Creative PCIe x1 sound card vs. Gigabyte onboard sound card

[soarwitheagles]

Hi everyone [and especially you Absic, you sound pro you]!

Ok, I have a number of the these Creative Sound Blaster SB0866 X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro PCIe x1 Sound Card 70SB088600002-8 laying around.  I must make a decision to use them or sell them.

Here's the specs and pics:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102021

Just wanted to know if they are as good, not as good, or about equal to the onboard sound card in my Gigabyte MB's.

Thanks,

Soar

[absic]

Hi Soar,

If I were in your position I would sell them and just stick to the on-board sound which, on today's motherboards, is very good.

[RatsAss]

The onboard sound is very good nowadays but i still prefer the addon card.
The main reason for me is the headphone volume. It is too quiet with onboard for me.

I have the same card you have pictured and it is great. The volume is VERY loud for headphones.

I also heard that it was better to have a discreet sound card for gaming. That is what this pc is used for.

[soarwitheagles]

Hi guys!

Thanks for good advice!

Absic, yes, my present onboard sound system works well for me and I am thankful for that.

I am especially excited about trying out the new sound system on the GA-990 FXA-UD3 which is called Hi-Def 108 with Blue Ray options.  Have you tried this yet, and is there much improvement upon the existing on-board sound chip?

Finally, I may want to at least try the Creative Sound Blaster SB0866 X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro to see if there is much of a difference and it would increase the resale value of the rig when I finally sell it.

Rip,

The headset works fine for me when I plug it into the front header plug which in turn is plugged into the motherboard.

How was the install for the Creative Sound Blaster SB0866 X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro PCIe x1 Sound Card?  I still would like to try it out before I make my final decision on whether or not to keep it.

I have heard some people had some difficulties with the install and set up...how about you?  How was it?

Soar

[Dark Mantis]

Hi Soar,

Just my twopenneth as I was looking into this a while ago trying to make the same decision.  The onboard sound now is leaps and bounds above what it was even a couple of years ago.  You are correct, there do seem to be quite a few people that have configuration problems and compatibility issues between the sound card and their existing hardware.  On the plus side though it does relieve some pressure on the mainboard especially when playing extreme games.

I think the quality is better from the seperate card if it is a good one like yours but of course you need good quality speakes etc as well to get the most out of it.

I am sure that it would add value, perceived or otherwise, to your system though when it come for selling.

Hope this helps a bit.