Sound Blaster Audigy 2 OEM or Platinum

Data1232 · Aug 11, 2003, 02:35 AM

Hi guys,

I've decided to upgrade my soundcard in a little bit, and i've got a question regarding the "Live Drive" that Creative ships with their Audigy 2 Platinum. Originally my plan was just to get the OEM version of the Audigy 2 and be happy, but i've realized that in the coming month's i'm going to be doing a lot of video editing, and that will include sound. My video will be in DV, but my question is, will the Live Drive be of any help in this arena. Specifically, all i plan to do with music, is just import, and lay it out along with the actual movie, perhaps do a little bit of editing/cleaning up with the music itself. I'm not going to be importing through an actual instrument. Any help with this will be great. Aside from this, all the card will be used for is watching DVD's, playing games...and that's about it. Thanks for your help.

DallasStar · Aug 11, 2003, 06:56 PM

The only reason I can think of that you may ever need the live drive is if you value optical inputs and outputs. If you don't, then don't bother with it.

DallasStar · Aug 11, 2003, 06:59 PM

Well.... if you want to connect lots of things to the card at once for I/O, it may be useful then too... but I doubt you need to do that.

evil_one · Aug 14, 2003, 12:35 AM

be careful when buing OEM Creative cards - some have limited functionality and ct's web updates won't install.

Data1232 · Aug 14, 2003, 04:00 AM

really? is there a way to tell that's it's limited other than the OEM brand?

RIV@NVX · Aug 14, 2003, 04:50 PM

If evil_one is talking about Audigy2 OEM, it was because it had originally newer drivers than web updates by that time.

dipstick · Aug 14, 2003, 05:15 PM

I'm running the OEM myself and never had an issue. The only difference I have noticed is that the OEM doesn't have the gold plated outputs. Also unless you need all the digital/optical inputs/outputs the platinum drive is useless-like my old Hercules GTXP breakout box which never got used

evil_one · Aug 22, 2003, 10:35 PM

Uhm I think that this applies only to OEM cards from PC manufacturers like Dell and Gateway.

Data1232 · Aug 23, 2003, 03:02 AM

okay, because i was wondering, i'd heard of no difference between the OEM and Retail. Thanks

RIV@NVX · Aug 23, 2003, 09:00 AM

There are two types of OEM cards - one that Creative produces, and one that are produced by othe manafacturers such as Dell, Gateway, using 10k1 and 10k2 chips by Creative.

I have Audigy2 OEM SB0240, and it works good, it's produced by Creative Labs. It's same as Retail, but it has no box and bundle. And it's a lot cheaper. What's important, kX Drivers work with it. Creative drivers do to. So, no problems.

Basically, if you buy an OEM card, it would be good to look at model number first.

dipstick · Aug 23, 2003, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RIV@NVX
There are two types of OEM cards - one that Creative produces, and one that are produced by othe manafacturers such as Dell, Gateway, using 10k1 and 10k2 chips by Creative.

I have Audigy2 OEM SB0240, and it works good, it's produced by Creative Labs. It's same as Retail, but it has no box and bundle. And it's a lot cheaper. What's important, kX Drivers work with it. Creative drivers do to. So, no problems.

Basically, if you buy an OEM card, it would be good to look at model number first.

You mind telling me if it has the gold connects?

Data1232 · Aug 23, 2003, 05:35 PM

Do you know of any differences between the model numbers from PC manufacturers and the one that Creative produces?

evil_one · Aug 23, 2003, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RIV@NVX
There are two types of OEM cards - one that Creative produces, and one that are produced by othe manafacturers such as Dell, Gateway, using 10k1 and 10k2 chips by Creative.

I have Audigy2 OEM SB0240, and it works good, it's produced by Creative Labs. It's same as Retail, but it has no box and bundle. And it's a lot cheaper. What's important, kX Drivers work with it. Creative drivers do to. So, no problems.

Basically, if you buy an OEM card, it would be good to look at model number first.

