SBLive! Owners

[Lycia]

I found this page, http://www.viahardware.com/scfaq.shtm that should help you to stop the insanity. Just becuase SBLine! is out there doesn't make it the best and only solution. Also, this may help some of the problems you have been experiencing..

[link repaired by sowulo]

[mahdi]

You added a comma at the end of the link :D
Try this http://www.viahardware.com/scfaq.shtm


And what are you saying? I should ditch my $100 sound card and get a new one??

[Lycia]

Originally posted by mahdi:
You added a comma at the end of the link :D
Try this http://www.viahardware.com/scfaq.shtm


And what are you saying? I should ditch my $100 sound card and get a new one??

Yes, well, you shouldn't have spent $100 on something that is having so much problems. However, if you are not having problems, then you shouldn't ditch anything.

[Budster64]

I've got an SBLIVE! Platinum with no probs, it runs great. that coupled with my DTT2500 shakes the windows when I'm either playing a game or just jammin to MP3's.
But the turtle beach is a great card, I've heard it and it sounds great. Kenwood also has a new card out that is excellent.
Suffice to say there ARE alternatives.

[Lycia]

Originally posted by Budster64:
I've got an SBLIVE! Platinum with no probs, it runs great. that coupled with my DTT2500 shakes the windows when I'm either playing a game or just jammin to MP3's.
But the turtle beach is a great card, I've heard it and it sounds great. Kenwood also has a new card out that is excellent.
Suffice to say there ARE alternatives.

Well, I personally don't like the SB line of Cards. However, I am sure other people are satisfied with them. The thing is, SBLive! doesn't appear to compitible with some VIA chipsets and even some Intel based chips.

The suggestion to move to a alternative card is for people who are having random lockups and other issues.

[Budster64]

Originally posted by Lycia:
Well, I personally don't like the SB line of Cards. However, I am sure other people are satisfied with them. The thing is, SBLive! doesn't appear to compitible with some VIA chipsets and even some Intel based chips.

The suggestion to move to a alternative card is for people who are having random lockups and other issues.

Agreed, and again the turtle beach is a great card for a great price. If your having probs with an SB and are sick of it that would be a good alternative.

[mahdi]

well, I FINALLY got my system running again WITH the SBLive!. So I'm going to be content with it for quite a while now :) (the average lifespan of my sound cards are about 3 years before I upgrade them :D)

[imd14u]

Originally posted by Lycia:
Well, I personally don't like the SB line of Cards. However, I am sure other people are satisfied with them. The thing is, SBLive! doesn't appear to compitible with some VIA chipsets and even some Intel based chips.

The suggestion to move to a alternative card is for people who are having random lockups and other issues.

Even though you HATE the SBLive!, I still think you aight. Can't help but like you, cause even for a SB hater like you, you still try to help us SBLivers.

Thanx Lycia ;)

[Lycia]

Originally posted by b4uc1i81:
Even though you HATE the SBLive!, I still think you aight. Can't help but like you, cause even for a SB hater like you, you still try to help us SBLivers.

Thanx Lycia ;)

Well, why should I blame you guys who buy SB for SBLive!s faults? Not your fault. Besides, if something helps you, it helps me.

[campos562]

It's amazing to hear all of the problems that are out there with VIA chipsets and SB Live! cards (maybe it's the combo of VIA and AMD??). I have both (and I only spent $40 on the SB Live! Value) and they run flawlessly. I even have the fsb of my Intel CuMine cpu running at 150 MHz (up from 133), and I have no problems. My only complaint is that the SB Live does not have very good DOS support, nor is its legacy SB16 support very good. Considering that Creative was the pioneer of both, their current line of cards should at least support them 100%. However, Windoze support is exceptional, and the price I paid was definately right.

[Lycia]

Originally posted by campos562:
It's amazing to hear all of the problems that are out there with VIA chipsets and SB Live! cards (maybe it's the combo of VIA and AMD??). I have both (and I only spent $40 on the SB Live! Value) and they run flawlessly. I even have the fsb of my Intel CuMine cpu running at 150 MHz (up from 133), and I have no problems. My only complaint is that the SB Live does not have very good DOS support, nor is its legacy SB16 support very good. Considering that Creative was the pioneer of both, their current line of cards should at least support them 100%. However, Windoze support is exceptional, and the price I paid was definately right.

