I installed new drivers for my RealTek built in sound card, but the fps hit
was still real bad when using EAX. Then I reinstalled my old SBLive Xgamer
with the newest drivers. Using the Miles sound option in CoD, I got an extra
25 fps over the RealTek. I think my frame rate in Nr2003 doubled. I had no
idea that there would be this big of a difference. Nevertheless, using EAX
in CoD, the frame rates dropped from 180 to 106.
I'm still reading reviews that say that even the Audigy 2 sound cards lose
frame rates in CoD with EAX. This has nothing to do with them only having a
1 to 2 % CPU utilization. It has to do with memory and processing. Here's an
example of one review at:
http://www.preys-world.com/Reviews.php?NotList=1&Gid=38
It says:
"Played At - 1600X1200 resolution 2X AA, 2X AF. High Body Count, Highest
Texture Detail. I turned EAX off as it was causing framerate issues.
System Spec:
Processor - P4 2.8ghz
RAM - 1Gb RD RAM 800mhz
Graphics Card - ATI Radeon 9700 Pro
Sound Card - Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum"
Now, I planned on getting an Audigy or Audigy 2 based on the fact that some
of you report no frame rate loss and others simply say you have no problems
playing CoD with EAX and an Audigy (Im not sure if that means you're not
dropping frames or not).
Before I order an Audigy, let me ask you this. Are you sure you tested this
in a timedemo and didnt' lose frame rates? And, did you remember to change
com_maxfps "85" to "0" before you ran the timedemo?
Before I order a new sound card, I'd just like to be sure we're talking
about losing frame rates, not just talking about the game being playable. So
far I can't find a CoD review stating that there is no frame rate loss with
EAX and an Audigy sound card, but I can find some stating there is.
I just want to be sure, gents. I'm trusting you.
Gary