Amd High Definition Audio Device vs Realtek

[Mtj]

Hi,

I have a computer with an Asus P8Z77-V LX motherboard with Realtek ALC888 onboard audio and an Asus RX480 graphic card. I also have a Dell U2417 monitor, which has an audio connection and the monitor is connected to the computer with a Display Port cable (Display Port v1.2a). I use Logitech Z623 2.1 speakers.

I was wondering which one should I use for sound: Should I use Realtek or AMD sound?

 

[Rifter]

AMD sound is only for HDMI out on the GPU as far as i know. So if using the logitecs you will need to use the realtek.

 

[Mtj]

No. Logitech speakers work fine, they are connected to the monitor and monitor is connected to the computer with a Display Port cable. I would like to know which solution is "better".

 

[sandorski]

Try both and decide which you like more.

 

[Schmide]

I've done what you have through your monitor on a few systems. It has some advantages irregardless of True Audio. It is less susceptible to noise and floating ground problems that some homes and systems have.

For the best computer audio make sure all components are plugged into the same power strip and have properly grounded plugs.

If you still have problems you can buy a ground loop isolator.

If you're a total audiophile put your speakers on a separate power source and use a s/pdif lightpipe audio cable.

 

[tential]

AMD sound is only for HDMI out on the GPU as far as i know. So if using the logitecs you will need to use the realtek.

To clarify him,
He's saying he'll put the sound through to the monitor using the HDMI cord.
Then using the audio out jack, use that to go to the Logitech speakers.

Similar to how your audio receiver in your home theater/living room takes HDMI, but you can then send that signal back out with a couple of options.

 

[Rifter]

To clarify him,
He's saying he'll put the sound through to the monitor using the HDMI cord.
Then using the audio out jack, use that to go to the Logitech speakers.

Similar to how your audio receiver in your home theater/living room takes HDMI, but you can then send that signal back out with a couple of options.

Yeah i figured that out after i responded, little slow today, TGIF!

 

[Mtj]

Actually, I'm using a DisplayPort cable (1.2a).

So far is working good. I wanted to test AMD High Definition Audio, to eliminate Realtek drivers, which could improve system stability and maybe who knows peformance, given the fact that AMD sound cannot be disabled, because is part of the graphic card. Realtek, on the other hand, can be disabled in UEFI. I think the AMD sounds better in 3d games, but this could be just "placebo" effect.

Does anyone know the difference in terms of specs between AMD sound (on RX480) and Realtek ALC888?

 

[richaron]

Actually, I'm using a DisplayPort cable (1.2a).

So far is working good. I wanted to test AMD High Definition Audio, to eliminate Realtek drivers, which could improve system stability and maybe who knows peformance, given the fact that AMD sound cannot be disabled, because is part of the graphic card. Realtek, on the other hand, can be disabled in UEFI. I think the AMD sounds better in 3d games, but this could be just "placebo" effect.

Does anyone know the difference in terms of specs between AMD sound (on RX480) and Realtek ALC888?

You are asking the wrong question.

If you are sending the sound digitally to the monitor then analog from the monitor, you are using the DACs (digital to analog converters) inside the monitor. So the monitor is the point where audio "quality" will be an issue. And I would bet they put the cheapest audio hardware into the monitor they could find.

So onboard sound will almost certainly be better. Except if you have a really cheap and/or old motherboard which suffers from all sorts of interference from being inside the case, in which situation the monitor's bargain basement DACs/amps could provide better audio.

Lastly, forget the specs. In this situation they are meaningless.

 

[Mtj]

You are asking the wrong question.

If you are sending the sound digitally to the monitor then analog from the monitor, you are using the DACs (digital to analog converters) inside the monitor. So the monitor is the point where audio "quality" will be an issue. And I would bet they put the cheapest audio hardware into the monitor they could find.

So onboard sound will almost certainly be better. Except if you have a really cheap and/or old motherboard which suffers from all sorts of interference from being inside the case, in which situation the monitor's bargain basement DACs/amps could provide better audio.

Lastly, forget the specs. In this situation they are meaningless.

Well Dell 2417H actually supports 24 bit 96,0 KHz sampling. I think Realtek supports up to 24 Bit 192k sampling, which acording to some is just marketing.

 

[richaron]

That's exactly I wanted to know. It is back to Realtek then. Thank you!

No worries.

You could also do a couple of experiments yourself to test. For example you could test the noise floor by having the speakers plugged in with nothing playing, then crank the volume up and compare the points you hear the background hum/hiss.

 

[Mtj]

I have edited my previous reply.

As I said before I don't notice much difference, except for the fact that AMD has "more bass", which I corrected by adjusting the speakers settings and AMD "sounds better" in 3d games (enviroment sounds are more noticable, for example in racing games I can hear better the engine sound of other cars).

 

[richaron]

Well Dell 2417H actually supports 24 bit 96,0 KHz sampling. I think Realtek supports up to 24 Bit 192k sampling, which acording to some is just marketing.

Yeah, again I would put that into the "useless specs" category. Much more important are the quality of the electronic components (DACs, AMPs, Capacitors, etc) shielding and circuit layouts.

Monitors include an audio output just to check a box on the spec sheet, and this is sometimes the case with motherboard audio also. But in general (recently) motherboard makers at least make some effort. And proper audio gear can run at 16bit 44.1kHz whilst providing much better "quality", so the numbers don't mean too much.

One of the biggest audio quality metrics is the signal to noise ratio. So whilst not being a perfect SNR test, it would be worthwhile comparing the noise floor of your audio path options. And again; this wont be the SNR listed on the spec sheet.

 

[Mtj]

According to http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/audio-codec-comparison-table/2/ Realtek ALC887 has a value of 90 dB for Input SNR and 97 dB for Output SNR. The Dell U2417H well ... who knows.

 

[richaron]

According to http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/audio-codec-comparison-table/2/ Realtek ALC887 has a value of 90 dB for Input SNR and 97 dB for Output SNR. The Dell U2417H well ... who knows.

No I meant just test it yourself

You could also do a couple of experiments yourself to test. For example you could test the noise floor by having the speakers plugged in with nothing playing, then crank the volume up and compare the points you hear the background hum/hiss.

 

[Mtj]

I did like you suggested and Realtek produced far less background hum/fuss then AMD High Definition Audio solution.

 

[vailr]

AFAIK, all video card "audio out" signals are utilizing Realtek audio chips, even though AMD or nVidia video card drivers label them as if they were something else. The motherboard Realtek audio chips current generation is ALC1220, which has better specs compared to your ALC888. Not sure if there exists a software method of determining the exact audio chip found onboard the video card, other than direct visual observation. If the ALCxxx number is higher on the video card (compared to the motherboard audio ALCxxx number), then that could potentially provide better audio quality.
Cable quality would also be an important factor.

 

[UsandThem]

You can also use Rightmark Audio Analyzer like many of the hardware review sites do:

http://audio.rightmark.org/index_new.shtml

Example of it used in a review:

https://www.anandtech.com/show/1161...byte-z270x-ultra-gaming-motherboards-review/7