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

[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.

 

[Peter]

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]

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.

 

[Neyd3400]

Thanks

 

[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

 

[PurdueRy]

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...