Same audio issue with 2 brand new ASUS Maximus Formula boards

[SuperPuppy]

I have read hundreds of posts from other users on this and other forums from before giving up and starting my own thread.

I am making my post on this forum because of the great responses I saw with a thread with a similar problem from a couple years ago

I purchased an ASUS Maximus V FORMULA LGA 1155 Intel Z77 Extended ATX DDR3 2800 PCIe 3.0 HDMI SupremeFX IV Audio Motherboard last week from Amazon.com

Everything works perfectly except my 2.1 speakers (single green jack) is recognized by the computer when I plug it in, shows that it is making sound out of those speakers by looking at the volume mixer, but no sound.

If I unplug the green jack from the rear of the computer and put it in the headphone jack, I see a message that I unplugged the jack from the rear and it asks for a confirmation that I just plugged something into the headphone jack.

When I click ok, I get perfect audio, when I reverse the procedure and plug the green plug into the rear green audio, I get nothing.

I tried disabling and enabling onboard sound in the BIOS.
I tried choosing either AC97 or HD in the BIOS.
I tried installing the latest 64-bit drivers direct from the Maximus from the download page of that particular motherboard.
I tried fiddling with the Realtek Control Panel, disabling and enabling all sorts of options including the "Device advanced settings"
I tried all the different minijacks on the backpanel.

There are no question marks on any item listed in the Device Manager.
I swapped swapped out the green cable.
I am sure that the green plug in plugged into the green jack behind the computer
I am sure that neither the media player, speakers or the system is on mute
The volume control on media player, speakers and system are way above 0%
The speakers work on a different computer
I have installed the Latest Bios for the computer (MAXIMUS V FORMULA BIOS 1604)
I have a brand new 1000 watt power supply with all the 24, 8 and 4 pin power plugs plugged in.
I have a dedicated CREATIVE 2.1 computer speaker set.

I can play a song from ether iTunes or Windows Media Player with the green plug in the headphone jack, then plug it in the rear green jack and hear no sound, and plug it back into the headphone jack and hear the end of the song.

After reading the above mentioned thread I thought it was a bad board and swapped it out with a brand new MOBO with Amazon.com

I installed the replacement board and I still have the exact same issue.

What gives?

 

[Vectronic]

Those are the only speakers you've tried?

I swapped out the green cable.

What about headphones?

What happens if you disconnect the front headphone/mic header from the motherboard?

 

[SuperPuppy]

Yes, they are the only speaker I have.
I tried plugging in a stereo headset in the rear green jack with no sound.

I disconnected the header from the board, still no sound from the rear green jack from either my speakers and headphones.
And of course it didn't recognize that I plugged the speakers/headphones in the headphone jack (I just wanted to make sure I pulled the right header)

 

[C1]

Ah ha. If you read the description of your MB, you will see that the DTS UltraPC II sound "plays through the most popular PC audio setups - your existing stereo speakers OR headphones" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.asus.com/ROG/MAXIMUS_V_FORMULA/

Since the headphone output is working then by definition, the speaker output should not. YOU THEREFORE MOST LIKELY WILL BE LOOKING FOR A TOGGLE IN THE SOUND CONTROL PANEL SOFTWARE THAT REDIRECTS SOUND OUTPUT.

Im betting that it is there, and when you eventually find it, you will kick yourself (or maybe ASUS).

PS: One of the things I run into regarding audio involves interaction of the various application software that wants to control sound output. These include the OS itself, the companion control panel for the native audio hardware and often even one of the installed applications. PITA is that these can run in series. So you have to make sure the proper audio level sliders in the OS are sufficiently up (eg, in mixer and control panel), along with proper sliders/toggles in companion audio control panel for the native hardware and also possibly a toggle or slider in an installed application software. I think you'll eventually locate all the necessary hooks and handles.

 

[CurrentlyPissed]

When plugged into the green jack, under microsoft options make sure speakers is set to default device. Also make sure to run test through that. Also go through speaker configure to make sure windows doesn't have it set as 5.1

 

[SuperPuppy]

Ah ha. If you read the description of your MB, you will see that the DTS UltraPC II sound "plays through the most popular PC audio setups - your existing stereo speakers OR headphones" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even if my audio speakers were not compatible with the MOBO, there should be at least some sound (maybe not clear audio) coming out of that rear jack. I think they used the word 'most' as a backdoor in case someone has some bizarre speaker setup.

