internal/external card?

[A-nybody M-aking D-inner?]

Hey, how's it going?

Thanks to a certain someone(I think you know who), I have been looking into sound cards. Finding something in budget I came across two choices, the creative sound blaster recon3d PCIe sound card http://us.store.creative.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-Recon3D-PCIe-Sound/M/B00654PUPA.htm

 

and the X-Fi sound card.http://us.store.creative.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-XFi-HD-Sound/M/B004275EO4.htm

 

I also have been getting into music production a bit gearing me towards the external choice. However, I still do moderate gaming turning me back to the PCIe card. So...which one? I am primarily using headphones(v moda lp) and already have optical on board. Do I go for the more 'gaming orientated' choice or get external with low possibility of getting speakers in the future? Also, any differences in sound quality between the two? Thanks in advance and if there are similar products out there, throw a recommendation this way! Don't be greedy! ;P

[A-nybody M-aking D-inner?]

Thanks for all the replies!  :(

[t0wer]

I thought I posted here, sorry.

 

I'm not the guy to talk to about recording equipment, but I do know external is the way to go.

[Malcolm360]

In terms of music production, and internal sound card is virtually useless (unless you are building a professional studio PC and planning on spending over a grand on your sound card). So for music, a USB interface is definitely the way to go for a home studio set up. If you're and audiophile and willing to drop some extra cash for a good listening experience (specifically outside your DAW) and a better gaming experience, I would say the sound card is worth it. And personally, I would go with the Creative Sound Blaster Z. I hope this helped.