Tyler Wynn
HDMI cables are designed to transfer both audio and video signals. However, the success of audio transfer through an HDMI cable to a graphics card depends on the specific card. Modern NVIDIA cards, for example, have a built-in HD Audio-compliant sound adapter, while some older cards may only have partial audio support. To ensure audio functionality, it is important to install audio drivers for your GPU and verify that your GPU has an embedded audio encoder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do HDMI graphics cards carry sound? | Yes, HDMI cables and standards transfer both video and audio signals. |
| Does it depend on the graphics card? | Yes, it depends on the specific card. All modern cards from AMD or Nvidia support audio via HDMI, but some older cards only have partial support and require an S/PDIF connection to a header on the motherboard/sound card. |
| What about AMD cards? | Modern AMD cards can support audio with the appropriate settings and drivers. |
| What about Nvidia cards? | Modern Nvidia cards have an onboard HD Audio-compliant sound adapter built-in. |
| What about other cards? | It's best to contact the manufacturer or search for other users of the card model to determine if audio is supported. |
| Do I need to install audio drivers for my GPU? | Yes, along with the video drivers, you need to install audio drivers for your GPU and ensure your GPU has an embedded audio encoder. |
| How do I select the audio source? | In Windows, select the GPU's audio source as the default audio device. |
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What You'll Learn
HDMI cables transfer audio and video signals
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are renowned for their ability to streamline audiovisual setups by carrying both high-definition video and audio through a single cable. This makes HDMI highly efficient for modern entertainment systems, reducing cable clutter and simplifying connections between devices.
HDMI supports high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Dolby Atmos, delivering uncompressed, studio-quality sound. It also inherently syncs audio and video signals, ensuring no delays between what you see and hear, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of immersive experiences, especially in high-action media.
HDMI's ability to transmit both audio and video through a single cable simplifies home theatre setups and ensures synchronisation between audio and video outputs, enhancing the overall multimedia experience. This integration reduces the number of cables needed, making it convenient for connecting devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and computers to displays such as TVs and monitors.
While HDMI supports audio transmission, whether it works depends on the specific graphics card. Modern graphics cards from AMD or Nvidia generally support audio via HDMI. However, some older cards may only have partial support and require additional connections to the motherboard or sound card. It is recommended to check with the manufacturer or search for information from other users of the same card model.
Additionally, to enable sound transmission over HDMI, ensure that both the source device (e.g., computer, Blu-ray player) and the display (e.g., TV, monitor) support audio over HDMI. Verify the HDMI cable connections, check the device's volume, and ensure the correct audio output is selected on both the source and display devices. Adjust the audio settings on the source device to output sound via HDMI if necessary.
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HDMI audio works with a sound card or receiver
HDMI carries digital audio, so there is no processing on the computer or card itself other than sending the data. The conversion happens at the endpoint device, such as a TV, sound receiver, or speakers. This means that a sound card is not utilized when outputting audio via digital signals to an external device over HDMI.
When using a receiver, you can disconnect the sound card as all the graphics and sound information is carried through the HDMI cable. The receiver will then process the audio coming from the source.
If you are using a sound card, you may need to ensure that the audio devices are available and set as the system default or output for the application. Additionally, you may need to install the appropriate drivers for the sound card to function correctly, especially with certain operating systems like Windows 10.
In some cases, you may need to connect the optical output from the motherboard directly to the receiver to eliminate potential loss of sound quality.
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Modern Nvidia cards have onboard audio adaptors
HDMI ports on graphics cards can carry audio and video. However, this depends on the specific card and the age of the card. Modern Nvidia cards with a 400 series or higher have onboard HD audio-compliant sound adaptors. This means that they can process audio and video through ARC on AV receivers or soundbars for HDTVs.
Some older Nvidia cards only have partial audio support and require an S/PDIF connection to a header on the motherboard or sound card. In Windows, these older cards will not see the HDMI output as a sound output, so they will disable things like the volume control. However, on more modern PCs, even if the sound card is missing, the HDMI output will be recognised, and everything will work correctly.
To set up digital audio on an Nvidia GPU, go to the Control Panel, click on 'Appearance and Personalization', then click on the Nvidia Control Panel. Under 'Display', there is a setting called 'Set up digital audio'. Here, you can change the audio-capable displays that will appear as audio devices in the Windows Sound panel.
It is worth noting that there is no DAC on the graphics card itself. The monitor or another receiver at the other end of the HDMI cable has to convert the digital signal into sound. Therefore, the quality of the sound will depend on the DAC inside the monitor or receiver.
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AMD High Definition Audio Device is supported on Windows 1903
HDMI does carry audio, and modern graphics cards from AMD and Nvidia support audio via HDMI. However, it is important to note that some older cards may only have partial support and require an additional connection to the motherboard or sound card. The specific card's capabilities should be confirmed with the manufacturer.
Regarding the AMD High Definition Audio Device, it is supported on Windows 1903. This device is part of your video device driver software installation. If it is accidentally removed or uninstalled, it can be reinstalled by going to Start -> Settings -> Update & Security and checking for updates. If there are no available updates, the driver can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website and installed manually.
It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with certain audio drivers, such as Realtek, not appearing in the device manager even after installation. In such cases, it is recommended to check the Windows version, as certain drivers may only work with specific Windows versions. For example, Realtek drivers will only work if a Realtek audio card is installed.
To ensure optimal audio performance when using an AMD graphics card with HDMI audio output, it is important to have the appropriate settings and drivers installed. In some cases, you may need to set the AMD audio device as the system default or the output for a specific application.
Additionally, some users have suggested that, while HDMI carries digital audio, the conversion and processing happen at the receiving end, such as the TV or sound receiver. This means there is minimal processing on the computer or graphics card itself.
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GPU audio source must be selected as default
HDMI connections can carry sound, but whether or not they do depends on the specific card. Modern NVIDIA cards, for example, have onboard HD Audio-compliant sound adaptors built-in for this purpose. However, some older cards only have partial support and may require an S/PDIF connection to a header on the motherboard or sound card.
If you are experiencing issues with audio after installing a new GPU, it may be necessary to go into your BIOS settings and confirm that the preferred audio device is correct. You can also try disabling the 'onboard HDMI HD audio' in the BIOS. Additionally, you can change the default playback device in your operating system's sound settings. For example, in Windows, you can go to the Sound settings and select a different audio device or turn off audio for a specific display.
To ensure that audio is output through the GPU, the GPU audio source must be selected as the default. This can be done through the operating system's sound settings or, in some cases, through the BIOS settings. By setting the GPU audio source as the default, you are instructing the system to route audio through the HDMI connection on the GPU.
It is also important to check that your GPU has the appropriate drivers installed and that your software is configured correctly. For example, on Windows, audio out via HDMI may appear as a separate sound device, and you may need to select it as the default output device. Similarly, on Linux, you may need to ensure that the audio devices are available and set as the system default or the output for a specific application.
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Frequently asked questions
All HDMI cables and standards transfer both video and audio signals. However, whether it works depends on the specific card.
Along with the video drivers, install audio drivers for your GPU and make sure your GPU has an embedded audio encoder.
Modern Nvidia cards have an onboard HD Audio-compliant sound adapter built-in. AMD cards should also carry sound with the appropriate settings and drivers.
Some older cards only have partial support and require an S/PDIF connection to a header on the motherboard/sound card.
Go to Sound Settings and select the GPU's audio source as the default audio device.
