Difference between Sound Blaster Live 5.1 cards?

[xyyz]

I'm looking to replace my close to defunct (when it comes to win2k anyways) MX300.

I was looking at purchasing a Sound Blaster Live 5.1 - something.

Looking at the specs there is no difference between the X-gamer and MP3 versions except for the software package... is this true?

Also, when comparing these to the Platinium it seems the difference is again in th software... and the fact the platinium edition has the front panel thingiee.

Are my observations correct? Or are there differences in the board hardware/layout?

 

[Arch!]

You are completely correct. Only difference you have when it comes to the board layout is that the retail cards have a spdif connector on them and the oem cards do not (that was the case with the live value cards, not sure when it comes to the 5.1 versions)

Bye!

 

[BCYL]

I am pretty sure the only difference between X-Gamer and MP3 version is the software package... but not sure about Platium though...

 

[moolman]

All 5.1 have the digital out because no oem yet, I have the x-gamer 5.1 and mp3 5.1, yes the only difference is the software package they give you. I'd get the games with the x-gamer, the mp3 software they give are lame, I don't use them, other stuff is way better. The platinum has the live drive and the software from both the x-gamer and mp3.

Alex

 

[JellyBaby]

Don't forget the Platinum 5.1 ships with the new LiveDrive! IR with remote control. That's a very handy feature if your PC audio/video rig is your main audio/video rig, otherwise it is next to useless.