Achieving 7.1 HD Audio from Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 with Realtel ALC887

[Guest]

In a recent build, I used the aforementioned Gigabyte motherboard, with the onboard HD audio, however I/O ports are pretty scarce. In order to achieve a 7.1 speaker configuration, all information points towards a need for a front panel control, with the additional ports I require. Can anyone recommend a good front audio panel control. Could a Sound Blaster Audigy control panel be compatible? If, so, I suppose, I would need a PCI I/o card to control the front panel. What connection, would I use to the MB, to interact with the on-board HD audio? I am a bit at a loss here and would welcome any advice.

 

[popatim]

Audio: 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel*
* To configure 7.1-channel audio, you have to use an HD front panel audio module and enable the multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.

You likely could scavenge an HD front panel module from an old case and then route it out the back to keep all the connections on th rear of the case or possible mod a slot bracket (I would) otherwise you'd need to buy a drive bay adapter that has HD audio and use that.
something like This.

 

[Guest]

Audio: 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel*
* To configure 7.1-channel audio, you have to use an HD front panel audio module and enable the multi-channel audio feature through the audio driver.

You likely could scavenge an HD front panel module from an old case and then route it out the back to keep all the connections on th rear of the case or possible mod a slot bracket (I would) otherwise you'd need to buy a drive bay adapter that has HD audio and use that.
something like This.

Thank you Sire Tim., I actually found an old Dell front panel bracket while rummaging around. I can envision it working with a little tweaking, Ill post my progress. Thanks Again.
Cheers,
Rich