Actually those cards are also manufactured by Creative, and are (mostly. some lack things like digital cd input) the same hardware-wise as retail cards. They however carry a different DeviceID. When Creative drives detect this ID, thy limit functionality (i.e. lack of AC3 decoding). Also, web updates do not recognise such cards.
It is possible to change the DeviceID by reflashing the onboard EEPROM chip, involves soldering I'm afraid (without a doubt there does exist a software EEPROM programmer for CT's cards, it's not avalible to public however).

RIV@NVX · Aug 24, 2003, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Data1232
Do you know of any differences between the model numbers from PC manufacturers and the one that Creative produces?

All cards produced by Creative are listed in kx.inf, you can find them there...
Unfortunately, there is no fixed rule

Quote:

Originally posted by kakarot
You mind telling me if it has the gold connects?

Gold connectors = retail card
Colored connectors = OEM card

DallasStar · Aug 24, 2003, 04:57 PM

Blah, the gold connectors don't really make a difference. I suggest you don't worry about them.

RIV@NVX · Aug 24, 2003, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DallasStar
Blah, the gold connectors don't really make a difference. I suggest you don't worry about them.

Not in audio quality, but it is easier to differ cards by them

Data1232 · Aug 25, 2003, 01:06 AM

So if i'm getting the card off from say pricewatch.com, then it's most likely i'll get a "normal" OEM rather than a PC manufacturer's version?

RyanVM · Aug 25, 2003, 06:42 PM

And of course, now the Audigy2 ZS is on the way

7.1 support with a 108dB SNR on all channels

RIV@NVX · Sep 1, 2003, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RyanVM
And of course, now the Audigy2 ZS is on the way 7.1 support with a 108dB SNR on all channels

And what we all want - new drivers for older models!

RIV@NVX · Sep 1, 2003, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Data1232
So if i'm getting the card off from say pricewatch.com, then it's most likely i'll get a "normal" OEM rather than a PC manufacturer's version?

Yeah, that's most likely. I doubt they even sell Gateway/Dell cards separately from the computer.

Data1232 · Sep 1, 2003, 04:39 PM

Okay, that's great. I just ordered an Audigy 2 and Logitech Z-560. Thanks a lot for you help guys!

Aug 11, 2003, 02:35 AM	#1
Data1232 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Right. Behind. You. Posts: 180 Rep Power: 0	Sound Blaster Audigy 2 OEM or Platinum Hi guys, I've decided to upgrade my soundcard in a little bit, and i've got a question regarding the "Live Drive" that Creative ships with their Audigy 2 Platinum. Originally my plan was just to get the OEM version of the Audigy 2 and be happy, but i've realized that in the coming month's i'm going to be doing a lot of video editing, and that will include sound. My video will be in DV, but my question is, will the Live Drive be of any help in this arena. Specifically, all i plan to do with music, is just import, and lay it out along with the actual movie, perhaps do a little bit of editing/cleaning up with the music itself. I'm not going to be importing through an actual instrument. Any help with this will be great. Aside from this, all the card will be used for is watching DVD's, playing games...and that's about it. Thanks for your help. __________________ Windows XP Pro 32-bit Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2 GB DDR2-800 eVGA 680i XFX GeForce Ultra 8800 () Creative X-Fi Gamer

Aug 11, 2003, 06:56 PM	#2
DallasStar Junior Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wave Existence Posts: 2,065 Rep Power: 0	The only reason I can think of that you may ever need the live drive is if you value optical inputs and outputs. If you don't, then don't bother with it. __________________ "A picture of my existence... would show a useless wooden stake covered in snow... stuck loosely at a slant in the ground in a ploughed field on the edge of a vast open plain on a dark winter night." --- Franz Kafka

Aug 11, 2003, 06:59 PM	#3
DallasStar Junior Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wave Existence Posts: 2,065 Rep Power: 0	Well.... if you want to connect lots of things to the card at once for I/O, it may be useful then too... but I doubt you need to do that. __________________ "A picture of my existence... would show a useless wooden stake covered in snow... stuck loosely at a slant in the ground in a ploughed field on the edge of a vast open plain on a dark winter night." --- Franz Kafka

