Should I upgrade my sound card? (Creative X-fi XtremeMusic)

[Landsharkk]

I bought the Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic a long time ago, I'm guessing back in 2006. This is my main audio card right now

I'm wondering if my on-board audio would be better than the card or if I should consider upgrading the card to something newer?

My motherboard is XFX MB-N780-ISH9 LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI Intel Motherboard


I'm having some audio issues where video playback is really quiet, but gaming and other windows sounds are totally fine. I don't know if the card (and drivers) are just old or if I have some serious configuration issue somewhere.

 

[al360ex]

Hello !

Usually, the only reason to upgrade a sound card is that it died. From what you're saying, your card might be close to the end of its life.
6 years is a lot to ask for electronic components !

If/when your card dies, I'd really suggest you buy a new one, especially if you have a good quality sound system. Even a 50$ one will be better than onboard audio.

Asus is in my opinion the best sound card manufacturer out there, with cards suited to every need.
If you're looking for a good affordable gaming sound card, I'd go with the Asus Xonar DX.

Good luck,
al360ex