Bypassing Realtek driver/MB speaker jack - using Monitor as a primary sound source?

[dremorabanisher]

Due to problems that I had with multi-inputs on my speakers, I have decided to route my audio via Dell monitor.

Both my Nintendo Switch and PC have their sound coming from monitor to speakers.

Switch > HDMI > Monitor > Audio cable > Speaker
PC > Display Port > Monitor > Audio cable > Speaker

This way I'm using only one Audio cable to LR on my Speaker, eliminating the need for 2nd LR port.

Sound seems normal, although I cannot use Realtek drivers anymore. Is there any other drawback with this method?

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

Audio over HDMI is handled via the device outputting the HDMI signal, unless you have a very old, first gen graphics card that didn't have it's own audio device (these used audio pass-through.) Unless you need some feature from your Realtek audio device, this shouldn't be a big deal. The only drawback I can imagine would be along the lines of the setup being a tad convoluted and the possibility for slight delay in all of the audio transport to the speakers, but if you're not experiencing any problems, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[dremorabanisher]

Thanks. I have Nvidia GTX 1060, so it should be fine I guess. PC audio is handled via DisplayPort though, HDMI is for Nintendo Switch.

 

[bigpinkdragon286]

Oops, missed that in your original diagram, but whether it's DP or HDMI, the audio device is actually on the graphics card, which is why your Realtek isn't being used. 🙂