Does it matter if I use my video card or motherboard for audio?

[sheldonyeung]

CPU: i7 6700K
GPU : GTX 1070
MOBO: Gigabyte Z170X- Ultra
PSU : EVGA SuperNova 650G
OS: Windows 10 x64

I recently bought a new motherboard, but the optical audio hisses and crackles when I connect it from my Logitech Z906 directly to the motherboard. The sound cuts in and out constantly and my speakers LED's flash because it thinks there is sound even when none is playing, (like on the desktop) I know it's not the cable, and I tried re-installing the Realtek drivers but no luck.

For now, I am using the HDMI audio on my GTX 1070 to the TV, and the TV is then connected by optical audio to the speakers. I know that both formats are digital, but is it worth trying to exchange my motherboard or RMA, or just use the video card for audio? I'm not an audiophile by any means, but as long as my optical audio on the motherboard doesn't create any issues later, I figure using my video card will save me alot of time and grief.

I guess my questions are, Is the sound any different if I use HDMI via the video card? and would a possibly faulty optical audio input on the motherboard cause any problems down the road for the lifespan?

Thank you

 

[greens]

CPU: i7 6700K
GPU : GTX 1070
MOBO: Gigabyte Z170X- Ultra
PSU : EVGA SuperNova 650G
OS: Windows 10 x64

I recently bought a new motherboard, but the optical audio hisses and crackles when I connect it from my Logitech Z906 directly to the motherboard. The sound cuts in and out constantly and my speakers LED's flash because it thinks there is sound even when none is playing, (like on the desktop) I know it's not the cable, and I tried re-installing the Realtek drivers but no luck.

For now, I am using the HDMI audio on my GTX 1070 to the TV, and the TV is then connected by optical audio to the speakers. I know that both formats are digital, but is it worth trying to exchange my motherboard or RMA, or just use the video card for audio? I'm not an audiophile by any means, but as long as my optical audio on the motherboard doesn't create any issues later, I figure using my video card will save me alot of time and grief.

I guess my questions are, Is the sound any different if I use HDMI via the video card? and would a possibly faulty optical audio input on the motherboard cause any problems down the road for the lifespan?

Thank you

Your GPU does not have any audio capabilities. HDMI simply has an audio pass through. That said, HDMI's ability to pass audio greatly surpasses optical. HDMI can pass high resolution audio that opticals can't.

 

[k1114]

The 10 series as well as many previous gens have an audio processor on the gpu. If it's listed as nvidia hd audio in playback devices then the gpu has it built in. Similar would go for amd. Not that it matters since you'd get decent quality out of everything these days.

http://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2796/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDc4MTAyMjE3L3NpZC84KmhQZEYybg%3D%3D

 

[greens]

Wow, you're right. That link doesn't explain it, but i found this deeper in:

3) Finally, newer NVIDIA GPUs such as the GeForce G210, GeForce GT220 or GeForce GTX 480 have added an internal HD audio codec. This is like having an internal sound controller built right into the graphics card. The NVIDIA internal HD audio codec can only be used to output to an HDMI (or DisplayPort) display. It does not support analog audio. If you require analog audio (i.e. for headphones or PC speakers), you must continue to use your PC's sound controller. The NVIDIA internal HD audio codec is superior to analog audio or S/PDIF signal. While S/PDIF is limited to compressed 5.1 multi-channel, the NVIDIA HD audio codec can support additional audio channels and also support more advanced audio formats used with Blu-ray movies. If you have a graphics card with internal NVIDIA HD audio codec, simply plug the HDMI audio cable from your graphics card to your HDTV and it will carry both video and audio. No other internal or external cables are needed from your sound card for audio.

TIL