P8Z77-V Deluxe - audio over HDMI?

My apologies if this has been asked (and answered) already, but does the P8Z77-V Deluxe offer audio over its onboard HDMI port? If so, what sort of audio is it? I'm thinking of replacing my current HTPC setup with this motherboard and whether or not it outputs audio over HDMI will factor into the decision.

If it doesn't, do any motherboard manufacturers offer audio over HDMI? Bitstreaming isn't necessary. Thanks in advance.

Yep, the onboard hdmi does do audio. I had to install the onboard sound drivers to get it to work though even though I use a xfi titanium. I haven't played around with the various sound formats it outputs yet though.

fleggett said:

My apologies if this has been asked (and answered) already, but does the P8Z77-V Deluxe offer audio over its onboard HDMI port? If so, what sort of audio is it? I'm thinking of replacing my current HTPC setup with this motherboard and whether or not it outputs audio over HDMI will factor into the decision.

If it doesn't, do any motherboard manufacturers offer audio over HDMI? Bitstreaming isn't necessary. Thanks in advance.

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The entire ASUS P8Z68 and P8Z77 series boards with HDMI ports all output audio over HDMI.

Excellent, thanks for the confirmation. Does anyone know if it's 2-channel or 5-channel? I'm assuming it doesn't bitstream.

Why would you use such an expensive motherboard for onboard video? Lucid Virtu?

I just want a fast, hopefully trouble-free, and as uncluttered a system as possible. If I can pair it with an HD 4000-capable processor, I shouldn't need a discrete video card, even for Blu-ray material. It also has its own dual Wi-Fi module, which would eliminate yet another card. And it should draw significantly less power than my current E6600 Norco 4220 rig.

I "just" need to replace the motherboard, CPU, and memory. It'll be about a $600 investment.

There are tons of other options besides throwing down 250+ on a mobo made for overclocking and discrete GPU. The P8Z77-M/LX has everything you would want besides wifi.

I'm using the pro version and have my surround sound receiver connected via HDMI to the IGP, audio works great.

I do fully agree with the previous poster about why such a high end board for such a simple task. Could have easily gotten away with spending half.

Regarding the excessive spending, perhaps, but be aware this is going in a Norco 4220 case, so I need as many onboard SATA ports as possible in addition to my two AOC-SASLP-MV8 cards. The P8Z77-M and -LX only have one PCIE x1 slot (I need two) and only six onboard SATA ports (I need eight). They also don't have their own onboard Wi-Fi. The P8Z77-LX also only has six SATA ports and no Wi-Fi.

The Deluxe version also employs the Realtek ALC898, whereas the others only have the ALC887 or ALC892.

Why wouldn't the Deluxe be worth it at "only" around $115 more when you consider it sports two additional SATA ports, it's own Wi-Fi solution, and the ALC892 sound chip? It also probably has a beefier power subsystem. Plus it's currently Asus' flagship motherboard, so it'll enjoy longer support and probably more BIOS updates.