 GND Ground
19 SPDIFO#1 SPDIF Out signal
20 GND Ground
21 GND Ground
22 SPDIFO#2 SPDIF Out signal
23 GPI0 Digital Input (GP Input 0; Reserved)
24 GPI1 Digital Input, (GP Input 1; Reserved)
25 OUTMIDI MIDI Output
26 GND Ground
27 INMIDI MIDI Input
28 GND Ground
29 KEY
30 KEY
31 ADCSDO2 I2S audio data input.
32 GND Ground
33 ADCSDO1 I2S audio data input.
34 GND Ground
35 ADCSDO0 I2S audio data input.
36 GND Ground
37 I2SCLK I2S serial bit clock.

38 GND Ground
39 I2SFS Frame sync.
40 GND Ground

Copyright © 1998-2000 Creative Technology, Ltd.

Here is the reference Azalia front-panel pin-out:

http://193.95.171.83/wwimages/audio_int/xfi/xfi_extremeaudio_frontpanel1.JPG

To make things visual:
http://img.techpowerup.org/071018/ad_ext.jpg


I didn't think you could connect front panel headers to any of those pinouts, safely - IIRC, the AUD_EXT pins are for the IDE cable that is used to connect to the X-Fi 5.25" bay Front Panel.

This is the connector that you'll need to utilize for your front panel connections:

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1364/xgfptp2.jpg

And this is the legend for that connector:

1 - Analog ground
2 - Left out
3 - Audio backpanel mute (grounded with headphone jack plugged in - I think this is Left Return)
4 - Right out
5 - same as pin 3 (I think this is Right return)
6 - Mic In from front panel
7 - no pin
8 - VREF Mic out (voltage reference for mic)
9 - Mic In mute (ground when mic isn't plugged in, +12V with mic plugged in)
10 - Audio Detect (ground when headphones plugged in, not normally used)



If you're hinting at the floppy power connector, its actually for powering the card. While the card can function without it, it's strongly recommended that you connect floppy-power to it else it loads the motherboard heavily when in Game mode. It's more of a power stability thing, ironically the Auzen X-Fi Prelude doesn't have it.

I thought I was pretty sure the 4-pin power connector was to allow the card to provide power to the I/O external console. That's the first I've ever heard of the card being able to utilize any additional power when in game mode . . . hmmmm . . . nowsa gots mai tinkin . . .

. . . I might do some fiddling this upcoming weekend and see what I can turn up on my system. :toast:


In respect to the question whether the FP_Out is routed to an OPAMP or not pertains only to Elite Pro and X-Fi Prelude because that's where there are separate DAC's for every two output channels:

. . . .

. . . .

In the X-Fi Prelude, do you notice the front-channel DAC and the lage OPAMP in an odd position? The guy was asking if the FP_Out is routed to that OPAMP. It's really loud for a headphone and it isn't routed. Many reviewers have noted the FP_Out to have more clarity when using a headphone than plugging the headphone to the Front-Channel jack on the sound card. The odd front-channel DAC+OPAMP:

. . . .

Regarding the headphone plugging in to mute front-channel thing, every Intel Azalia compliant audio device be it Elite Pro or Realtek ALC885 are capable of it.


Oh, I get it now. I knew of that Azalia, Realtek, etc. bit - I just didn't quite comprehend that initial post right off the back. 9 Hours stuck in garage around cars messe with yer head some :laugh:

[btarunr]

Wasn't that something Creative calls the "propritary connector"? Thanks, I didn't know that either. I've seen many people personally and from our case-gallery who power their cards even without an external IO module, but again you could be right, I don't have such a connector on the X-Fi Prelude. ANother correction I'd like to make is there infact is a OPAMP for the FP_Out in the X-Fi Prelude, just that it isn't the LM, do you see it between the CD/Aux-in and the FP_Out?

[Skrabrug]

Ah cool thx for that imperialreign :)

on the weekend i will try it out but i have gotta warn you i might be back asking questions seeing as this case seems to have all of its front audio wires labeled oddly and the instructions were in French in the manual xD

[imperialreign]

Wasn't that something Creative calls the "propritary connector"? Thanks, I didn't know that either. I've seen many people personally and from our case-gallery who power their cards even without an external IO module, but again you could be right, I don't have such a connector on the X-Fi Prelude.