Since the headphone output is working then by definition, the speaker output should not. YOU THEREFORE MOST LIKELY WILL BE LOOKING FOR A TOGGLE IN THE SOUND CONTROL PANEL SOFTWARE THAT REDIRECTS SOUND OUTPUT.

Im betting that it is there, and when you eventually find it, you will kick yourself (or maybe ASUS).

PS: One of the things I run into regarding audio involves interaction of the various application software that wants to control sound output. These include the OS itself, the companion control panel for the native audio hardware and often even one of the installed applications. PITA is that these can run in series. So you have to make sure the proper audio level sliders in the OS are sufficiently up (eg, in mixer and control panel), along with proper sliders/toggles in companion audio control panel for the native hardware and also possibly a toggle or slider in an installed application software. I think you'll eventually locate all the necessary hooks and handles.

I went through every conceivable menu and tried nearly every possible settings of options.

When plugged into the green jack, under microsoft options make sure speakers is set to default device. Also make sure to run test through that. Also go through speaker configure to make sure windows doesn't have it set as 5.1

You can see in the picture above that I have the green rear speaker jack selected in the Microsoft and Realtek settings and you can also see that I have it have it selected for 2 speakers in Realtek and trust me I have it set for 2 speakers under the Microsoft settings too.

I tried every combination in this dialog box

A

nd this one.

The levels are correct

The volume mixer shows the green bars bouncing up and down like it was playing something

Any other dialog boxes I am missing?


This shouldn't hurt

 

[Vectronic]

I'm confused by it's naming.

Rear Green In (Should be Front Speaker Out)
Rear Blue In (Should be Side Speaker Out)

Why are they inputs and not outputs?

Edit:

 

[RampantAndroid]

I'm confused by it's naming.

Rear Green In (Should be Front Speaker Out)
Rear Blue In (Should be Side Speaker Out)

Why are they inputs and not outputs?

Edit:

Same comment from me - looked off. Go into the Windows controls and check to see what device is listed as the default playback device. It should be speakers. If it isn't, make that default.

My example, though I'm using front panel jack for headphones:

 

[serpretetsky]

I'm confused by it's naming.

Rear Green In (Should be Front Speaker Out)
Rear Blue In (Should be Side Speaker Out)

Why are they inputs and not outputs?

Edit:

his ports are labeled "rear" because they are the ports in the back of the computer, not the front ones. I'm not sure why they say input, that's confusing me as well.


OP:
1) right click your default realtek audio speakers and click test. Is any sound emitted with speakers or headphones?

2)
In your realtek options you have an option that says something about playing independant audio streams to your front and rear ports.

UNPLUG ANYTHING FROM THE DEDICATED HEADPHONE JACK FIRST.

plug your speakers or headphones into the rear green jack.

uncheck that "independant stream" option, click "ok", and test the audio.

If it still doesn't work, go back to that options windows, check that same option, click "ok" and test once again.

 

[bankster55]

I have never seen "Green Jack" noted in any Realtek install
So to back up - you need to co-ordinate all RT:
HD Audio in bios
HD RT X64 drivers
HD named molex to mobo audio header - NO AC'97 anywhere!
You may also have conflicting audio codecs in Dev Manager
There is Intel HD Audio - on Z77 express chipset, which I disable
Could also be Vidcard audio entries, which I uncheck during vidcard driver (custom) install
Bluetooth audios
MS LifeCam Audio
USB Audio
XBox Audio
Realtek
etc.
Which MAY conflict - start with only RT HD.

You also did not note what TYPE of audio you tried to play.
I always install the KLite Full codec pak and then right click associate the filetypes (like .flv) with the player you use (WMP)
When installing Klite its important to check everything in
advanced install mode, especially WMP and Classic WMP.
http://codecguide.com/download_kl.htm

Screenie album:
http://imgur.com/a/0c1Ty#8

 

[SuperPuppy]

I'm confused by it's naming.

Rear Green In (Should be Front Speaker Out)
Rear Blue In (Should be Side Speaker Out)

Why are they inputs and not outputs?

I think you found something sir.
I bet this is the problem, the driver is thinking that it is an input jack instead of an output jack, but why?

