Need help choosing between two sound cards.. which is better? THANKS gents

crazyquick

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Oct 16, 2015
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Hi I am not really sure about what to look for when choosing between sound cards. Here are my two options... the first, I could get a really good deal on from a friend, the second I would purchase. Which is the better one? Thanks!

1) Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty (came out around 2005)
Main Specification:
Interface Type PCI
DAC Data Width 24-bit
Sample Rate 8 kHz - 192 kHz
Sound Output Mode 7.1
Connectivity 1 x audio - SPDIF output/line-in/microphone - mini-phone 3.5 mm, 1 x audio - line-in - 4 pin MPC, 1 x peripheral, 3 x audio - line-out - mini-phone 3.5 mm

2) Creative Sound Blaster ZX (came out around 2013-2014)

Specification:
5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz

PCI ExpressSound Output Mode - 5.1 channel surroundDAC Resolution - 24-bit Sample Rate - 192 kHz (max)Signal-To-Noise Ratio - 116 dBFrequency Response - 10 - 45000 HzCompliant Standards - Dolby Digital LiveAudio Modes - Playback : 24-bit 192 kHzInterfaces
Audio Ports: 3.5mm Input, 3.5mm Output, Optical Audio Input, Optical Audio Output Compatible Port/Slot: PCI Express

Thanks!
 
Solution


Unless your speakers each cost $100+ and are connected to a high quality amp, neither will sound better than your motherboard's outputs. "gamer" sound equipment is usually absolute garbage compared to a real system, and the internal amps will kill any quality the two cards would have above the motherboard solution.


After that, consider drivers. If there's no Windows 10 drivers, don't get it.

crazyquick

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Oct 16, 2015
2
0
4,510
I am a big gamer sir.. I have two speakers and a sub... again, the first one I can have for almost nothing. But I am still curious which would produce better quality sound.
 


Unless your speakers each cost $100+ and are connected to a high quality amp, neither will sound better than your motherboard's outputs. "gamer" sound equipment is usually absolute garbage compared to a real system, and the internal amps will kill any quality the two cards would have above the motherboard solution.


After that, consider drivers. If there's no Windows 10 drivers, don't get it.
 
Solution