I don't know the difference

[Illumynization]

Can someone please tell me the difference between the Realtek ALC1220 vs ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A

I'm looking for a new motherboard for my HTPC and I want to make sure it has the best onboard sound quality.

 

[mcnumpty23]

https://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?90760-SupremeFX-CODECs-S1220-and-S1220A-what-s-the-difference

 

[photonboy]

there's the Realtek chip itself then there's the EMF shielding, capacitors etc that support the chip that make a difference in preventing audio noise and supporting headphones of higher quality (like 600ohm rating).

Since I don't have an actual motherboard with the first choice (ALC1220) I can't compare as it could be similar quality to the second option you mention.

*HTPC???*
If you intend to use HDMI then your audio isn't coming from the Realtek chip anyway. It's coming from either the CPU or the graphics card (if you have an addon card).

For example, if you had an NVidia card then you'd go to the audio icon, "Playback Devices" and choose "NVidia HDMI" or something like that and the audio is processed by the video card (a fanless GT1030 makes a great choice for running a 4K HDTV).

Or if you use a DIGITAL connection such as TOSLINK it won't make much difference what solution you get since there's no analog shielding or amplification issues just digital processing.

 

[photonboy]

So to be clear, the differences between onboard audio only really matters if connecting an analog heaphone or speaker solution to the MOTHERBOARD audio outputs.

 

[Illumynization]

MSI z270 mitx or the Asus ROG mitx boards
Yes I will be using TOSLink out to a receiver out to several reference speakers.