As to the 4-pin power connector, I had always heard to not connect power to it unless you have the I/O Console - but, TBH, it wouldn't surprise me if it might help in some way. I might try testing some things out this weekend, if I get around to it.

The other connector I pointed out is a proprietary connector, same one Creative used on the Audigy 2 cards. Because it's a 10-pin proprietary connector, it's a bit of a pain to install the single pin connectors used for a typical chasis FP (distance between pins is small). TBH, though, I have yet to figure out what exactly the X-Fi uses that connector for, as it doesn't connect to the X-Fi 5.25" bay front panel, nor was it used for the internal I/O Module. :confused:

Ah cool thx for that imperialreign

on the weekend i will try it out but i have gotta warn you i might be back asking questions seeing as this case seems to have all of its front audio wires labeled oddly and the instructions were in French in the manual xD


If you're looking for a little more info, the guy that originally devised how to do those posted instructions on how to make an adapter cable here: http://audigy2zshowto.blogspot.com/ - even though the instructions are for the Audigy, the X-Fi uses the same pin-out (thanks to the moderators at Creative Forums who posted that pinout legend a long time ago). I'm also trying to come up with some kind of mod that might be easier than having to buy the connector needed for it . . . we'll see. Only problem I forsee, really, is that the instructions use the typical AC97 pin settings, meaning that it's not really an HD connection and you don't have full capability.

I had come up with a pin-crossover that *should* work, but I never got around to testing it (aside from buying the correct connector) as I haven't found a way to connect the FP pins without bending the pins on the card: http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=443557&postcount=1

Any thoughts on that pin setup?


ANother correction I'd like to make is there infact is a OPAMP for the FP_Out in the X-Fi Prelude, just that it isn't the LM, do you see it between the CD/Aux-in and the FP_Out?


yeah, I see it. I take it, then, that one should be specifically for the FP_Out connections?

[Skrabrug]

If you're looking for a little more info, the guy that originally devised how to do those posted instructions on how to make an adapter cable here: http://audigy2zshowto.blogspot.com/ - even though the instructions are for the Audigy, the X-Fi uses the same pin-out (thanks to the moderators at Creative Forums who posted that pinout legend a long time ago). I'm also trying to come up with some kind of mod that might be easier than having to buy the connector needed for it . . . we'll see. Only problem I forsee, really, is that the instructions use the typical AC97 pin settings, meaning that it's not really an HD connection and you don't have full capability.

I had come up with a pin-crossover that *should* work, but I never got around to testing it (aside from buying the correct connector) as I haven't found a way to connect the FP pins without bending the pins on the card: http://forums.techpowerup.com/showpost.php?p=443557&postcount=1

Any thoughts on that pin setup?





yeah, I see it. I take it, then, that one should be specifically for the FP_Out connections?


the NZXT case i have came 3 different audio connections depending on what i needed to use. the HD audio set and the AC97 set are both complete bocks though without the option to connect each part separately but luckily they also put a 3rd connection off from that which is the split pin connection.. hopefully I'll just have to only follow the wire colours of the HD or 97 block set to work out what they are in the single split pin mode :)

[btarunr]

As to the 4-pin power connector, I had always heard to not connect power to it unless you have the I/O Console - but, TBH, it wouldn't surprise me if it might help in some way. I might try testing some things out this weekend, if I get around to it.

The other connector I pointed out is a proprietary connector, same one Creative used on the Audigy 2 cards. Because it's a 10-pin proprietary connector, it's a bit of a pain to install the single pin connectors used for a typical chasis FP (distance between pins is small). TBH, though, I have yet to figure out what exactly the X-Fi uses that connector for, as it doesn't connect to the X-Fi 5.25" bay front panel, nor was it used for the internal I/O Module. :confused:
Beats me man. But doesn't the IO module / Audigy drive have a headphone jack? Doesn't that imply that one of those pins at the back of the card next to the SPDIF pins have to have an analog stereo out?