I uninstalled & deleted the Realtek drivers, rebooted and the system installed the generic Microsoft audio drivers
Same problem, I only got audio from the headphone jack and not the rear panel no matter what combination of speakers/headphones in the jacks and the Microsoft settings.

This time I did not get any input options

It seems the Mobo is telling the computer that the rear green jack is an input device... would that be a BIOS issue? I have the latest one installed.

OP:
1) right click your default realtek audio speakers and click test. Is any sound emitted with speakers or headphones?

Default speakers with my computer speakers test: No Audio
Default speakers with my headset test: No Audio
Default HD Audio 2nd output (Headphone jack) with my computer speakers test: Audio in each channel
Default HD Audio 2nd output (Headphone jack) with my headset test: Audio in each channel

2)
In your realtek options you have an option that says something about playing independant audio streams to your front and rear ports.

UNPLUG ANYTHING FROM THE DEDICATED HEADPHONE JACK FIRST.

plug your speakers or headphones into the rear green jack.

uncheck that "independant stream" option, click "ok", and test the audio.

If it still doesn't work, go back to that options windows, check that same option, click "ok" and test once again.

Yes, I think I posted above that I tried every possible combination on that page. each time I only got audio from the headphone jack.

I have never seen "Green Jack" noted in any Realtek install

I remember you being active and helpful in the other thread, I appreciate you jumping in an helping me out here.
I uninstalled/deleted and re-installed the Realteck drivers.
It gave me the same list of inputs as I posted above.
All were set to 0 except the Rear Green in, that was set for 100

So to back up - you need to co-ordinate all RT:
HD Audio in bios
HD RT X64 drivers
HD named molex to mobo audio header - NO AC'97 anywhere!

HD Audio in bios: I can only change the front panel to AC'97, but it is checked on HD
HD RT X64 drivers: Installed Realtek_Audio_V51006699_6016699_XPWin7_8 from downloading from the MAXIMUS V FORMULA Windows 7 64bit Download page
HD named molex to mobo audio header: Yellow 10-1 pin mobo audio header pluged into AAFP
The only other audio connections on the mobo is for a 4-1 SPDIF-OUT. Not connected because I do not have a digital output on my front panel.

You may also have conflicting audio codecs in Dev Manager

I had DIVX, CCCP and ffdshow installed in my last setup (ASUS Striker Extreme) without an issue. (Yes, it might have been overkill)
I uninstalled all of them and installed KLite and I still have the exact same issue.
But then again, if a codec issue is causing the problem, wouldn't I not be able to get audio from the front jack as well?

There is Intel HD Audio - on Z77 express chipset, which I disable

The are only three audio options in the bios:
1. Turn on/off the on-board audio (Set to ON)
2. Front panel connection AC'97 or HD (set to HD)
3. SPDIF Out Type SPDIF or HDMI (Set to SPDIF)
There are no other mentions of audio settings or connections in the mobo manual other than what I listed above regarding the bios settings and the mobo itself.
I am not sure how to turn off the chipset without turning off all my audio.

Could also be Vidcard audio entries, which I uncheck during vidcard driver (custom) install
Bluetooth audios
MS LifeCam Audio
USB Audio
XBox Audio
Realtek
etc.
Which MAY conflict - start with only RT HD.

I disconnected the phone headset, web cam, Bluetooth (so the Realtek audio was the only audio device in the Device Manager) before I installed and re installed the Realtek drivers. It worked the same way before, with the MS drivers and after the Realtek reinstall (Only the headphone jack worked for both the headphones and speakers)

I looked at the latest NVIDIA Driver install and there is no mention of it touching the audio

You also did not note what TYPE of audio you tried to play.

It works exactly the same with System Startup Sound, System Notifications, WMA, MP3 in both WMP and iTunes, all types of video clips and YouTube.

No matter what I do, there is no audio coming out of the rear green jack, even though the Realtek Audio Manager (when installed) senses when I plug in the speakers or the headphones, it says it is working properly in the Device Manager, and I even get a bouncy green line in the Windows Audio Mixer when I try to play audio through the jack.
In just about each situation (except when I physically disconnected the audio front panel header from the mobo) I could hear the audio with the headphone/computer speakers through the headphone (front panel) jack.

Both the mobo I have now, and the one that I returned did the exact same thing.

