Which X-Fi?

[zarquon]

I bought an X-Fi soon after they came out and the transformation from on-board sound to sound card sound in Battlefield 2 was amazing. So much clearer and more atmospheric. Unfortunately the card has now perished so I'm looking for a replacement.

My primary use for my computer is gaming, 5.1 style. I also listen to music.

When I bought the original, there wasn't much to choose from. I bought the baby version, XtremeMusic I think, for just shy of £100. Now I look at the options and I'm stumped. My options are:

Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Professional 7.1 Soundcard - Retail
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer 7.1 Soundcard - Retail
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music 7.1 Soundcard - OEM
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Soundcard (PCI-Express) - OEM
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Soundcard (PCI) - OEM

Any recommendations and reasons?

 

[Mansize_tissue]

The Xtreme Music is the best value card. I'd cross the Xtreme Audio and Xtreme Gamer off your list to being with, since the Xtreme Music is far better. That leaves you with the expensive Fatal1ty card, which is barely any better than the Xtreme Music.

 

[MeatLoaf]

The Xtreme Music is the best value card. I'd cross the Xtreme Audio and Xtreme Gamer off your list to being with, since the Xtreme Music is far better. That leaves you with the expensive Fatal1ty card, which is barely any better than the Xtreme Music.

The Extreme audio is worse than the extreme music but the extreme gamer is exactly the same as the music but with slightly less connectivity options - ie you cant have the front bay connected to it.

The Fatality gamer is a decetn card if you can stretch to £90 and the fatality pro just adds the drive bay.

I just picked up a Fatality pro with the drive bay for £65 off the MM, so there are bargains to be had