Do you see that headphone jack next to SPDIF?
http://images.creative.com/iss/images/corporate/artwork/art_xfi_platinum_pdt_hi.jpg

...is should have a pin on the headers I was pointing at (AUD_EXT) :confused:

[tigger]

Maybe,but the pre amp for the headphone socket is on the module.The output from the pins would not work.

[btarunr]

Or maybe there's a digital connection between the card and the module and that the module isn't just an expansion of whatever pin is on the card?

[imperialreign]

this is the only pic I've ever found of the front panel hooked up:

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/xfi/xfidrive.jpg

as you can see, the 4-pin power connector, and an IDE interface (which connects to the AUD_EXT connector on the X-Fi), but no connection that appears to interface with the proprietary connector on the X-Fi . . .

Funny thing is - the Audigy series also had a 5.25" bay Front Panel, also (I've seen ones with the Audigy logo and the Audigy 2 ZS logo):

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2629/03dj2.jpg

notice how EXACTLY THE SAME it is to the X-Fi FP . . . and the Audigy's stouted the same AUD_EXT connection (albeit different sources for the pins), and also the 10-pin proprietary connection . . . although, I have yet to see anything that actually makes use of that 10-pin :confused:

[btarunr]

business idea: Lets make a converter cable for the 10 pin to standard Azalia front-panel header layout, buy patent, sell to Creative :p

The X-Fi Internal IO module and the Audigy drive even have exactly the same PCB layout from whatever you can see.

[imperialreign]

business idea: Lets make a converter cable for the 10 pin to standard Azalia front-panel header layout, buy patent, sell to Creative :p


:D They'd probably respond with "What connector are you talking about?!"

[/QUOTE=btarunr]
The X-Fi Internal IO module and the Audigy drive even have exactly the same PCB layout from whatever you can see.[/QUOTE]


didn't look that close, but now that I have . . . the copyright printed on the board is the same in both pics :laugh:

Creative should win an award for their ability to re-brand aging hardware!

[btarunr]

That's really Creative, isn't it? Audigy SE to X-Fi Xtreme Audio and now this :laugh:

[imperialreign]

nice pun :toast:

they spent so much money developing the X-Fi, they didn't even worry about the I/O panel.

even the model numbers on the lower PCB are the same - only difference I see is the metal plate covering the upper PCB on the X-Fi panel.

[Cold Storm]

all right guys here is one for ya... I just bought the Xtreme Music card... Well I am using Vista x86 and for some reason the only thing I can run is the Audio Creation Mode... When I check the gamer one and the Entertainment mode, it says that I don't have the drivers for it.. So is there a place to go to... I went to creative and I'm lost on what to download really... I thank you guys for any help..

[tigger]

I have a extreme pain in the arse,i mean music too.I'm considering taking it out and trying my onboard.I dont even try and switch to game mode,eax dont work anyway so whats the point.

As far as i'm concerned,if your on xp use the x-fi,if your on vista,use onboard.The drivers for the x-fi still suck bawls even after all this time.

If i take it out,i'm gonna smash the piece of crap with a hammer in the back garden.

[Random Murderer]

I have a extreme pain in the arse,i mean music too.I'm considering taking it out and trying my onboard.I dont even try and switch to game mode,eax dont work anyway so whats the point.

As far as i'm concerned,if your on xp use the x-fi,if your on vista,use onboard.The drivers for the x-fi still suck bawls even after all this time.

If i take it out,i'm gonna smash the piece of crap with a hammer in the back garden.

unless someone wants to buy it?

[Cold Storm]

yeah, i got jumped when i told a few people i did this... I didn't know what I was really thinking.. thought I could still use my front panel... my tv tuner covers up the pins for the front panel headphone and mic jack... So I didn't think it through... lol... good thing I can take it back...

[Random Murderer]

yeah, i got jumped when i told a few people i did this... I didn't know what I was really thinking.. thought I could still use my front panel... my tv tuner covers up the pins for the front panel headphone and mic jack... So I didn't think it through... lol... good thing I can take it back...

you CAN still use your front panel connectors, i put together the pin assembly last night, just needs to be soldered to your board.
as for whether or not you get the drivers working right... that's another beast on its own.

