GFX card processing sound?

[Jon79]

Do GFX cards these days have sound processers built-in? I have my PC connected to my av receiver via HDMI but i have my on-board sound and soundblaster sound card disabled so i'm just wondering how the sound itself is being processed?

I understand if i bitstream when watching movies it is the AV receiver itself that is decoding DTS etc.. but if i'm not bitstreaming then it has to be the GFX card itself that is processing the sound?

I'm trying to understand the process better so i can figure out what is best for me in terms of minimising the delay.

Thanks.

 

[ubersonic]

Yes, modern cards can usually do sound output via HDMI/DVI/DP.

 

[arknor]

video cards have built in audio over hdmi for years now

 

[VincentHanna]

I think it's part of the HDMI spec.

Not sure how it works but I've done without sound cards for years. HDMI straight in to my amp is best.