Can anyone address why it lists my rear green jack as an input device?
Thank you

 

[bankster55]

yeah, normally I dont get involved in "no audio" posts anymore - just a PITA, but you went thru 2 mobo, so I relented.

Your input instead of output seems to indicate connecting cable/speaker (impedence?) or loop issue
Are your speakers self powered? Wi-Fi?
Are you using 3.5MM STEREO mini plug to green port?
What are they, and how are they connected, exactly?
Try this:
Buy a mini plug to dual RCA stereo cable (Fry's) and hook non powered speakers (any speakers) to a stereo receiver wired L and R screwed post outputs, black mini plug to green port and RCA's to receiver line/DVD 1 inputs, then set reciever to Line in.
http://www.gizmodorks.com/Stereo-35-mm-Auxiliary-to-Dual-RCA-Cable-P163C131.aspx

Edit:
Fwiw heres the Z77 Southbridge Intel HD audio
If you didnt see it in the dev man audio controllers, then you should run the Intel chipset 9.3.XXXX driver Pak again and reboot

 

[tweakboy]

Guys a BIOS update and new drivers should take care of this problem. Dont yall think ? I mean thats a solid board this shouldnt happen. gl

 

[SuperPuppy]

Are your speakers self powered? Wi-Fi?

Yes they are

Are you using 3.5MM STEREO mini plug to green port?
What are they, and how are they connected, exactly?

Yes, I am using a cable with a 3.5MM STEREO mini plug on a cable with another 3.5MM STEREO mini plug on the other end. And yes, I have tried other similar cables to see if that one was bad.
My speakrs are Creative Speakers L3800

Try this:
Buy a mini plug to dual RCA stereo cable (Fry's) and hook non powered speakers (any speakers) to a stereo receiver wired L and R screwed post outputs, black mini plug to green port and RCA's to receiver line/DVD 1 inputs, then set reciever to Line in.
http://www.gizmodorks.com/Stereo-35-mm-Auxiliary-to-Dual-RCA-Cable-P163C131.aspx

I already have a similar cable.
I ran a long dual RCA line from the Y adapter all the way to my home theater receiver. I have a front RCA input so I plugged it ni there.
Surprise, nothing came out of the rear green jack (nor any of the other rear jacks) and I got audio from my computer out of my home theater speakers when I plugged the 3.5mm stereo plug into the headphone port of my PC

Edit:
Fwiw heres the Z77 Southbridge Intel HD audio
If you didnt see it in the dev man audio controllers, then you should run the Intel chipset 9.3.XXXX driver Pak again and reboot

I installed the chipset drivers several times on each board, I am not sure how to read the block diagram you posted.

 

[bankster55]

The Z77 "chipset" has only the CPU die and the Southbridge - no more Northbridge. One part of the Southbridge is the native INTEL HD sound channel - HD Audio, which shows as a generic HD Audio entry in dev manager/sound controllers. So during install Win 7 O/S loads generic MS sound drivers for the generic chipset sound controller, then you can have sound with drivers not yet loaded for realtek.
Heres a few screenies from new Win 7 install, absolutely no drivers/inf installed.
Note 2 HD Audio entries - one for RT one for Intel
The Intel gets a 2009 generic MS driver and the RT gets a 2010 MS generic driver
http://imgur.com/a/QeYbH#0

If you dont have that Intel entry, you should run (or re-run) the Intel chipset utility 9.3.0.1019, and reboot, to see if it picks it up.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1248928/...vers-bioses-overclocking-reviews-updated-1-14
Might as well install the latest Intel MEI also.
Are you running MS frame.net 3.5 or higher? (4.0 client)


This is why I hate "no sound" threads. this can go on forever and it will usually be something really stupid - like not getting the GREEN port (bottom middle of six). And Win 8 now adds a whole new dimension to things that can go wrong..

I new this would turn out bad, because you had same issue with 2 brand new mobo.

Tho rather improbable, I am having ugly thoughts that your Wi-Fi self powered speakers might even be frying the RT chip connectors on mobo for some reason. Which would mean a third mobo try, but with normal speakers.