[tigger]

If anyone in the uk wants it,they can have it for £20 with the upgrade remote.

[Cold Storm]

Yeah, when or if we get the drivers working, then we'll do the mod.. If the drivers don't work right, I'll turn in the b1tch...

[Random Murderer]

Yeah, when or if we get the drivers working, then we'll do the mod.. If the drivers don't work right, I'll turn in the b1tch...

and get a sound card that works, right?

[imperialreign]

all right guys here is one for ya... I just bought the Xtreme Music card... Well I am using Vista x86 and for some reason the only thing I can run is the Audio Creation Mode... When I check the gamer one and the Entertainment mode, it says that I don't have the drivers for it.. So is there a place to go to... I went to creative and I'm lost on what to download really... I thank you guys for any help..

Well, if you have the most recent hardware driver, download the Console Launcher (http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/download.asp?MainCategory=1&nRegionFK=&nCountryFK=&nLanguageFK=&sOSName=Windows+Vista+32-bit&region=1&Product_Name=Sound+Blaster+X-Fi+XtremeMusic&Product_ID=14066&modelnumber=&driverlang=1033&OS=26&drivertype=0&x=16&y=12) from Creative and see if that works. When you initially install the X-Fi drivers, you're given a choice as to what mode you want as default, but if you didn't install the console launcher, it's very difficult to switch between them.


I have a extreme pain in the arse,i mean music too.I'm considering taking it out and trying my onboard.I dont even try and switch to game mode,eax dont work anyway so whats the point.

As far as i'm concerned,if your on xp use the x-fi,if your on vista,use onboard.The drivers for the x-fi still suck bawls even after all this time.

If i take it out,i'm gonna smash the piece of crap with a hammer in the back garden.

biggest reason why I still haven't gone over to Vista. If Creative ever get their Vista drivers stable, reliable and strong . . . I might think about it. But in the meantime, screw MS.

[tigger]

As far as i'm concerned,if your using vista DO NOT buy a x-fi.

The thing is,i DO NOT blame creative at all,ms royally screwed creative with the x-fi.Just after the x-fi came out,ms released vista and completely rewrote how the sound works on windows.Which did not do creative or the x-fi any favours at all.

[Random Murderer]

Well, if you have the most recent hardware driver, download the Console Launcher (http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/download.asp?MainCategory=1&nRegionFK=&nCountryFK=&nLanguageFK=&sOSName=Windows+Vista+32-bit&region=1&Product_Name=Sound+Blaster+X-Fi+XtremeMusic&Product_ID=14066&modelnumber=&driverlang=1033&OS=26&drivertype=0&x=16&y=12) from Creative and see if that works. When you initially install the X-Fi drivers, you're given a choice as to what mode you want as default, but if you didn't install the console launcher, it's very difficult to switch between them.




biggest reason why I still haven't gone over to Vista. If Creative ever get their Vista drivers stable, reliable and strong . . . I might think about it. But in the meantime, screw MS.

yea, the drivers on the disc caused the system to hang when installing, so we downloaded the latest drivers off of creative's site, that's what he's running now.

[Cold Storm]

Here is what it says every time I try and change the Console Launcher..
that nothing is there for it...

[sneekypeet]

Would that be a Razor-1911 file I see on your desktop??????

[Cold Storm]

whats that??? don't know what your talking about... its a picture... i promise!

[imperialreign]

Here is what it says every time I try and change the Console Launcher..
. . . .


alright, so you installed the drivers . . . but, did you install the Audio Console launcher? It's seperate software from the X-Fi audio drivers. The drivers will let you change mode, which can be done from within the X-Fi Control Panel, but you need the audio console software to be able to open the GUI.

if you downloaded the drivers from Creative's website, the software isn't bundled with their update driver packages.

[Cold Storm]

so I need to go and use the cd to put in that driver? and yea, I used the updated drivers from the website. Like Rm said, it hard freeze on me when i got to 84%.

[tigger]

Take the x-fi out,and use it for scraping up cat shit.

