Do I have built in 5.1 Surround Sound?

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Hi, I recently purchased a motherboard that I installed in my rig. You can find it here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HGLX8J6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also purchased a pair of nice gaming headphones, which are the CM Storm Sirus with true 5.1 surround sound. Does my motherboard support 5.1 surround sound out of the box, or do I need a sound card? Any answers are appreciated. Thanks!

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

It has a flex Jack that should be stereo, rear and center. But I am not certain.

Audio

• Chipset integrated by Realtek® ALC887
- Flexible 8-channel audio with jack sensing
- Compliant with Azalia 1.0 Spec

Memhorder · Mar 19, 2014

Oh yeah you should be good. It has 8 channel audio and powered by Realtek http://www.msi.com/product/mb/A78ME35.html#/?div=Detail

Your good

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Alec Mowat :

Memhorder :

This means it's 5.1 surround sound? I'll take your word on it. Do I need to use analog audio or can I use USB to get the 5.1?

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

But it only has 3 jacks. So it can't possibly run 7.1, unless it's referring to audio on the HDMI cable.

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

Dragonuave :

USB devices generally use their own sound drivers.

This is only for the plugs on the back of the motherboard, the 3 mini jacks.

I think the 8 channel audio is output via the HDMI cable.

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Alec Mowat :

Dragonuave :

USB devices generally use their own sound drivers.

This is only for the plugs on the back of the motherboard, the 3 mini jacks.

I think the 8 channel audio is output via the HDMI cable.

Sorry, I'm stupid. So can I just plug my 3.5 mm jacks in my motherboard and call it a day, or do I need something special?

Memhorder · Mar 19, 2014

Ahh the audio jack will only give you virtual surround. The motherboard jack are generally for desktop speakers. So yeah Alec is right the headphones pack their own sound processing and are USB

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Alec Mowat :

Memhorder :

Well the Sirus comes with the option for usb or using 3 jacks, which I have on the back of my motherboard. I'm so confused, do I have the surround sound or not? And will usb generate simulated sound or the real deal?

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

Just use the USB. The onboard soundcard won't be as good.

The three jacks should change from inputs to outputs when you plug the speakers in, assuming you have the proper drivers and software installed for the motherboard. Once you install the soundcard drivers, it should tell you which ports are for which speakers, most likely green for front, next one down for read, and final one for center.

Memhorder · Mar 19, 2014

Dragonuave :

Alec Mowat :

Memhorder :

Well the Sirus comes with the option for usb or using 3 jacks, which I have on the back of my motherboard. I'm so confused, do I have the surround sound or not? And will usb generate simulated sound or the real deal?

Yeah you do. If you have desktop speakers plug those into the back of your computer with 1-3 jacks depending on the system. 7.1 would be the 8 channels your Motherboards manufacturer speaks of. Plug the head phones into the USB as it would be easier to unplug or plug in. Provided all the proper drivers and software are installed

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Memhorder :

Dragonuave :

Yeah you do. If you have desktop speakers plug those into the back of your computer with 1-3 jacks depending on the system. 7.1 would be the 8 channels your Motherboards manufacturer speaks of. Plug the head phones into the USB as it would be easier to unplug or plug in. Provided all the proper drivers and software are installed

Sorry, so you are saying that given the proper drivers are installed, the USB connection will provide the 5.1 surround sound instead of simulated sound?

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

The USB will provide 5.1 support regardless, it has it's own driver. There is no "Simulated sound". The USB is digital, the 3 plugs are analog. If anything, the USB driver would most likely sound better.

Memhorder · Mar 19, 2014

There is simulated surround. What do you think sound bars are? It's simulated because the jack is only a 2 channel.

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Memhorder :

Mother of a good god.... I'm so confused! Am I getting the full potential out of my headphone's surround sound using usb, or do I need to use the 3.5 mm jacks, OR does my motherboard not support it?

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

Dragonuave :

Short answer; The USB headset has it's own driver and it's completely unrelated to the soundcard.

Yingda Wang · Mar 19, 2014

The thing is.....
If u don't know if its 5.1 surround by listening to it, then it probably means you cant differentiate 5.1 surround sound.
If u cant differentiate 5.1 surround, then you probably not going to hear a difference.
If u cant hear a difference, why do u care?
95% of the population cant hear the difference between on board sound card and a 2k $ sound set.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/high-end-pc-audio,3733.html.
I am a music student, I dont use headphones unless I really have to since they would do more harm to the ear than the good.

Dragonuave · Mar 19, 2014

Alec Mowat :

Dragonuave :

Short answer; The USB headset has it's own driver and it's completely unrelated to the soundcard.

These drivers will give me the full experience? Thanks for being short and sweet o.o

Alec Mowat · Mar 19, 2014

Yes, but if they are only stereo, you'll only get stereo sound.

Do I have built in 5.1 Surround Sound?

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