HP x-fi sound card?

[HellyHans]

Hi,
I'am seeing alot of these cards on ebay for really cheap.

Whats the difference between the HP sound blaster x-fi card and the normal sound-blaster x-fi card???

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HP-X-Fi-2MB-XRam...1QQihZ012QQcategoryZ44981QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[madmatt]

It appears to be an OEM part for HP computers. Otherwise there is no difference.

 

[zeke_mo]

Hi,
I'am seeing alot of these cards on ebay for really cheap.

Whats the difference between the HP sound blaster x-fi card and the normal sound-blaster x-fi card???

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HP-X-Fi-2MB-XRam...1QQihZ012QQcategoryZ44981QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It probably was made with cheaper parts and might require you to download drivers from them(which arent always updated)

 

[LeeJend]

OEM - No manual, no support, no cables, probably no CD or a CD that may only install into an HP machine, no or minimal warantee.

Or it could be the identical card as the retail SB x-fi with an HP sticker glued on over the SB sticker. Only way to know for sure is to buy one and try it. For $55 it is tempting but be prepared to get a card that is not useable.

If you buy it post back and let us all know how it goes!

These cards can come from multiple sources:
-HP messed up and ordered too many and is now surplussing them.
-The manufacturer guessed wrong, made too many and HP doesn't want them.
-There is something wrong with them and HP quality control rejected the lot.
-An HP reseller went broke and they were sold at auction.
-A truck load was stolen and they are being fenced through ebay.

 

[HellyHans]

Well I bought a real X-FI instead, so I guess we will never know.
I just wanted to know if some people knew more info on these cards.

If its to cheap to be real.. then its most likely "cheap"

 

[dreamliner77]

In the past, HP Creative cards were genuine and used generic SB drivers. But you're right, you'll almost certainly not get a driver disc. Easy solution, find a HP model that uses the card and download the driver from the support site.