Can you make me a screenshot of Dev Man, sound controllers opened to show entries
Can you try HDMI option for SPDIF Out in bios to see what happens
Do you have ASUS Wi-Fi controller enabled in bios onboard devices? Drivers loaded and showing in Dev Man?
Do your Wi-Fi speakers have their OWN control panel and sw/drivers?
I assume you are NOT using Intel native graphics - IGPU - correct?
In the RT contrl panel/connector settings, is the green port icon slightly brighter than rest? (alive)

And once again - you must be absolutely sure all connections/drivers are HD not AC97!!! Cant run both at the same time. The headphone port connector to mobo molex must be marked HD and everything in RT control panel must be tasked for HD.

 

[SuperPuppy]

Note 2 HD Audio entries - one for RT one for Intel
The Intel gets a 2009 generic MS driver and the RT gets a 2010 MS generic driver
http://imgur.com/a/QeYbH#0

There are supposed to be two Realtek entries in the DM?
I have never seen more than one on either board.
Note: I have already tried disabling the Bluetooth and disconnecting the Web Cam so the Realtek would be the only audio device with no luck

If you dont have that Intel entry, you should run (or re-run) the Intel chipset utility 9.3.0.1019, and reboot, to see if it picks it up.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1248928/...vers-bioses-overclocking-reviews-updated-1-14
Might as well install the latest Intel MEI also.
Are you running MS frame.net 3.5 or higher? (4.0 client)

I re-installed the INF Driver, Engine Driver, Engine firmware off of the above site. The link the the Realtek audio driver took me to a page where I couldn't find the driver mentioned in the link.
I am running .NET Framework 4.0

Tho rather improbable, I am having ugly thoughts that your Wi-Fi self powered speakers might even be frying the RT chip connectors on mobo for some reason. Which would mean a third mobo try, but with normal speakers.

My bad, I didn't see the WiFi part when you asked me about my speakers. Yes, they are powered, but they are wired speakers... no WiFI

Can you make me a screenshot of Dev Man, sound controllers opened to show entries

I see a High Definition Audio Controller in the System Devices in the DM.
The driver is MS 6.1.7601.17514

Can you try HDMI option for SPDIF Out in bios to see what happens

Nothing changed

Do you have ASUS Wi-Fi controller enabled in bios onboard devices? Drivers loaded and showing in Dev Man?

Yes

Do your Wi-Fi speakers have their OWN control panel and sw/drivers?

No

I assume you are NOT using Intel native graphics - IGPU - correct?

I am using my dual NVidia 8800 Ultra SLI from my old system

In the RT contrl panel/connector settings, is the green port icon slightly brighter than rest? (alive)

Yes

And once again - you must be absolutely sure all connections/drivers are HD not AC97!!! Cant run both at the same time. The headphone port connector to mobo molex must be marked HD and everything in RT control panel must be tasked for HD.

My old system is a 2007 HP/Voodoo Blackbird002 with an Asus Striker Extreme Mobo.
The mobo had a Supreme-FX Absolute HD Sound Card installed..
I am reusing the Blackbird 002 case and I am using the same connector that was attached to the sound card from the front panel on the Formula mobo. It has to be HD, right?

 

[bankster55]

um, no, there is only one RT entry under sound and video controllers
The other INTEL sound chip is embedded in the Z77 Southbridge - thats the chip under the big heatsink below the CPU
After install you start off with 2 HD entries - the Intel and the Realtek both showing as HD Audio with slightly dif MS drivers. When you install RT drivers it changes one entry to RT and the Intel stays the same - "HD Audio" - there are no Intel specific drivers for the Southbridge based HD audio.

And no, most cases have TWO audio plugs avail from single cable - one that says HD on it and one that says AC97 (Audio codec 1997) on it. You can just unplug it and look.

I do see something a bit disturbing in your connector screenshot. You have 5 horizontal audio ports showing and I have 6 vertical. Do you see 6 ports in full screen mode? You did a fresh install for your new mobo - correct? What O/S/vers are you using?

And please drag volume slider to all the way right (full)
Also note any speaker icon anywhere in Windows that is red means muted.

You are not using a soundcard now, correct?
Does your monitor have sound speakers?

I really think you should get ahold of an old junker spinner HDD and a trial vers of Win 8 Pro (which already has most drivers for your mobo) and try that as is.

