what should i be buying?

In order to get EAX you'll need a Creative SoundBlaster Live! or Audigy sound card. Neither is recommended. Do yourself a favor, save some money and get a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz. It's only $62 at Newegg <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufa..." target="_new">http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufa...;/A> and is far superior to either of the above mentioned cards. Why do you <font color=red>need</font color=red> EAX?

To start press any key. Where's the "any" key? --Homer Simpson.<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Black_Cat on 09/01/02 11:18 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

Just heard alot about it in halflife, where most people use eax and a3d..

I thought the Turtle Beach Sound Card Supported EAX 1.0 and 2.0 and also A3D 1.0, that is why I looked at it as an alternative to the Sound Blasters.

You're right, it does. I'm sorry I was thinking of EAX advanced HD which I think only Creative cards have. Anyhow, here is a link to a good review of the TBSC:
<A HREF="http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/reviews/SantaCruz/santacruz..." target="_new">http://www.3dsoundsurge.com/reviews/SantaCruz/santacruz...;/A>

To start press any key. Where's the "any" key? --Homer Simpson.

A3D is better than EAX. A3D 2.0 is better than EAX 2.0. The only cards that support A3D 2.0 use the now ancient Vortex 2 chipset (still the best but with no driver support). The only cards with EAX 2.0 are from Creative. Most good cards from other companies support A3D 1.0 and EAX 1.0. The GTXP and TBSC are good cards that support multiple standards.

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