8600GTS SC SPDIF Header? HTPC? Hmmmm

I got evga NF77 mobo with the HDMI out. I tried to HDMI audio out but no luck, except for the optic out as 2 channel PCM. I read some of the XFX 8800GT cards i.e. non full body shroud have the header so that you could run a SPDIF wire out to it. My 8600GTS has two holes markedSPDIF in with the white alignment triangle. The nickle pins are missing.I called up EVGA the tech suggested I get a 9800GTX for it has the pins in. If I soldered or attached the wire it would void my warranty. (So much for modder friendly) . Even the latest drivers are useless since the onboard HD audio can not exist with the HDMI audio device simultaneously.They are so totally lost on how to set up even SD on an HDMI board. I wonder If anyone has successfully passed audio through a nvidia card or just chuck it and get a simple ATI 3650 family card with less grief.