How do front case audio connections work ?

[Svartberg]

I have recently bought a new case (P180) that has several front connectors (USB, Audio, etc), and an Asrock dual sata 939 Motherboard.

I connected both usb and the audio connectors to the motherboard.
However I don't understand how does the audio sockets work ?? Do they only work with the onboard soundcard (AFAIK this motherboard has none), and if not - how do i get it to work with my regular soundcard ?

 

[corkyg]

You would have to disable the onboard sound, then connect the added soundcard to those ports with a cable interface. The soundcard would have to have an internal set of pins for that purpose.

 

[Svartberg]

Thanks for the reply.
how many pins are in this socket ? Is there a name for this set of pins ?? (so i can check if soundcards i want to buy have those, in case mine doesn't)

 

[Homerboy]

why would a motherboard with no onboard sound have audio header? that makes no sense at all.
RTFM

 

[corkyg]

Very true - but there is no established certainty that it doesn't have on board sound. With a sound card, there should be an onboard header that accepts a standard sound connector.

According to the specs, it DOES have an onboard RealTek sound chip and connectors.

939

 

[Svartberg]

Yes it has an onboard sound, was just disabled via BIOS.
On my current sound card i have 3 3-pin sockets to connect Cdroms and such, i assume that's not what i need, right ? (the front panel audio connector had 2x5 pins)
I think i'll just go for an external soundcard ...

 

[corkyg]

Here is a tip from someone else who has worked the problem. The 2x5 connectors are standard for motherboard sound headers on Asus and other premium boards (not Aspire!) They can be modded.

With an external sound unit such as Audigy 2NX, you don't need those front panel ports.