Is a soundcard still needed these days??

[ATAG_Bliss]

Well, the biggest thing is the removal of DirectSound. Ever since the inception of vista, an XFI is worthless. But back when you had DirectSound technology and drivers specifically designed to run through hardware only instead of the Open_AL crap that must go through windows/microsoft there's really no need for it.

The only thing I can say is play a direct 3d game on XP with an X-Fi (on your new fangled motherboards with good onboard) and then play that same game on XP with on board sound and you'll see why millions of people had the X-Fi. With Open_AL being the only thing rocking now, it simply doesn't matter.

The only reason I still have XP installed is not because some of my old favorite games won't run on W7, it's simply because they sound so fricking awful in Open_Al that is the microsoft's crucifix to direct sound. Just like anything, microsoft had the put their grubby hands on it and make it simply mediocre across the board.

Quite simply, the reason an X-Fi doesn't do much anymore is simply because it can't go around window's very own sound architecture since Vista and beyond.

[AKA_Tenn]

yea and it sucks balls... bout the only thing x-fi is good for now is ASIO and the optical-in to use ur PC as a 5.1/7.1 amp (i use it for my playstation 3) tho you gotta buy the dolby digital connect pack thing for like... 3$ from the creative site.

but also the front panel is awesome... i'd buy it just for that.

[HessleReich]

WOW, that controller/remote looks tiny.

[Dano]

I can tell you right now that even my cheap XonarDG is head and shoulders above the onboard Realtek sound on my motherboard.

[Kankkis]

I'll use Logitech G35 USB headset, no need for soundcard and no even need for MB soundchipset(Disabled it from bios) and i'm happy.

Kankkis

[SlipBall]

Originally Posted by ATAG_Bliss

Well, the biggest thing is the removal of DirectSound. Ever since the inception of vista, an XFI is worthless. But back when you had DirectSound technology and drivers specifically designed to run through hardware only instead of the Open_AL crap that must go through windows/microsoft there's really no need for it.

The only thing I can say is play a direct 3d game on XP with an X-Fi (on your new fangled motherboards with good onboard) and then play that same game on XP with on board sound and you'll see why millions of people had the X-Fi. With Open_AL being the only thing rocking now, it simply doesn't matter.

The only reason I still have XP installed is not because some of my old favorite games won't run on W7, it's simply because they sound so fricking awful in Open_Al that is the microsoft's crucifix to direct sound. Just like anything, microsoft had the put their grubby hands on it and make it simply mediocre across the board.

Quite simply, the reason an X-Fi doesn't do much anymore is simply because it can't go around window's very own sound architecture since Vista and beyond.

When I as researching a way to get my SB card to sound as good as it did in XP. I remember reading somewhere that Win 7 professional version had a true XP mode, with a check box for direct sound. Allowing for full use and quality as in XP...so maybe a possibility for you to research

[albx]

A good card is the Asus xonar dx/xd, changed my old creative with this and I can say it's on another level... awesome card

http://uk.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_DX/

[Liz Lemon]

I'm speaking from personal experience here;

Stay away from creative x-fi. Or really any creative sound card. The x-fi I have gave me nothing but headaches in win 7 64bit. The drivers for the thing were non-existent when win 7 came out. And when the drivers did come out they were buggy and gave me bsods. I actually removed the card from my system a few months back as the drivers wer still causing problems every now and then all these years later.

Onboard audio is fine if you aren't an audiophile and have a set of mediocre speakers. If you are looking at a soundcard in this day and age though, then make sure you have a nice set of headphones or speakers to go with it. If you don't then you should be buying them before you buy a new soundcard.

[Buchon]

In short :

No, but it add features.

[Baron]

In even shorter:

No.