pci express cards

[pak]

Only 3 available @ newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000360057+1102631935&name=PCI+Express)

I'd like a PCI express card for no real reason other than space issues. There are only 3 listed on newegg. One is way too expensive and the other too seem to cheap. I don't want to downgrade from my current card, unless those cheaper cards are better/similar to mine. I guess I could spend the extra money on the Xonar, but is it worth it?

--pak

[Stillhouse]

Well, the XAudio is crap. It's not a true X-Fi, but a renamed Audigy SE. Still uses the same chip and drivers and relies on software acceleration for the X-Fi features.

As for the Xonar, I've not heard much about it. However, I have read that PCI-E is not a very good platform for sound:

http://www.guru3d.com/newsitem.php?id=3005

As far as PCI Express (PCIe) is concerned, which is the next bus, what we found is that the performance of PCIe is truly bad for audio. We are seeing four times degradation on the bus for audio

Since you already have the XMusic, which is a very good card, unless you just want to free up the PCI slot I say stick with what you've got.

[pak]

Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but good info. Ill have to stick with what I have.

--pak