[imperialreign]

Prob just a Vista thang.

Naw, you don't need the CD for the console launcher. Follow the link I posted a few posts back, you should be able to dl it from Creative.

[sneekypeet]

whats that??? don't know what your talking about... its a picture... i promise!

Good tip.....Next time use Alt+PrintScreen key and just get the little window!!!!:shadedshu:D

[Cold Storm]

still don't know what your talking about with crysis... pm me and help! lol.. thanks for the advice also

[tigger]

It is just a vista thing.

The x-fi works a treat on xp.

I'm sorry for my comments,i'm just pissed that i spent £60 on the card and its poo on vista,specially as i bought vista so it seems a waste of the money i paid for vista to go back to xp.

[Cold Storm]

Hey tigger, it happens.. I'm in the same boat as you are.. So now I'm just needing to find if this works for me, or go back to staples and throw it at them like i did my mp3 player.. lol

[sneekypeet]

still don't know what your talking about with crysis... pm me and help! lol.. thanks for the advice also

Crysis...who said anything about Crysis...LMAO....BTW let your lawyer do the talkin...you would just do yourself no favors....J/K

OK sorry fellas I will stop hyjacking now....continue on!

[tigger]

I'm gonna take it out tonight and try my onboard,which has a digital out which i can connect to my av amp.I'm not sure if the onboard does 5.1 from the digi out or not.The x-fi only does 2.1 from the digi out,and then you have to pay another £15 for the digital adapter,which hangs off the back of the card and looks pap.

[imperialreign]

It is just a vista thing.

The x-fi works a treat on xp.

I'm sorry for my comments,i'm just pissed that i spent £60 on the card and its poo on vista,specially as i bought vista so it seems a waste of the money i paid for vista to go back to xp.

s'all good man, we understand your pain :D

I highly doubt MS will do anything to address the issue with any future SP for Vista, though - hopefully Creative will be able to make their work-around drivers as near perfect as possible. They haven't really focused at all on their XP drivers since Vista's release, but then again, the cards are solid on XP.

Hopefully, MS will learn from this venture, and will give this kernel design some second thoughts before their next OS.

[Cold Storm]

Well i'm going to do the same tigger! froze on me then when i installed it, it says there is no such thing.. wtf?? back to the drawing board!

[Cold Storm]

Crysis...who said anything about Crysis...LMAO....BTW let your lawyer do the talkin...you would just do yourself no favors....J/K

OK sorry fellas I will stop hyjacking now....continue on!

what?!?! i don't even see a picture of my desktop... !?!? what are you looking at? your not over my shoulder are you?? and if so... what does my desktop look like?!?!

[Cold Storm]

all right.. the audio creation mode now works right, but I don't have any game or entertainment mode... well off to my tv tuner.. enough working on the sound card tonight.. lol

[imperialreign]

alright, then - try going to Start>Programs>All Programs>Creative>Sound Blaster X-Fi

do you have an application listing as "Creative Volume Panel," and "Creative Mode Switcher?"

If so - open Creative Volume Panel. It should place an icon into the System Tray. R-click on that icon, and make sure that 'Load Volume Icon at Startup' is selected. Double click on that icon, and it should go ahead and bring up the current mode console.

Once the Audio Creation Mode console is open on your desktop, l-click on the button in the lower left hand corner with "Mode" written beside it. If the Creative Mode Switcher is installed, your current console will close out and change to a window that allows you to switch between modes.

The other way to change modes, if you have the Volume Panel icon in the System tray; is to r-click on the icon, go to "Switch Mode" and choose from there. Then just double click the volume icon to bring that console up.



If you don't have these applications installed - you'll have to use the installation CD. Once it's loaded up and all, use "Custom" install settings, and de-select the audio drivers (you already have them installed), and check off whatever else you want installed.

Hopefully, there might not be a problem if it's not trying to install the hardware drivers from the CD.

[Cold Storm]

It works now that way... but if I go and click on the "Creative Mode Switcher" it gives me an error... stating its not installed... so now everything is a go... Sweetness! thanks Imperialreign! now just have to make all the fuzzy's go away on my tv tuner and i'm hooked up!