Actually, at www.viahardware.com (http://www.viahardware.com) they jsut announced that VIA will be releasing and offical bug patch in the next 4n1 driver revision.

[Boricuamed]

I have an SBLive! on an Asus A7v133, and I found this to work if anybody has probs with IRQ's and some other stuff...

Just install the card on PCI #3 and assign IRQ 11 to it....voila! windows won't bother anymore with lockups. (I do have BIOS 1004)

Anyway that's an option if you want to try it out... :D

[Kymera]

I didn't even know there was a problem with Via chipsets and the Live! I was have major problems with the Diamond Monster Sound MX300. I loved it in my BX motherboard, but on my ABit KA7, it caused all kinds of problems. I switched to the Live!, as it was the only other card I had laying around at the time, and it has worked perfectly since day 1.
That TurtleBeach card sounds good though. It'll probably be in my Linux box, when I get around to buying the parts for it.

[Lycia]

Originally posted by Kymera:
I didn't even know there was a problem with Via chipsets and the Live! I was have major problems with the Diamond Monster Sound MX300. I loved it in my BX motherboard, but on my ABit KA7, it caused all kinds of problems. I switched to the Live!, as it was the only other card I had laying around at the time, and it has worked perfectly since day 1.
That TurtleBeach card sounds good though. It'll probably be in my Linux box, when I get around to buying the parts for it.

sadly, Ky, my MX300 is having problems with my VIA chipset too. But I still got lockups when I switched to the SBLive!. Plus I didn't like the sound. So when I get a chnace I will switch to Turtle Beach Santa Cruz.

[pcejim@dol.net]

Because of a recent failed AMD experiment, I ditched an SBLive XGamer for a Santa Crus. Didn't solve my issue. Mine was a bad Mobo that was exhibiting the same symptoms that you guys all discuss with the KT7A raid and SB Live. This system now is Intel, but still using the Santa Cruz. In my home we have 5 PC's. All but this one use SB Lives. I love the card. Running it on an Abit LX6, Gigabyte GA6BX-c, Abit BE6-2 raid, and Abit BH-6. Never a problem. Used to have one on an Asus P2B-S too. Never a problem until AMD and VIA entered my home. But I do like the Santa Cruz as well. I just thimk you guys are giving SB'ers a bad rap, when the problem didn't occur until this Via chipset, so it their problem, not SB's

[Lycia]

Originally posted by James Kitts:
Because of a recent failed AMD experiment, I ditched an SBLive XGamer for a Santa Crus. Didn't solve my issue. Mine was a bad Mobo that was exhibiting the same symptoms that you guys all discuss with the KT7A raid and SB Live. This system now is Intel, but still using the Santa Cruz. In my home we have 5 PC's. All but this one use SB Lives. I love the card. Running it on an Abit LX6, Gigabyte GA6BX-c, Abit BE6-2 raid, and Abit BH-6. Never a problem. Used to have one on an Asus P2B-S too. Never a problem until AMD and VIA entered my home. But I do like the Santa Cruz as well. I just thimk you guys are giving SB'ers a bad rap, when the problem didn't occur until this Via chipset, so it their problem, not SB's

No it's not just us giving SB a bad rap. This is a problem that VIA is releasing a patch for in the next 4in1 drivers. Check our www.viahardware.com. (http://www.viahardware.com.)

Also, the reason I first bought the MX300 was becuase I didn't like the sound of the SBLive that I had bought previously. When I got my VIA board, I experienced problems with both cards. Even if the SB worked, I'd still buy the Santa Cruz, I just don't like the hollow tube sound that the SBlive makes.

You are right, it is VIA's problem. However, it is also Creative's problem as well. They should have tested their Card with VIA chipsets and let everyone know there was a conflict. It is also their problem becuase they lost me and others as future customers.

[pcejim@dol.net]

To Lycia:
Sorry if my previous post sounded antagonistic. It was not meant to be. I was simply pointing out that the Live series was around before this chipset, therefore( assuming my chronology is correct} it is Via that should have assured compatability and not Creative. Regardless, I agree with you that anything that hurts business is definitely creatives problem. Sorry if there was a misunderstanding.