Aug 14, 2003, 04:00 AM	Thread Starter #5
Data1232 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Right. Behind. You. Posts: 180 Rep Power: 0	really? is there a way to tell that's it's limited other than the OEM brand? __________________ Windows XP Pro 32-bit Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2 GB DDR2-800 eVGA 680i XFX GeForce Ultra 8800 () Creative X-Fi Gamer

Aug 14, 2003, 04:50 PM	#6
RIV@NVX Freedom is a feature. Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Croatia, Rijeka Posts: 4,476 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	If evil_one is talking about Audigy2 OEM, it was because it had originally newer drivers than web updates by that time. __________________ -- Vedran

Aug 14, 2003, 12:35 AM	#4
evil_one DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 109 Rep Power: 0	be careful when buing OEM Creative cards - some have limited functionality and ct's web updates won't install.

Aug 14, 2003, 05:15 PM	#7
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 71 System Specs	I'm running the OEM myself and never had an issue. The only difference I have noticed is that the OEM doesn't have the gold plated outputs. Also unless you need all the digital/optical inputs/outputs the platinum drive is useless-like my old Hercules GTXP breakout box which never got used

Aug 22, 2003, 10:35 PM	#8
evil_one DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 109 Rep Power: 0	Uhm I think that this applies only to OEM cards from PC manufacturers like Dell and Gateway.

Aug 23, 2003, 03:02 AM	Thread Starter #9
Data1232 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Right. Behind. You. Posts: 180 Rep Power: 0	okay, because i was wondering, i'd heard of no difference between the OEM and Retail. Thanks __________________ Windows XP Pro 32-bit Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2 GB DDR2-800 eVGA 680i XFX GeForce Ultra 8800 () Creative X-Fi Gamer

Aug 23, 2003, 09:00 AM	#10
RIV@NVX Freedom is a feature. Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Croatia, Rijeka Posts: 4,476 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	There are two types of OEM cards - one that Creative produces, and one that are produced by othe manafacturers such as Dell, Gateway, using 10k1 and 10k2 chips by Creative. I have Audigy2 OEM SB0240, and it works good, it's produced by Creative Labs. It's same as Retail, but it has no box and bundle. And it's a lot cheaper. What's important, kX Drivers work with it. Creative drivers do to. So, no problems. Basically, if you buy an OEM card, it would be good to look at model number first. __________________ -- Vedran

Aug 23, 2003, 05:35 PM	Thread Starter #12
Data1232 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Right. Behind. You. Posts: 180 Rep Power: 0	Do you know of any differences between the model numbers from PC manufacturers and the one that Creative produces? __________________ Windows XP Pro 32-bit Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2 GB DDR2-800 eVGA 680i XFX GeForce Ultra 8800 () Creative X-Fi Gamer

Aug 24, 2003, 04:57 PM	#15
DallasStar Junior Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wave Existence Posts: 2,065 Rep Power: 0	Blah, the gold connectors don't really make a difference. I suggest you don't worry about them. __________________ "A picture of my existence... would show a useless wooden stake covered in snow... stuck loosely at a slant in the ground in a ploughed field on the edge of a vast open plain on a dark winter night." --- Franz Kafka

Aug 25, 2003, 01:06 AM	Thread Starter #17
Data1232 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Right. Behind. You. Posts: 180 Rep Power: 0	So if i'm getting the card off from say pricewatch.com, then it's most likely i'll get a "normal" OEM rather than a PC manufacturer's version? __________________ Windows XP Pro 32-bit Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2 GB DDR2-800 eVGA 680i XFX GeForce Ultra 8800 () Creative X-Fi Gamer

Aug 25, 2003, 06:42 PM	#18
RyanVM DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 42 Rep Power: 0	And of course, now the Audigy2 ZS is on the way 7.1 support with a 108dB SNR on all channels

Sep 1, 2003, 04:39 PM	Thread Starter #21
Data1232 DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Right. Behind. You. Posts: 180 Rep Power: 0	Okay, that's great. I just ordered an Audigy 2 and Logitech Z-560. Thanks a lot for you help guys! __________________ Windows XP Pro 32-bit Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 2 GB DDR2-800 eVGA 680i XFX GeForce Ultra 8800 () Creative X-Fi Gamer