Tutorial / Review of Sound Blaster X-fi Titanium Sound Card

[djakay]

Decided to upgrade my carputer sound card. I found this Sound Blaster X-fi Titanium,

thought how to integrate that bay in the front dash.

http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/multimedia/creative-x-fi-pcie-card3.jpg

and I figured it can fit in here with some modifications

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/008-6.jpg


Ok, tools needed:

Dremel
Sand paper (from coarse to fine)
Pliers / Groove pliers
Masking tape
for mold you can use Fiberglass but i prefer Plumbing Epoxy Putty
it's easier to work with, you can shape it with your hands like clay, and it dries rock solid.
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/a0eeca94.jpg

First unscrew the lighter sockets

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/9022d999.jpg

Here is what you will end up with (dont mind the holes on the left side, that's usb and power)

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/5c2fdd92.jpg

Here is the bay that will connect to PCIe 1x Port and control main volume + inputs/outputs + effects

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/fc0f038d.jpg

I measures the size of the bay, and marked the edges on the tray to cut out (remember measure twice)

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/d0b37a23.jpg

After you cut, test fit. You need to make sure it sits tight
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/39d203dd.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/ae96a7e0.jpg

Measure/Mark/Drill two holes on the side to secure the bay with screws

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/138cfa5e.jpg

Now start applying putty a little at a time, and while it's still soft, shape it to your need.
Wet your finger tips in cold water, and the putty will not stick to your hands.

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/c7df7006.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/36136a65.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/de25abd0.jpg

Keep applying putty, shaping, and after it cures, SAND, SAND and SAND


There is going to be a lot of sanding to get it smooth without imperfections.

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/41cca658.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/18dc5ca0.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/f78405d9.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/ef56540a.jpg

Then I like to spray one coat of flat black to spot imperfections and sand more.....

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/f0aa19de.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/e98fcaa0.jpg

more or less starting to look like something but still a lot of work to do.....

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/9cd30b09.jpg

More sanding, and more sanding, and layer of paint, and more sanding.....

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/902125da.jpg

more molding and sanding and sanding and priming

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/b1f480f4.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/73273778.jpg
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/8c623a85.jpg


http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz141/djakay/813c9c57.jpg




To be continued............

[Stavy6]

Great tutorial.
What exactly does the sound card do this looks fancy.

[djakay]

This sound card supposed to bring you sounds from an alternate universe, lol.

but seriously it's supposedly one of the top sound cards out there.

[joegalant]

i have no idea wtf that is but great work and nice write up (madd props senn)

[keith6110]

I like it, let us know how its hooked up exactly if ya don't mind =)

[djakay]

i have no idea wtf that is but great work and nice write up (madd props senn)

lol thanks. It's a sound card for my car pc


I like it, let us know how its hooked up exactly if ya don't mind =)

I'll post up videos and pics after all work is done