Put a stereo in your PC for under $50!
Written: Jun 05 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great Sound, Inexpensive, Easy Install
Cons: none
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| macenthe's Full Review: Creative Labs Sound Blaster PCI |
While building my lastest PC I was parts searching very carefully in order to have the highest quality system possible. (Those of you who have read my other computer component parts find this to be a familar line.)
I researched on Creative, and always had heard good things about them. Checked out their web site, checked computer magazine articles on them. Though the most convincing arguements I got were from friends, and associates. All who had creative sound cards and all loved them.
So I was solid on the brand. I got the SoundBlaster PCI 128 for $45 from a wholesaler. There wasn't much to it really, it was the sound card and the setup CD.
For those of you who who know PC systems and do installs and the like, you probably already know that's it's a snap to put in. But for the less experienced it's not hard at all. It's like a puzzle piece, just line it up and push it in. Any Windows 95 or 98 system should auto-detect it in an instant. If the OS doesn't have the drivers, you just drop in the CD and run the install. The card has never been a hassle for me.
On the back of the card you have your standard stereo out for speakers / headphones, line out, microphone port, midi and game controller port.
Software wise there isn't much. It's a nice and complete setup that allows you control all the features of the card easily. And for you MIDI synth fans it has some nice special effects features too.
I have no problems with the hard, except for the one time it had a brief problem detecting a joystick. I just reinstalled the drivers and it then it worked fine.
Good card! Though you probably can't find them now, the SoundBlaster Live series is the next generation based of this card, and are likely to perform just as well.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 45.00
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Epinions.com ID:
macenthe
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Member: Martin Dessart
Location: Columbia, SC
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 24 members
About Me:
Mid 20's IT Pro, enthusiastic with anything computer related.
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