Creative X-Fi external sound card woes


  1. EtherealJoe
    Posts : 7
    windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       New #1

    Creative X-Fi external sound card woes


    I recently purchased the creativeX-Fi HD USB external sound card. Since installing, I have had multiple BSOD's. I don't get a crash immediately but eventually,(especially if the computer has set idle for any length of time) it crashes. I have consulted multiple forums, removed and replaced drivers w/ driver sweeper, have disconnected all USB devices except the sound card (an attempt to resolve IRQ device conflict/sharing). I have disabled all other on-board sound. All drivers for my entire system are up-to-date. This computer ran flawlessly before attempting to use the sound card. The card sounds quite good and would love to get this card to run, properly. Any help will be greatly appreciated ! I have the mini-dump files but not sure if the file extension is useable here. I have a jpeg image of the windows recovery report. If someone could help me to convert or upload the mini-dump files I will include those too (all 11).
    Last edited by EtherealJoe; 08 Mar 2011 at 19:44.
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  3. EtherealJoe
    Posts : 7
    windows 7 Pro 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #2

    Still waiting for a response...............
    Last edited by EtherealJoe; 09 Mar 2011 at 13:19.
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  4. lior
    Posts : 37
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       New #3

    I don't know how much help I can be but Creative drivers are extremely buggy. In fact, most of their sound cards are complete crap for the money. Another problem with Creative is that their uninstall programs leave too many things behind. I think they offer a separate program on their website for those who still experience issues. My advice would be use the separate uninstall program and remove the sound card from the slot. Boot windows again and then reinstall the card back in the slot. Alternatively, I would just send the card back and get something else. There are better sound cards out there with drivers that are far more stable for the price people pay for a Creative card.
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  6. EtherealJoe
    Posts : 7
    windows 7 Pro 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thanx for the reply Lior. I have already decided to return it to place of purchase. I, due to this and one other bad experience with creative devices, have decided to avoid all of their products in the future. The reliability of the product and horrible support combined has driven me away from ever even considering a purchase of one of their products in the future. Some of the issues I have discovered in both multiple forums and from my own experience in my efforts to resolve the recent issue with the sound card are(worthless drivers, unreliable claims that the product is compatible with windows 7, un-intuitive software, BAD to non-existent support (out of Singapore btw), improper cables included with product (which forced me to purchase adapters to even use the product)...do I need to go on?

    My advice for anyone considering a sound card ......AVOID CREATIVE...if you desire a product that works !
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  7. EtherealJoe
    Posts : 7
    windows 7 Pro 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Xonar vs Creative X-Fi HD


    Got my new Xonar Essence ST in today. OH MY GOD !!! I thought the Creative card sounded good...
    (when it wasn't causing my computer to crash)....HeH, this Xonar makes the Creative sound like an old monaural radio (AM). I've got the biggest smile on my face as I type this. I couldn't do this card justice in any description I might give...Fantastic clarity, I'm hearing things I never knew were there before. I know now that the difference between the two is as big as night and day.

    P.S. My computer isn't crashing with the Xonar either...hmmmm ?
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