Sound card decision.

[theslasher@ntlw]

Ok guys cant make me mind up which card to go for money is not the factor performance is.
1st card Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Professional * New Version *
2nd card Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty Champion Series Retail.
I play games mostly but might want to do other things just cant work out whats better, is the 2nd card the 1st card but with the breakout box.
Advice would be good as i cant make me mind up do i go with card 1 and lose other features or card 2 and lose some gaming sound potential.
So if you have any of theses cards please post.

[Salazaar]

There's not much on the breakout box that's designed for gaming, I'd say go for the 1st. On the other hand, if money's no object, what the hell, go for the expensive one!

[pauldarkside]

I find the breakout box handy for connecting a headset.

I would have used a modified connection between the X-Fi and the case's front audio but as the case doesn't supply the auto detect wire to mute the speakers it's a bit pointless. So, yes the breakout box has it's uses even for gaming.

[dfour]

The break out box is good and (if like my old version) you get a remote control for the card effects, volume etc. I use it mainly for the digital out on the front to my home cimema. Worth the extra cash IMHO.

[Phillikon]

The breakout box is great for using headphones, no scrabbling around the back of my PC after my kids have gone to bed.

[NightshadowUK]

Neither... Auzentech X-Fi Prelude 7.1 FTW.

[cougarslam]

my creative speakers have a wired remote control with a headphone jack that mutes speakers when headphones are plugged in.