[imperialreign]

It works now that way... but if I go and click on the "Creative Mode Switcher" it gives me an error... stating its not installed... so now everything is a go... Sweetness! thanks Imperialreign! now just have to make all the fuzzy's go away on my tv tuner and i'm hooked up!

no prob, man. If you want the mode switcher - you'll have to install it from the CD, then. It's not offered on Creative's site.

Not sure I can help with a TV tuner - no experience there :p

[Cold Storm]

I just have to work with the coax and it will be fine... i'm pulling on it because the case is out to far... and i thank you again. I really don't care about the switcher since you can do it in the mode your in now...

[SK-1]

no prob, man. If you want the mode switcher - you'll have to install it from the CD, then. It's not offered on Creative's site.



I think that it is crap that Creative wont allow the mode switcher to be downloaded:shadedshu

[btarunr]

guys, X-Fi goes well with Vista, just that you lose out on a lot of multichannel features for the lack of DirectSound. Please let's not build a taboo around Vista and X-Fi. Every diver release of ALchemy brings with is support for dozens of games so there is an effort from Creative's side for sure.

[Cold Storm]

I'm all for it... got upset at first, but now Creative FTW!

[imperialreign]

I think that it is crap that Creative wont allow the mode switcher to be downloaded:shadedshu

It's not considered "necessary" software for use and operation of the card - one can change the mode by going into the X-Fi control panel, or using the volume icon r-click menu.

guys, X-Fi goes well with Vista, just that you lose out on a lot of multichannel features for the lack of DirectSound. Please let's not build a taboo around Vista and X-Fi. Every diver release of ALchemy brings with is support for dozens of games so there is an effort from Creative's side for sure.

agreed - I'm just irritated with MS over various things in Vista, not Creative. I give them a lot of credit for how hard they're focusing on Vista issues. Like I pointed out, I don't recall them releasing any XP updates or betas since Vista was released to market.

[tigger]

I just thought i'd let you guys know.

I connected the ac97 front panel headphone connectors to the 10 pin connector on the x-fi,and now my front headphone socket works.YaaaaY

[Cold Storm]

can you show in pics tigger? if so I'll thank you so much! you don't even know!

[tigger]

Heres how its connected-

http://img.techpowerup.org/080202/x-fi fp.jpg

What i did was used a 8 pin connector from an old dvd player that fitted on the connector on the x-fi,tha had 8 wires coming off it.Then i took some connector pins from a firewire connector thing that came with my board(see below pic) and soldered the little connectors onto the ends of the wires on the 8 pin connector.Then just pshed them into the correct holes on the cases ac97 fp connector.If you dont understand still i will post some more pics and try to explain a bit better.

http://img.techpowerup.org/080202/x-fi fp2.jpg

[Cold Storm]

I'll be linking that to rm and seeing if it was the same way we were going to do it.. thanks a lot man.

[EarlZ]

Hi,

Been using my X-Fi Extreme Music nearing 3 years or so and i had no issues with it and hopefully it will stay like that forever, Im just wondering why the newer cards ive seen come with a heatsink on the X-Fi chip as mine doesnt have any...

[imperialreign]

Heres how its connected-

http://img.techpowerup.org/080202/x-fi fp.jpg




I kinda thought I had the x-fi pins backwards in the other pic I posted, but I also thought I was pretty sure I had it right :o I should change that pic and re-host it . . .

I'm planning on doing some stuff with my card today, I'm going to see if I can't get all 9 pins from an HD/Azalia pinout working with a FP connection, simply because I'd rather have the HD headset capability instead of just minimal, y'know?

If I get it working, I'll post that up, too.

[tigger]

You might wanna stick a sink on it.i think creative started putting them on coz they was getting hot.If its ok tho' maybe not.My extreme musc has one on it.

Edit-on my case the fp connections have 2,a ac97 one and a hd one.I dont think it matters which one you connect to,it does the same thing.I dont know what the differance is.

[btarunr]

tigger, can you work out a similar chart for making use of a Intel HDA front-panel header to be put to use with a AC'97 connectors? I have an antique CM Centurion (2005) that comes with AC'97 front-panel.

