I recently bought a Soundblaster X-Fi ExtremeGamer. Installed it in my PCI slot, and neither windows nor the installation software could detect it. I returned it, got another one, same problem. Turns out a lot of people on the internet are having this problem.

So I'm done with Creative hardware, from all the forums I've read it seems that it's not as great as everybody says.

My question is, are there any alternatives to SoundBlaster in the $100 range? I have a 2.1 speaker setup, and I primarily use my computer for gaming and music.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

I've heard nothing but good things about the HT Omega cards. Especially for Vista compatability. Maybe consider one of them??

Unless you have an incredible need for that expensive of a sound card, wouldn't one in the $40-$75 range work just as well and save you cash? Just my opinion, and it's not always right.

Auzentech has some very good options here:
http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/feature.php

Turtle Beach still makes some decent cards. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] ound+Cards

Okay cool, thanks guys. Auzentech and Turtle Beach look great.

Would it really be a noticeable upgrade over my onboard sound? I have an nVidia chipset motherboard with 'SoundMax' audio.

m-audio makes some sound cards. but those are more for people who do sound recording/editing. it has so many ports on it

Probably not, unless interference is a problem with on-board sound.

If you want quality go m-audio.

BTW if you have a 680i motherboard make sure that your PCI Plug-n-Play option is turned on for some reason my board came with that option turned off. That would have fixed your problem.

Honestly I would still go with Creative, but thats my personal experience.

I don't think it's creatives fault that it didn't recognize your card.

Just stick with onboard sound unless you're a real audiophile, or a real fan of EAX.

What are your full system specs?

Some boards(Dont ask why) need the bios restored to defaults when adding a card(it was news to me too, but my sound card was not detecting in the lowest slot....reset....bang....it works....)....

I use an X-Fi-ExtremeMusic. I have also used many onboard audio systems, and I must say, This X-Fi blows em` all away.

I have an Auzentech Prelude: *Amazing* sounding board.

Damn, I've alreday taken the soundcard back, but I definitely didn't try resetting the Bios.

I do remember looking through it for the PCIPnP option and it said enabled, so that wasn't the issue.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Be careful when buying a Prelude. Many users have a problem where their microphone does not work with the card (Auzentech recommends an RMA). However, other than that, it's a great card.