[Lycia]

Originally posted by James Kitts:
To Lycia:
Sorry if my previous post sounded antagonistic. It was not meant to be. I was simply pointing out that the Live series was around before this chipset, therefore( assuming my chronology is correct} it is Via that should have assured compatability and not Creative. Regardless, I agree with you that anything that hurts business is definitely creatives problem. Sorry if there was a misunderstanding.

That may be true about SB being released before the VIA chipsets in question. However, If you owned Creative and you saw the VIA released a chipset, would you just sit back and expect VIA to do all testing? Would you let just the motherboard makers do all the testing? Say you did just that, you let everyone else do the testing. Now say you start hearing about problems with your card and the chipsets. What do you do? Do you sit back and say "Oh it's VIA's problem."?

My problem with Creative is that they sit on their @$$es. They think cause for a bit there, they had the only card on the market and they can sit back and do nothing about it.

[SNAFU]

Lycia...you are in the right. SBLive has some major issues with their line of cards. The problems are between Mobo's with 686b southbridge and the SBLive cards. Bad combo, which they have been extra slow in fixing. You can get the patch, but I wouldn't expect it to fix it. Some it does, some it doesn't. But I would visit the Forums of viahardware (not to be disloyal to Windriver...it's just that they seem to be on their $hit when it comes to the glitch).
And yes...the easyest way to fix the glitch...is to get a different SC. Bummer.

[DeaJae]

there was a problem with SBlive (liveware 3) and the abit KT7. something wrong with slots or the suposed raid controller. anyway that board sucked.anyway that page looked like a unknown and ailing soundcard producer to make money through the various adverts there and through the unknown card. me abandon my sblive, pah!

[eminem41269]

SB was the first and best sound cards ever and i am a loyal customer 4 ever they have never let me down and they have great driver support and my SBlive! is the best 100 bucks ive spent i love it it uses barely any cpu and for old midi games make it sound like a orchestra unbleavable playing doom 2 with it! i love SB

[Spaceman Spiff]

I, too, have used all flavors of SB cards: original SB, SB 16, AWE64, SB Live!, etc., in many computers without a hitch (I had an AWE64 smoke itself once, though) under Win95, Win98, WinNT4, and W2K. I'm the first to admit, however, that all but two of the computers have been Intel CPUs (one was an AMD K6-2/233 and the other an AMD K6-2/400. What can I say? I love SB cards... :)

[habib1982]

I am Using A Microstar MS-6167 Motherboard which has an AMD chipset. With a AMD Athlon 700Mhz Processor, an The ATI Rage Pro Video Card, A Creative Modem Blaster Flash56 PCI (Model DI5630-4), and A Creative Sound Blaster Live! Value. I don't have any problems. But try the same configuration with a VIA Chipset... yeah right. First of all the Video Card is a pain in the Arsh to install with Windows ME and a via chipset. Then you have the constant sound glitches. Providing that Creative's Software will install correctly with out getting a "Windows Protection Error" or a "Invalid Page Fault" in the middle of playing a game or booting up. VIA Chipsets are not compatable with most of my other Hardware. Whatever you do, do not install the VIA 4-IN-1 Drivers... they just help mess it up more... And by the way EPOX EP8KTA2/3 has a new bios that "solves" soundblaster compatability issues. I haven't many problems with the AMD chipsets. And lets not even discuss INTEL Chipsets (Or Processors). Most of the problems CAN be attributed to Hardware/Software Conflicts the rest I am afraid lie between the chair and the keyboard. VIA chipsets are good but they have alot of bugs (as does INTEL and AMD) even I must admit that. Sorry AMD. Anyway that is all I have to say.... For now.

[goodespeler]

it just depends on what you like

[Lycia]

Originally posted by goodespeler:
it just depends on what you like

IF that were true, and the only truth, there would be no posts on the subject. The fact is, there are problems with SBLive and VIA chipsets, and there is a patch to solve the problem, and there are alternatives to the SBLive, which proves that Creative isn't the end all, be all of soundcards. Even if I liked the SBlive, I couldn't get the one I do have to work in my main computer. The determining factor in buying components is compatibility.