[Cold Storm]

Hi,

Been using my X-Fi Extreme Music nearing 3 years or so and i had no issues with it and hopefully it will stay like that forever, Im just wondering why the newer cards ive seen come with a heatsink on the X-Fi chip as mine doesnt have any...

have you been using xp or vista? Tigger and I are using Vista and thats where we are having problems with.. Microsoft doesn't care for creative anymore..

[imperialreign]

You might wanna stick a sink on it.i think creative started putting them on coz they was getting hot.If its ok tho' maybe not.My extreme musc has one on it.

Edit-on my case the fp connections have 2,a ac97 one and a hd one.I dont think it matters which one you connect to,it does the same thing.I dont know what the differance is.

it's all in the wiring. Both the AC97 and the Azalia connections are interchangeable, but the Azalia is wired for HD connectability at the FP PCB.

about the HS, if you're talking about the passive sink they put on the APU, all newer revision X-Fi's have a heatsink. The early models had a nasty problem of overheating the capacitors, which lead them to either pop or start leaking. Keeping the APU cool actually helps prevent the capacitors from reaching critical mass.

I'm going to be heading out soon, as I'm planning on picking up some supplies for some mods - I'm going to swap out the LEDs on the board, and I also intend to make an EMI shield/heat spreader for the card. I'm not too worried about the DAC, OPAMPs, mosfets or other chips getting too hot, but I want to try and keep the capacitors as close to the same temp as possible. Because capacitor operation is directly affected by how hot they are, you'll have more consistent audio quality if you can keep them as close to the same temp as possible.


tigger, can you work out a similar chart for making use of a Intel HDA front-panel header to be put to use with a AC'97 connectors? I have an antique CM Centurion (2005) that comes with AC'97 front-panel.

this is from a post here at TPU I made months ago - I think this pin setup will work for the Azalia connections:

Here's the AC97/Azalia pinout, taken from Intel.com:

1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10

1 Mic_In - Front panel microphone input signal (biased when supporting stereo microphone)
2 Aud_GND - Ground used by analog
3 Mic_Bias - Microphone power / additional MIC input for stereo microphone support
4 Aud_GND - Ground used by analog audio circuits
5 FP_Out_R - Right channel audio signal to front panel (headphone drive capable)
6 FP_Return_R - Right channel audio signal return from front panel (when headphones unplugged)
7 AUD_5V - Filtered +5 V used by analog audio circuits
8 Key - No pin
9 FP_Out_L - Left channel audio signal to front panel (headphone drive capable)
10 FR_Return_L - Left channel audio signal return from front panel (when headphones unplugged)

and here's Creative's I/O drive pinout for Audigy/X-Fi (as best I've been able to research online):

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 - Analog ground
2 - Left out
3 - Audio backpanel mute (grounded with headphone jack plugged in - I think this is Left Return)
4 - Right out
5 - same as pin 3 (I think this is Right return)
6 - Mic In from front panel
7 - no pin
8 - VREF Mic out (voltage reference for mic)
9 - Mic In mute (ground when mic isn't plugged in, +12V with mic plugged in)
10 - Audio Detect (ground when headphones plugged in, not normally used)

Soooooo . . . I've figured this crossover from my AC97 connector to the X-Fi (I list the AC97 pin numbers in the X-Fi pinout configuration):

2 9 10 5 6 1 8 3 7 4






I plan on seeing if that will work later today

[EarlZ]

Mine doesnt even get hot at all, im just using a 2.1 speaker system if that matters. Any application maybe i can try to probably stress test the APU so i can see how much heat it generates ?

[btarunr]

Hi,

Been using my X-Fi Extreme Music nearing 3 years or so and i had no issues with it and hopefully it will stay like that forever, Im just wondering why the newer cards ive seen come with a heatsink on the X-Fi chip as mine doesnt have any...