Edit:
I just looked up the mobo on ASUS and it does indeed have only 5 audio ports and one digital. Because it utilizes a custom gaming amplified audio module - NO Realtek chip listed as audio device!!!
Right click/uninstall realtek entry in dev man, reboot and do not let Win 7 reinstall RT drivers. then install Supreme FX drivers (if on your mobo CD audio stuff) Or then install 9-26-2012 Realtek from Asus site (146MB) you linked to.
(I see your RT install screenshot shows 6-22-2012 drivers)
Dunno if they have separate drivers for SupremeFX or if they use latest RT. Note that your connector screenshot shows as Republic of Gamers Audio - not Realtek

Also note there is avail a mobo user manual, user manual (boot) update and a separate Thunder FX manual.

Not only do you have Supreme FX audio, but with certain versions of your mobo you also get ThunderFX (drivers on ASUS site) separate USB card

Edit: actually it IS a Realtek Chip under the cover. Supreme FX is marketing related.

 

[SuperPuppy]

And no, most cases have TWO audio plugs avail from single cable - one that says HD on it and one that says AC97 (Audio codec 1997) on it. You can just unplug it and look.

My case is the Blackbird 002 complete system I bought off the shelf, it wasn't designed to be reconfigured. Most of the headers that plug into the board are not labeled, including the HD/AC'97.
The connector is a pale yellow 10-1 connector that I unplugged from the Striker extreme audio card to the Formula mobo. there was an unused inline white 6? pin connector coming out of the side of the cable, I assume that was the AC'97 connector. I wouldn't be able to connect it anywhere on the board.

You did a fresh install for your new mobo - correct?

Yes, three times

What O/S/vers are you using?

Windows 7 Ultimate SP1

And please drag volume slider to all the way right (full)
Also note any speaker icon anywhere in Windows that is red means muted.

I know you are covering all the bases... but please...
and, I showed screen shots with the sliders up, mute off and the bouncy green line in the mixer in the OP
Also, my speakers are also plugged in the wall and to the speakers & Volume control to the Subwoofer. The power is turned on, volume up and not on mute.

You are not using a soundcard now, correct?

correct

Does your monitor have sound speakers?

Not my current one, but I have access to a monitor/TV that has all the inputs, HDMI, DVI, Audio in, and Audio RCA L/R

I really think you should get ahold of an old junker spinner HDD and a trial vers of Win 8 Pro (which already has most drivers for your mobo) and try that as is.

Good idea, I will try that.

Right click/uninstall realtek entry in dev man, reboot and do not let Win 7 reinstall RT drivers. then install Supreme FX drivers (if on your mobo CD audio stuff) Or then install 9-26-2012 Realtek from Asus site (146MB) you linked to.

That was a bit tricky to do because RT uninstall involves rebooting the system and then Windows wants to install their own drivers. I had to tweak the Local Policy Editor to make it stop. It took a couple of times for me to get it right, however, It did not fix the problem.

(I see your RT install screenshot shows 6-22-2012 drivers)
Dunno if they have separate drivers for SupremeFX or if they use latest RT. Note that your connector screenshot shows as Republic of Gamers Audio - not Realtek

There are no SupremeFX drivers on the Asus web site.
I compared the drivers on the ROG site and the ASUS site and they are exactly the same.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Maybe try a Linux live CD/USB and see if the sound works on that? I think you have to try and rule out hardware vs. Software problems at this point. And maybe try using the onboard video and also disabling as many hardware devices as possible to rule out a potential conflict.

 

[bankster55]

This is a whole new ballgame, since I only have experience with the 1155 mobo with Realtek ALC 89X audio chips. Apparently, the "SupremeFX" chip is indeed Realtek chip underneath with beefed up mobo components and Creative features sw.

So your answer will prob be found on the ROG forums
http://rog.asus.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?116-Maximus-Series-Motherboards

I did a quick search for SupremeFX and theres lots of things showing. It seems other ROG mobo came with X-Fi cards and such.

This is outside of my knowledgebase, so I am sure after you registered and ask a few questions, they will give good advice over there.
When you figure it out, come back and let us know the solution.

Good luck.

(FWIW changing drivers without Win 7 reinstall is easier in safe mode boot after uninstall of old)

Edit:
Need to know if you have the ThunderFX vers of the Max Formula??? Did it come with that card in box?

 

[SuperPuppy]

I just heard back from ASUS.
They confirmed that I received two faulty ASUS MAXIMUS V Formula Mobos with the exact same audio issue

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for contacting ASUS Technical Service.

