GPU DisplayPort audio or motherboard audio?

[GDomo]

I'm currently using an MSI 980ti (6GB) on my ASRock Z87 Pro 4 motherboard.

Just a quick question: My GPU (Like almost all the cards after the ~480) has audio drivers and hardware to support them. I have always used my motherboard for audio out since I had been using a DVI-only monitor up until a few days ago when my new monitor shipped in. Nvidia has some 3D/HD audio drivers that sound the BS marketing. So, would it be more worthwhile to use the audio through DisplayPort/HDMI or to stick with the onboard sound card?

Nvidia claims that theirs is great for surround sound and games. I have a Razer Kraken so I don't even have "true" surround sound.

[Revelene]

Not much difference between Nvidia's HD audio driver and the built in generic HDMI audio driver from Windows.

Well, unless you have a true surround speaker setup, then it doesn't really matter much as far as surround goes. Any stereo headphones can playback virtual surround. It is even a feature in the generic driver from Windows.

I'd say use the motherboard audio. Most modern motherboards have decent shielding, but I'm not so sure about the monitor.

[rotNdude]

What monitor do you have?

[GDomo]

I tested it and they seem the same but after awhile, the audio output from my monitor started to pause randomly so I've found the motherboard to be more reliable. Still can't tell any major differences in sound quality. I'm using a CF32 Samsung monitor. I don't know the exact model as it doesn't say in the device manager nor the Nvidia control panel. I'll have to look at the box later.

[Senió Koopa]

I have a LG flatron e23 monitor, a rx460 windforce gigabyte , and an ab350 gigabyte gaming motherboard. And imo I get much better sound quality through the output from the monitor that goes from the video hdmi through the monitor.. The sound is more clear and I think the DAC from the monitor has a stronger signal. Almost night and day I have a pretty standard setup, a 2.1 logitech subwoofer connected with a pair of old school panasonic speakers instead of the logitech satellites. Maybe this monitor has a good DAC, I've read that Benq's DAC suck.

[Revelene]

Originally posted by The Aquabat:

I have a LG flatron e23 monitor, a rx460 windforce gigabyte , and an ab350 gigabyte gaming motherboard. And imo I get much better sound quality through the output from the monitor that goes from the video hdmi through the monitor.. The sound is more clear and I think the DAC from the monitor has a stronger signal. Almost night and day I have a pretty standard setup, a 2.1 logitech subwoofer connected with a pair of old school panasonic speakers instead of the logitech satellites. Maybe this monitor has a good DAC, I've read that Benq's DAC suck.

In your case, your monitor may have better sound than your motherboard. However, that is not always the case.

I also do not see the point in this necro.

[GDomo]

I think this is still a bit relevant. I've just stuck with my motherboard audio as it's default and native.