retep_110 wrote on Today, 07:01:

Is one model more preferable than others form a pure retro gaming (winxp) standpoint) or would be any x-fi card a good pick?

First, you need to decide whether you want a PCI or PCIe version of the X-Fi. Then, look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_Blaster_X … Fi#X-Fi_line-up

Avoid any "Xtreme Audio" models, as they don't have hardware acceleration for EAX. Also, don't buy a Titanium HD (emphasis on HD) since it doesn't have WinXP drivers, unlike other Titanium cards. Everything else should be fine, and it depends on how much money you want to spend.

Joseph_Joestar wrote on Today, 07:15:

retep_110 wrote on Today, 07:01:

Is one model more preferable than others form a pure retro gaming (winxp) standpoint) or would be any x-fi card a good pick?

First, you need to decide whether you want a PCI or PCIe version of the X-Fi. Then, look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_Blaster_X … Fi#X-Fi_line-up

Avoid any "Xtreme Audio" models, as they don't have hardware acceleration for EAX. Also, don't buy a Titanium HD (emphasis on HD) since it doesn't have WinXP drivers, unlike other Titanium cards. Everything else should be fine, and it depends on how much money you want to spend.

Thanks for the info. I was not a aware that there is PCI version as well. I am going to use PCIe mainboard so only the PCIe version is an option. You helped me to avoid a pitfall. Also thanks for providing a link. I will check it out asap.

You basically have 3 models you can get;

SB0880 X-Fi Titanium PCIe
SB0886 X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty PCIe
SB0888 X-Fi Titanium Professional PCIe

Actually, original PCI X-Fi cards (EMU20K1 based) are pretty good in terms of versatility.

I have PCI X-Fi Fatal1ty Edition (with I/O drive) and I'm quite happy with it. I also wanted to get PCIe version Titanium Fatal1ty Champion (EMU20K2), but later changed my mind.

PCI X-Fi Fatal1ty Edition notes:
- Available drivers for Windows XP to Windows 10 (Win 11 also works without memory integrity)
- X-Fi I/O drive fully compatible with older Audigy 2/2ZS cards. In contrast, PCIe version of I/O drive box has been cut down - lacking SPDIF and MIDI inputs/outputs
- Stable work on PCI-PCIe bridge mobos (tested on ASRock Z77 Pro3, Gigabyte B85-HD3-A)
- The card itself looks amazing with gold-color connectors

NeoG_ wrote on Today, 09:33:

You basically have 3 models you can get; […]
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You basically have 3 models you can get;

SB0880 X-Fi Titanium PCIe
SB0886 X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty PCIe
SB0888 X-Fi Titanium Professional PCIe

All models in the 8xx series are very disappointing.
Creative tried to keep the price the same as PCI cards, but with a more expensive Digital component (RAM&DSP).
Their analog power supply is a parody even of PCI-e Audigy RX v2 (which has a CS4382A DAC, not a CS4382)
If you don't want to be disappointed, go for the Auzen X-Fi Forte 7.1 or Titanium HD.

ott wrote on Today, 09:47:

Actually, original PCI X-Fi cards (EMU20K1 based) are pretty good in terms of versatility.

Also, I think PCI X-Fi cards aren't subject to the OpenAL bug, which is present on PCIe cards when using newer drivers.

On the other hand, there are reports of PCI cards sometimes suffering from crackling/popping on certain motherboards, but that might depend on the chipset.

Thanks a lot for the further information. I will take a closer look at the recommended cards ASAP. Is there anything in particular to note concerning the drivers for WinXP gaming?