Please contact with your retailer for further check. If it is due to motherboard faulty, your retailer would send your motherboard to us for RMA (Return Material Authorization) service.

Sorry for the trouble. Wish you a good day.

If you continue to experience issues in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Best Regards,
Cherry
ASUS Global Technical Support Center

---------- Original Message ----------
From :
Sent : 2013/2/17 1:02:49
To : "tsd@asus.com.tw"
Subject : <TSD> Motherboard MAXIMUS V FORMULA

[CASEID=WTM20130217090243742]

Apply date : 2/17/2013 1:02:43 AM(UTC Time)


[Product Information]
*Product Type : Motherboard
*Product Model : MAXIMUS V FORMULA
*Product S/N : Don't know
Place of Purchase : amazon.com
*Date of Purchase : 2013/01/16

[Motherboard Specification]
*Motherboard Revision : Don't Know
*Motherboard BIOS Revision : Maximus V Formula 1604

[VGA Card Specification]
*VGA Card Vendor : NVIDIA
*VGA Card Model : 8800 Ultra SLI x2
*VGA Card Chipset : NVIDIA
*VGA Card Driver : 310.90-desktop-win8-win7-winvista-64bit-english-whql

[CPU Specification]
*CPU Vendor : INTEL
*CPU Type : i7-3770
*CPU Speed : 3.40GHz

[Memory Specification]
*Memory Vendor : Corsiar
*Memory Model : Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800)
(CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10)
*Memory Capacity : 64

[HDD Specification]
HDD Vendor : SanDisk
HDD Model : Extreme SSD 120 GB SATA 6.0 Gb-s2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SDSSDX-120G-G25
HDD Specification : 120gigs

[Add-on Card Specificatio]
*Operating System : Windows 7 64bit

[Problem Description]
No audio from rear green output.
I can only get audio from headphone jack.
Realtek jack properties shows the green checked as a input, not an output.
This is the same exact issue I have encountered on the original purchase and a replacement board
Read this thread to see the troubleshooting I have done so far.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=34630830#post34630830

 

[bankster55]

No, actually ASUS did not confirm you had 2 faulty mobo.
You have totally misinterpreted what they said.
Thats their standard reply to anyone with a prob - "sorry about issues, RMA it".

Had you RMA'd both mobo to ASUS, they prob would have put them on test bench and refused RMA saying the boards work fine, or send you back a used board mailed in from someone else which also tested fine.

You never sent both boards back to them for evaluation (Indiana, Cal.), you sent the first back to Amazon, who will send you a new mobo even if the old one was set on fire with gasoline. Its after 30 days (or 45 with Amazon) when the you-know-what hits the fan, and you have to RMA to ASUS.

ASUS was forced to drop their long time manufacturer for mobo Pegatron (long story). So I have been watching to see if any QC probs appear since mobo made after Sep 2012 would be supplied by new vendors. But I have yet to see a mobo with a non Pegatron date yet.

Having said that, the fact your green volume indicators are bouncing up and down means the chip is putting out sound as far as Win 7 is concerned, just not reaching your speakers.
So I would try the mobo out of the case to make sure nothing is shorting. Also, using the factory heatsink, or CM 212 HSF can cause mobo traces issues.

You are beginning to ignore stuff now, like Win 8 basic clean install which you said was good idea, and live Linux install on some old junk HDD (Mint 14 cinammon) which the other poster birthdaymonkey kindly offered, or going to the ROG forum. You ignore, I lose interest quickly.

(You do not have to do a permanent install)
http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

You see, if I was sitting in front of your PC I could figure it out in 10 minutes, but long distance I have to dig out every last possibility, starting from scratch, since I have no idea what you have done so far. This, however, will fer sure be my last "no sound" thread - lol

 

[SuperPuppy]

Mr. bankster55

Thank you again for putting the time into providing valuable information with assisting me with my still current sound issue.
I will do my best to keep my cool while I compose this post.

FYI: I have a vast personal computer history dating back to 1977 when I owned a Compucolor II home computer.
Yes I owned a personal computer before you could buy an Apple II or TRS-80.
I self taught myself to program BASIC (since there wasn't much software for it) and minor repairs.

I also worked/managed the old Radio Shack Computer Centers back in the '80s and sold the very first TRS-100 which was one of the first 'notebook' computers.
I also worked at the old ComputerLand and had to configure IBM-PCs with memory, video cards & 6-Paks whenever I made a sale.
I also sold the very first Apple Mac in Southern California.

