CPU utilization? Digital out by MB or add-on card is there a difference.

Neyd3400

Member
Jul 28, 2003
195
0
0
Does any one know if there is a difference in cpu utilization when using a s/pdif, either coaxial or optical, from onboard audio and or a add-on card. I would think that the CPU would hardly be used at all. Does any one know for sure.

I am building a new setup for movies and games. I will only be using the digital out to a receiver.
 

Peter

Elite Member
Oct 15, 1999
9,640
1
0
It isn't the process of outputting the sound data that eats CPU time, it's the computation of sound. Analog or digital out doesn't matter for computer-created sound; however e.g. AC3 digital sound pass-through from a DVD will use little CPU whilst decoding to 5.1 analog out will.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Neyd3400
Does any one know if there is a difference in cpu utilization when using a s/pdif, either coaxial or optical, from onboard audio and or a add-on card. I would think that the CPU would hardly be used at all. Does any one know for sure.

I am building a new setup for movies and games. I will only be using the digital out to a receiver.

As usual, the typical FYI applies. Just know that you will not get true surround sound out of your games with the digital connection.
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,204
45
91
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Neyd3400
Does any one know if there is a difference in cpu utilization when using a s/pdif, either coaxial or optical, from onboard audio and or a add-on card. I would think that the CPU would hardly be used at all. Does any one know for sure.

I am building a new setup for movies and games. I will only be using the digital out to a receiver.

As usual, the typical FYI applies. Just know that you will not get true surround sound out of your games with the digital connection.

As usual, unless you get a DDL card ;)
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Neyd3400
Does any one know if there is a difference in cpu utilization when using a s/pdif, either coaxial or optical, from onboard audio and or a add-on card. I would think that the CPU would hardly be used at all. Does any one know for sure.

I am building a new setup for movies and games. I will only be using the digital out to a receiver.

As usual, the typical FYI applies. Just know that you will not get true surround sound out of your games with the digital connection.

As usual, unless you get a DDL card ;)


except that the OP specified the mobo connection...and its soundstorm is long since dead...:(