Interestingly enough, I have both a "low-end" X-Fi XtremeMusic (non-XRAM) AND one of the tested mobos, the uber-doubly-sucky (per Tom) ECS RS482-M.

To my knowledge, I've not had any issues w/Creative's drivers, be it using the Install CD or downloads from Creative's site. I originally had the X-Fi in an ECS nForce2 mobo, and had no problems w/that setup, either. I've never had to utilize the oft-mentioned "PCI Latency Tool," and not once have I experienced this crackling that others mention. (Knocks on wood...) And believe it or not, I actually prefer the EAX-enabled effects in a variety of games over certain onboard audio solutions. (Mostly RealTek and cMedia chips...)

In fact, I've gone from the original Soundblaster to the Pro, 16, AWE32, Live, Live 5.1, Audigy 2ZS (which is working great on the aforementioned ECS nForce2 mobo), and now the X-Fi, and I've never had any problems whatsoever. Perhaps I've never angered the audio gods or something?!? (Even when I "sort of strayed" and added a Roland Sound Canvas to the mix back in the 90's...)