GFX card sound question

[ugly ferret]

Hello!

My onboard sound died a couple of months ago and now my graphics card seems to be on its way out as well. So I thought the logical thing to do would be to get a gfx card with hdmi output for sound as well.

However I just wanted to check that the gfx can be used as a sound device on it's own or does it only work via an internal spdif connection with a working sound card, I'm sure that's the case for some early hdmi cards, or are they all like that?

Also is there any difference between ati and nvidia when it comes to hdmi sound? I know some early hdmi gfx cards didn't do any sound, so could anyone tell me from which models onwards do they start to carry sound? I need to draw up a shortlist of cards that will definately do what I want, then I can look at some benches. I'm looking to replace a 8800gt so don't need anything to powerful, willing to spend up to 200 pounds.

Cheers!

 

[Dantian]

I think pretty much anything in the ATi range upwards of the 4850 with an HDMI port will output 7.1 sound. I'm running one in my HTPC and you dont need any other sound card or cables. Just the GFX card and a HDMI lead. I have a 5870 which works the same way but as is my gaming rig i use a separate sound card. Cant comment on the latest Nvidia offerings though. Your buget will get you an ATI 5830 (range from £165-200) which should also give you a decent boost in performance.

Just one other thing though for sound over HDMI your monitor will need bult in speakers which are connected through the HDMI. Not sure what other ways you can do this.


Dan

 

[Jfan]

a lot of tv's these days have an optical audio out/pass-through maybe you could use that

 

[ugly ferret]

I think pretty much anything in the ATi range upwards of the 4850 with an HDMI port will output 7.1 sound. I'm running one in my HTPC and you dont need any other sound card or cables. Just the GFX card and a HDMI lead. I have a 5870 which works the same way but as is my gaming rig i use a separate sound card. Cant comment on the latest Nvidia offerings though. Your buget will get you an ATI 5830 (range from £165-200) which should also give you a decent boost in performance.

Just one other thing though for sound over HDMI your monitor will need bult in speakers which are connected through the HDMI. Not sure what other ways you can do this.


Dan

Thanks, so the 4850 upwards will work, that's exactly what I needed to know! Anyone know about which nvidia cards will work?

Just one other thing though for sound over HDMI your monitor will need bult in speakers which are connected through the HDMI. Not sure what other ways you can do this.

No problem, hdmi out will go to my av amp to connect to my hifi set up. DVI out will go direct to my tv so I don't have to faff about with the video output of the amp.

Thanks.

 

[wilko49]

the 5770 at least has an on-board HD Audio Codec, I imagine the other cards would as well.