Problem:Creative X-FI Sound Cards vs SLI enabled Video Cards

[bakeratc]

Just FYI for anyone looking to buy/build a new computer or upgrade their current one.

I recently purchased a Dell XPS 710 Quad Core, 4 GB RAM, Dual 8800GTX Video Cards, Soundblaster X-FI, Dual Raptors, etc.....

Shortly after my new computer arrived, I recieved my first BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH and other computer freezing/lockup issues. I quickly started doing research and have found out the following.

Creative's X-FI cards are having a direct conflict with most every NVIDIA SLI enabled card setups I've heard of. It is not limited to just the Dell products, but many other platforms out there.

Currently DELL is in the process of trying to find a resolution, but all they can come up with is a couple of work arounds:

1) Disable SLI until a fix is found.
2) Yank out the X-FI card until a fix is found.

So, I thought I would forewarn anyone who may be in the market to do your homework before your next purchase.

[Ash2Dust]

Good heads up.

Return it. You bought a SLI comp with a Xi-Fi card. If it cant function like that, its defective. So far they have no fix and cannot tell you if there ever will be a fix.

[bakeratc]

Yep...no known fix and they are having this problem with all of their models! You gotta love DELL. If it weren't for the 25% discount and bunch of free stuff....I never would have bought it.

[Ash2Dust]

It could happen to any vender. The only thing I hate is their motherboard is 90% proprietory. And your Windows XP/Vista key will only work on a Dell motherboard. Their tech support sucks just as big as any other, hp, compaq, gateway, etc. Dont expect any support no matter who you buy from.

[bakeratc]

Update: Dell replaced the sound card on Friday. No problems until this evening. Tech support agreed there was no known fix and I have done all I can do. I will be requesting a return and full refund in the morning from Dell. Sucks, but what else can one do?

Thanks for the advice and see yall around!