Recommend me a sound card for Windows Server HTPC

[Xeth]

Hey guys,

I have an HTPC/fileserver combo running Windows Server 2012 R2 and it needs a new sound card. Lots of cards seem to have hit or miss Windows Server driver support so I'm wondering if anyone has a recommendation.

Must haves:

- Optical SPDIF out
- Dolby Digital Live encoding
- Work with Windows Server 2012 R2

Nice to have:

- External (USB interface)
- Cheap (<$50)
- DTS Connect encoding

Thanks!

 

[Schro]

Why is it that you need the Dolby/DTS encoding? The only place that will be useful would be if you're gaming on the machine and need those channels dumped out optical. If you're watching movies/tv/etc, the file will already be encoded and simply dumped out with the video stream without touching the sound card.

If the above is the case, then you'd likely be in the market for a video card that has an HDMI output and can send everything on that single cable ;-).

 

[The Lurker]

Pretty much what David said. What are you piping the sound card into?