[eminem41269]

most of my chipsets are VIA and all of my sound cards are SB live!s whats the problem.. i dont really feel like reading all the posts byt he way my board is a abit kt7

[Sowulo]

Originally posted by EmInEm:
most of my chipsets are VIA and all of my sound cards are SB live!s whats the problem.. i dont really feel like reading all the posts byt he way my board is a abit kt7

Don't expect help if you don't make a little effort on your own.... :rolleyes:

[Wayward Clam]

Originally posted by EmInEm:
most of my chipsets are VIA and all of my sound cards are SB live!s whats the problem.. i dont really feel like reading all the posts byt he way my board is a abit kt7

Kind of reminds me how I feel about the real Eminem...

:confused:

[orange]

Originally posted by Lycia:
The fact is, there are problems with SBLive and VIA chipsets, and there is a patch to solve the problem, and there are alternatives to the SBLive, which proves that Creative isn't the end all, be all of soundcards.

VIA are not the be all and end all of chipset manufacturers either. You seem to have an intense dislike of the SBlive!, whereas I on the other hand have an intense dislike of VIA chipsets, with their godawful 4-in-1 driver packs. I cringe everytime i find i'm working on a system with a VIA based board... ;)

My SBLive! is working fine, thankyou very much...and no, its not paired with a VIA chipset. :D

[Wayward Clam]

BTW, I also have to say I dislike VIA chipsets, but I like them a heckuva lot better than Ali Aladdins! :rolleyes:

And I also own an SBLive!, but the only reason for that is I got it for $11 Cdn and figured it would be better than my onboard sound.

It is. :D

[Lycia]

Originally posted by orange:
VIA are not the be all and end all of chipset manufacturers either. You seem to have an intense dislike of the SBlive!, whereas I on the other hand have an intense dislike of VIA chipsets, with their godawful 4-in-1 driver packs. I cringe everytime i find i'm working on a system with a VIA based board... ;)

My SBLive! is working fine, thankyou very much...and no, its not paired with a VIA chipset. :D

Good Freaking LORD! Don't you people READ???

NO! I DONT LIKE SOUND BLASTER! I HATE THE CRAPPY SOUND IT MAKES!! It makes everything sound like its coming from a metal tube! PURE CRAP. But that has nothing to do with the problems it has with VIA. I disliked SB Long before there was ever a compatibility problem.

There is no "seem". I hate SB. I will never ever ever ever ever ever ever buy a Creative Product again.

I may not buy a VIA chipset based motherboard again. However, with the way VIA has been handling the problem, I just probably will. Creative on the hand is a bad, stupid company, that makes bad, stupid products.

[CobraTekMax]

I didn't want to get into this, but I've stood back and let Creative get a new one ripped long enough. This "bug" - which I have yet to see personally - is NOT Creative's problem, it's VIA's. The SB Live was around long before the 686B. So any remedies for this problem are in VIA's hands, not Creative's.

Personally, I don't like VIA chipsets. But the motherboard I wanted (the KT7-RAID) has a VIA chipset. So decided to suck it up and live with it. I will say, that if you set it up right to begin with, install all the necessary patches and updates, and load your drivers one at a time and in the right order, a VIA chipset can be just as stable as anything else. BUT, whenever I decide to fdisk/format and start from scratch, it takes me pretty much an entire day to install my OS, load the patches and drivers, tweak my registry, etc. So to me, the Via chipset is a pain in the ***. In addition, the Via USB controller is utterly worthless if you're using anything but simple devices, just as joysticks and mice. I've learned my lesson. My next motherboard will probably be an AMD chipset.

As for Lycia not liking Creative, that's her perogative. She lives in San Francisco, which last time I checked, was still in the United States, which last time I checked, means that she has the right to her opinion, and the right to express it. Personally, I don't use anything BUT Creative equipment for my sound - I have a SBLive 5.1 Value in my main machine, and a SBLive Platinum in my sound/video editing matchine, along with 2 sets of Cambridge DTTS 2500 surround sound speakers. I'd rather have nothing but the PC speaker than have to use a Turtle Beach card, but that's my opinion.

Settle down, people. This topic started with Lycia trying to HELP people who've been hit by this bug, and it's since turned into everyone bitching and moaning about VIA this, SB that, blah blah blah. Yes, I realize I'm guilty too with this post, and I look like a complete hypocrite. But it's different in my case, because I'm special. :p

[Darren Wilson]

Flamefest finished. Everyone has their own views & opinions.