jz get the extreme gamer as u're in gaming(might help increase some fps)...x-fi series performed equally in music SQ except the elite pro which hav better DACs but cost RM1k+...

if u're an audiophile u can always get a great DAC via digital out from ur x-fi card...but its better to hav a studio/professional card rather than an external DAC...a good source is more important for audio
overall it depends on ur budget and personal preferences..

i'm using it wif nForce 4-U based mobo for 1 year...no problem so far

the vista driver is terrible...those features i seldom(not even) use them,if they're missing its ok for me...but when come to sound...
hope they fix it asap...cant even listen to a single song properly...
hissing all the way..

stay wif ur a2zs,its good enuf...the diff is better UI and X-Fi feel,u wont notice any obvious SQ diff between them..

"breathtaking"...
studio card only will giv u such sound...mayb u can try the 0404...same price wif the x-fi...unless u're serious gamer

if u're not an audiophile...i think u go for a2zs is enough,but make sure u get the latest driver or any other custom drivers that are stable...creative is bad in their drivers...

3rd hole from the firewire port