Creative Soundblaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer FATAL1TY PRO

Award: Recommended!

Niall finds out whether Creative's latest PCI Express sound card is the one to rely on in a death match.

There's no doubt that the Fatal1ty Pro is a top-class performer. Its support for EAX 5.0 HD and OpenAL is exemplary, as is its performance with music and film sound tracks. However, it is a tad expensive and has relatively limited connectivity which...

Last year's Creative Audigy 4.0 Pro was a tad disappointing because it used much the same technology as its predecessor. But now, after having spent around $100m on developing the new X-Fi chip, Creative is back with a true next-generation audio card.

The X-Fi Elite Pro is an extremely impressive sound card. The audio performance rivals that of many professional cards, and the break-out box offers more connections than a BT exchange. However, it's also seriously pricey, and unless you're a dedicated...

PC audio is often taken for granted. Because pretty much every motherboard has an audio chip built-in, most of us don't need to think about what type ...

Very good sound quality, plenty of filters and settings to play with, ASIO 2.0 support, good 3-D effects for headphone users

Software takes a long time to install

This card shines for gaming and entertainment, and it's also a good entry point for anyone who wants to start making music on their PC.

Award: GREAT HARDWARE

Can Creative's hot PCI-e sound card deliver?

The arrival of Creative's Titanium Fatal1ty is good news for gamers, as it seems to have overcome the troubles of its earlier siblings, particularly with drivers and Windows Vista. Very aware of this history, I spent a great deal of time testing this...

Introduction Sound performance, catch phrase or statement? TWL was able to get their hands on the Sound Blaster FataL1Ty signature edition X-Fi Xtreme Gamer sound card and were absolutely amazed! This is one peripheral that every serious gamer must...

The Creative Sound Blaster Fatal1ty signature edition with X-RAM (64MB) and X-Fi technology is a sound card that is worth every penny. For those out there who are using on-board sound, hands down you will be impressed with what a positive difference...

Award: Editor's Choice!

Remember, if you will, a time when Sierra and Lucas Arts first started pumping out games with sound that used external speakers. Many of you were just as awestruck as I was to hear sound not muffled by the inside of your computer. Today, sound cards...

Pure sound quality ; Great configuring software for new users and professionals alike ; Gaming experience ; Loudness

This particular version of the card doesn't come with the drive bay input/outputs like the platinum version, which makes it hard to plug in headphones. The drive bay peripheral on the platinum card is also nice for those interested in DJ-ing and want...

After vigorously testing both cards, I'd have to say the Fatal1ty was a cut above the rest. It blew the integrated sound card out of the water. The volume of the Fatal1ty was much louder overall. The sound did not crackle at max volume like the P5B's...

If you read our original review of the X-Fi way back in November 2005, you already know about this card. Back then, Creative packaged this exact same card with a drive bay and remote and charged an impossible to justify $280 for the X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS...

DSP gives it a performance edge

Pointless X-RAM

Although we think the X-Fi is the best of the cards tested here for general PC use, the real-time Dolby Digital encoding of the two other cards and optical SPDIF make them far better suited for home theater use. We must also note that the now-defunct...

IT'S RARE THAT a new product completely outclasses its competition, but that's what...

We've been impressed with Creative's X-Fi audio processor since its launch, but X-RAM doesn't live up to the hype. Only Battlefield 2 and Quake 4 even support X-RAM, and neither's use of the X-Fi Fatal1ty's 64MB of onboard memory results in higher...

A great all-purpose sound card.

The Fatal1ty Pro has a nice balance of home theater and gaming support

It doesn't have any coaxial support

The THX-certified Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional sound card has a decent set of hardware specs as well as a nice set of features. It isn't the most powerful card but it should do the job well with minimal problems. As we've...

Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer - Fatal1ty Professional Series est la mise à niveau audio essentielle pour les joueurs sur PC passionnés. Approuvée par le joueur professionnel le plus connu au monde, il s'agit de la carte son la plus puissante qui...

Fantastic sound quality let down slightly by driver issues

The sound quality when using the sound card is clearly an audible upgrade from my Xonar, was astounded at the crispness and clarity together with my 5.1 setup. The EAX gaming effects make the creative a must for gamers, and the front panel makes using...

Top Drawer Product - with 1 Problem

Quality in every sense of the word. Love the product, however, you must note that it DOESNT DECODE GAMING CONSOLE signals. So if like me you were wanting to run PS3 sound through it digitally & then out through the headphones, it wont work ! I feel...

Simple Amazing.

Wow, this sound card is definatly the best one I've ever had, works amazingly if you have a fatal1ty headset to match, lots of options in the drivers to make the sound just perfect for you, it's also improved my mic quality (according to the people I...

Excellent product

I never better sound quality then before. Would recommend using these with Logitech Z-5500 speakers or Creative Fatal1ty headphones. Its an excellent combination. Its worth every penny.

Fantastic Hardware, shame about the software

I got this product because I was sick of the issues I was having with my on-board sound. I was some what dubious about whether a real sound-card would be distinguishable from the on-board but having got the card it really is. The sound quality of...

Fantastic Hardware, shame about the software

I got this product because I was sick of the issues I was having with my on-board sound. I was some what dubious about whether a real sound-card would be distinguishable from the on-board but having got the card it really is. The sound quality of this...

Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium

This is what I have been looking for, for a long time. Dolby Digital out for all windows sound, not that 2 channel restriction that you normally get on SPDIF outputs. Although it can be tricky to install if youve already had the drivers on the system,...

Superb...

Superb piece of kit, cant recommend high enough. The sound quality produced is better unbelievable. One word of advice though, look around at prices. £170 is far above Creative Labs RRP and twice that of other market sellers... Strongly recommend...

A definate improvement

This is decent product at a reasonable price. I upgraded from a creative Sound Blaster Live and there was an immediate noticeable difference in sound quality on both my speed link Medusa 5.1 surround sound headset and my Logitech Z5500 Speaker System. ...

A definate improvement

This is decent product at a reasonable price. I upgraded from a creative Sound Blaster Live and there was an immediate noticeable difference in sound quality on both my speed link Medusa 5.1 surround sound headset and my Logitech Z5500 Speaker System. ...