NForce4 + SoundBlaster X-Fi = Problems?

[GTaudiophile]

I am reading the user reviews for the Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtrememusic over at newegg. Many are reporting compatibility issues with nForce4 motherboards. They say you need a BIOS update to run the thing. Anyone here having issues? They also say it's good for music but not so good for gaming.

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[the Chase]

Yeah I posted in general hardware awhile back- bought the Xtrememusic version and would not even boot into windows with it installed! I have the Chaintech Nf4 motherboard and if you go to Creative's website there is a lenghty thread on Asus,Abit, Dfi? Nf4 users who have the same/slightly different problem. Luckily I bought mine in town because of a rebate offer and so I was able to just return it to the store the next day. Creative will "fix" these cards for you but you have to ship it to them, and then wait to get it back. A new revision is out that cures this problem but I think most models in stores are still old revision. Supposedly you can tell if its the new revision if the last 3 digits in the products serial code=541 or higher. Also this supposedly does NOT affect the gaming model or the top end(forget name) model, only the Xtrememusic and Platinum models are affected. I am going to wait a good while to get these so more of the bugs(certain games) are worked out and hopefully the price to come down a bit.

 

[Michael]

This is the Creative knowledge base information on the problem:

NF4 issues

I saw a thread on this somewhere last week when I was researching NF4 boards. From what the thread said, it is an issue with the amount of flash on the XFI card (small amount on the lower end cards) and the way it interfaces with the Bios in having an interrupt assigned. Creative has fixed this and cards made after Oct shouldn't have the issue.

Michael

 

[us3rnotfound]

Hmmm ... I have the x-fi platinum, bought it when it came out basically, and an Asus A8N-SLI deluxe. Should I be having problems right now?

So did these people ship the soundcard back, just so that Creative could flash it with new firmware? Or a replacement?

 

[Michael]

From what I remember from the thread, it wasn't all NF4 motherboards, it depended on the Bios. From what I understood, Creative set the card up in a way that made it possible for the Bios to flake out when it was installed. The Bios could handle it properly, but it also was something that Creative could fix. So the solution was upgrade your Bios and if that wasn't possible, send them the card.

If you haven't had the issue, I don't see why you would now. It wasn't every NF4 board, just some.

Michael

 

[GTaudiophile]

Question is, any way of knowing if newegg/ZZF are selling the newer, revised version of the Xtrememusic or not?

 

[the Chase]

Probably not. Unless the wharehouse personel will look at the last 3 digits of the serial #'s and verify that the #= 541 or higher. Can't see that happening...

 

[Michael]

Here is the very long thread at Creative's site on this problem:

XFI and NF4 problem

If you have the older firmware and you're having the problem identified in the thread, you need to RMA the card back to Creative. From what the thread says, the problem also can be corrected by the MB makers by changing the BIOS. Personally, I think this is a Creative problem, they must not have done enough testing in their compatability labs before releasing the card.

There is speculation in the thread on how to identify if you have a newer card with the new firmware. That speculation was not confirmed by Creative, so I don't want to repeat it here.

Michael

 

[GTaudiophile]

I just wonder if I lost a lot by going with an Audigy 2ZS instead. I am coming from an Audigy 1.

 

[Paintballfreak66]

Well I'm looking at getting the Fatality version of the X-Fi. Does it not have this issue or is the issue not resolved at all for it?
I wasn't sure which one was the case after reading so far.

Edit:: I have the EpoX 9NPA+ SLI NF4 board btw.

 

[GTaudiophile]

What I think I will do is buy an Xtrememusic at my local Fry's. I'll buy it, walk out to my car, open the box, see of the serial number is high enough, and either take it home or walk back in and return it.

 

[the Chase]

Originally posted by: Paintballfreak66
Well I'm looking at getting the Fatality version of the X-Fi. Does it not have this issue or is the issue not resolved at all for it?
I wasn't sure which one was the case after reading so far.

Edit:: I have the EpoX 9NPA+ SLI NF4 board btw.

Supposedly no. You would be good to go. But I have no firsthand experiance with that card so maybe read the linked thread or call Creative to verify.

 

[Michael]

The serial number is on the outside of the box.

You can look at it in the store.

Michael

ps - Since I live in Singapore, I found out I can go visit their local customer care center and get it flashed pretty quickly. Either done while I'm waiting or by the next day.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: the Chase
Probably not. Unless the wharehouse personel will look at the last 3 digits of the serial #'s and verify that the #= 541 or higher. Can't see that happening...

Just got it today:

MASB0460545022022M

Think I'm okay?

 

[ColossusX]

well, the last 3 digits of your X-Fi are 022...
I am having a problem with my Xtreme Music and my A8N SLI Premium...too many BSODs, reinstalls, etc....now Asus Update utility does not detect an Asus mobo....lol...nice one Creative...first add in card I bought in 5+ years of building/selling computers, and it'll probably be my last...especially with Creative "Support" giving me the run around and not responding to emails....

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: ColossusX
well, the last 3 digits of your X-Fi are 022...
I am having a problem with my Xtreme Music and my A8N SLI Premium...too many BSODs, reinstalls, etc....now Asus Update utility does not detect an Asus mobo....lol...nice one Creative...first add in card I bought in 5+ years of building/selling computers, and it'll probably be my last...especially with Creative "Support" giving me the run around and not responding to emails....

My card also has a heatsink...another indicator that it is a newer revision with the newer BIOS. And 545 are the 9th, 10th, and 11th digits in the number...those are the numbers to pay attention to.

Anyway, if you want Creative's attention, go to the forums at Creative's US web site.

 

[Pabby]

Ok what happend with mine was I put the card in, boot the pc, it goes ape ****** and assigns all the hardware the same IRQ.

Updated the BIOS problem solved.

I have an Abit AN8 Ultra BTW

 

[ColossusX]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile


My card also has a heatsink...another indicator that it is a newer revision with the newer BIOS. And 545 are the 9th, 10th, and 11th digits in the number...those are the numbers to pay attention to.

Anyway, if you want Creative's attention, go to the forums at Creative's US web site.

ahh, thanks for clearing that up...mine is 538...no heat sink....
have you actually installed it yet? or just trying to make sure you wont have a problem when you do? wish you the best though...Im really disappointed in this product though....

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: ColossusX

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile


My card also has a heatsink...another indicator that it is a newer revision with the newer BIOS. And 545 are the 9th, 10th, and 11th digits in the number...those are the numbers to pay attention to.

Anyway, if you want Creative's attention, go to the forums at Creative's US web site.

ahh, thanks for clearing that up...mine is 538...no heat sink....
have you actually installed it yet? or just trying to make sure you wont have a problem when you do? wish you the best though...Im really disappointed in this product though....

Installing Saturday!

 

[grannygamer]

GTaudiophile, have you installed this yet? I'm basing my decision on rebuying this card based on your success or failure.

 

[DemoEngr]

GT did it work out. I am making this choice as well?