1. X-Fi cards don't have any problems in cooler countries/air-conditioned environments but they do, in arid/semi-arid/hot conditions because the chip heats up a lot and this chip heating up affects the operation of other components such as capacitors and several units from some of the first production batches faced severe capacitor problems, little did many realise that a heated IC overloads its power-conditioning circuit. Even with this heatsink I can touch the heatsink after 30 minutes of Doom 3 (with EAX 4.0 HD) and find it seriously hot.

2. The Heatsink also acts as a basic EMI shield. Yes, a metal plate that can dampen EM waves can shield a component of EMI.

[imperialreign]

Mine doesnt even get hot at all, im just using a 2.1 speaker system if that matters. Any application maybe i can try to probably stress test the APU so i can see how much heat it generates ?

Sorry, didn't even notice your original post there! Welcome to TPU!

One of the best means of stressing the X-Fis is to load up an audio heavy game - Doom 3 or Quake 4, if you have them, are both capable of bringing even the Fatal1ty cards to their knees. You can use a temp diode to read temps on the APU, or an IR temp gun, but there is no software to do such, though.

TBH, if you don't have a heatsink on the APU, I'd seriously recommend installing one. It need not be anything fancy, a typical copper or aluminum chipset 40mmx40mm heatsink without motherboard mounting provisions will work. Most come with some form of thermal tape or thermal epoxy to allow you to affix it, just make sure that the top of the APU has been cleaned with rubbing alcohol first, to allow for the tape to adhere well. You can even go one better and attach a small 40mm fan to this. The HS that Creative has put on the cards are a tad small for 40mm fans, though :ohwell:

[btarunr]

The best way to stress CA20K1 is that you enable 7.1 speaker mode (even if you don't have the speakers), turn on Crystalizer, CMSS-3D, and play a game that fully supports hardware mixing and EAX 5.0 HD (like BF2/ Bioshock), play a multiplayer game online with several players firing from all directions. That should be a task the CA20K1 was really designed for. :p

[EarlZ]

Thanks for the welcome but ive been here in the forums since 2006 but only having a VERY few post till i saw this forum topic on the side bar ( i visit this site daily for tech news/updates )

anyway here is a pic of my card

http://xs124.xs.to/xs124/08056/mycard889.png
The APU is indeed covered with a X-Fi sticker... lol




http://xs124.xs.to/xs124/08056/highrise583.png
I've always been wondering why this lone capacitor is installed with its contact points a bit higher first time ive seen it on a PCB




I dont have airconditioning in where my computer is located nor it can be considered cold here ( only during rainy season ). Been using this card for almost 3 years from now..

Any other game aside from Doom3 and Quake4, I dont have any thermal diodes so the finger touch test is my only method

[tigger]

I've edited the pic with what i think is the headphone connectors for the hdaudio connector.I'm not sure about the mic tho' but i do know that the port2 connectors are headphone and the port1 connectors are mic.

http://img.techpowerup.org/080202/x-fi fp232.jpg

Feel free to check them and correct me if i'm wrong.

[EarlZ]

The best way to stress CA20K1 is that you enable 7.1 speaker mode (even if you don't have the speakers), turn on Crystalizer, CMSS-3D, and play a game that fully supports hardware mixing and EAX 5.0 HD (like BF2/ Bioshock), play a multiplayer game online with several players firing from all directions. That should be a task the CA20K1 was really designed for. :p

Any other possible test that i can complete alone ?

[btarunr]

Any other possible test that i can complete alone ?

Any game that supports HW mixing and EAX 5.0 that is utilizing more than 64 hardware voices will stress it. You can do it even in stereo, stepping up output channels will stress the DAC more than APU, take back my word.

Finger testing my heatsink after even 30 minutes of Doom 3 (5.1ch + EAX 5.0) heats it up badly.

[Cold Storm]

I've edited the pic with what i think is the headphone connectors for the hdaudio connector.I'm not sure about the mic tho' but i do know that the port2 connectors are headphone and the port1 connectors are mic.

http://img.techpowerup.org/080202/x-fi fp232.jpg

Feel free to check them and correct me if i'm wrong.

The only thing I see wrong is the color coding! yellow is blue??! from the pic it looks right... just need to wait til this evening to make sure and I'll post pics and stuff for everyone... plus my case pics... I'm hoping at lease