As you can see, this is my first thread in this computer forum, (I don't think I ever posted in any computer forum before) mainly because I have been darn good at figuring out my own (and my friends/family) problems as they occur.
Including hardware, software & malware.
My motto is, "Every minute I save by knowing computers, I have to spend 10 minutes helping everyone else out."

I'm not a computer enthusiast, so I only look at computer info when needed. I am not entirely up to date with the latest and greatest gaming and overclocking.
I have been fine with my HP/Voodoo Blackbird since 2007. I am not a Gamer, I just figured a gaming computer would give me the fastest, most powerful computer available.

I have upgraded just about every part of it over the years before deciding the replace the mobo a couple of weeks ago.
I have replace several mobos for friends over the years without an issue.

So....
1. I have no experience with ASUS customer support.... I have no idea that the email I received with a 'canned email they send to everyone.

2. ASUS did not tell me to RMA it to them, they told me to return it to the retailer (amazon.com) and they will RMA it. I was never told by ASUS to send it back for evaluation or even know that they do that.... I never had a problem with a mobo before.
Amazon already told me they will send me a 3rd board.

3. Before I posted for help, I took the first board out of the case and bread-boarded it to see if there was a short... and there was still no audio out of the rear port.
When I installed the 2nd board in the case it was the third time I installed a board in there... There is no short. (I know I did not mention that before, I was trying to keep my OP short)
I received the first board on Jan 16, and the second board on Feb 8.

I am using the same Asetek watercooled heatsink that came with the computer. (with a new retention ring for the different sized chip)
I have not tried another heat sink yet, but I might try it. Thank you for the suggestion.

4. I have not ignored your advice, I installed Windows 8 the very next day you suggested it. After the installation I installed all of the updates, I still had the same problem. it didn't change anything after I installed the ASUS drivers.
I still have the drive with installation if you have any more ideas.
I didn't post the results because I followed your next advice which was to check out the ASUS ROG Forums which somehow I missed when I was searching for a solution.
I thought at that point the thread was dead and I was only going to post the solution when I found it.
I thought this post on the ROG forum was going to do it, but again it did not help. (still, audio out of the headphone jack and nothing out of the rear jack)
I haven't posted there yet because I am still waiting for an Admin to confirm my registration. I even applied twice on two different emails.

5. I have never done anything with LINIX before and I was ready to spend the time to learn before I received the email causing me to think I have two boards with the same fault.
I was thinking there was a manufacturing issue.

As I mentioned in the OP, I searched though 100s of posts regarding ASUS audio problems before asking for assistance. I have taken a lot of pride being computer 'self sufficient' over the past 36 years' I found it quite difficult asking for help for the first time

I don't think you could fix my issue in 10 minutes, or even 10 hours, if you were here.
Especially after seeing how you so quickly jump to conclusions as you did with me.

EDIT:
I found the Serial Number; C7M0BX113775
So the board was manufactured July 2012, before they changed suppliers.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

The Linux live CD is really extremely simple.

1. Download unetbootin or LinuxLive USB creator or similar
2. Insert flash drive
3. Run downloaded program to create bootable flash drive, choose Ubuntu and Live CD
4. Reboot and boot from USB
(5. Computer boots into Linux)
6. See if sound works

I'd say the odds of you receiving two defective motherboards with the same (apparently rare) problem are slim, although I guess it's possible if Amazon isn't moving a lot of volume and has a bad batch of motherboards.

 

[SuperPuppy]

The Linux live CD is really extremely simple

Yes it was, thank you for your help.

I was able to boot LINUX from my USB flash drive, I went to the audio panel and clicked on the speaker test.

No sound when I plugged the speakers or my headphones into the rear green jack.
Left and right audio when I plugged the speakers and headphones into the front panel jack.

I'd say the odds of you receiving two defective motherboards with the same (apparently rare) problem are slim, although I guess it's possible if Amazon isn't moving a lot of volume and has a bad batch of motherboards.

I agree, that was why I resorted to asking for assistance when I normally can figure these things out on my own.
I received the 3rd Mobo from Amazon today, I would hate to open it up if there is something I am doing wrong. here.
Any more ideas?
Thanks again for your help