I'm a bit of a noob and just got my new rig. I have ga-ep35-ds3r and everything seems fine except both front and back audio not working, I have both ac97 and hhd plugs for front and have tried both into the f_audio slot on mobo but neither works. I have also tried using my speaking in the back which wont work as well, I installed the drivers with the utilies cd that came with the mobo, any ideas?

Did you check to make sure it was turned on in the Bios? Just checking.... Its in Integrated Peripherals, Azalea something like that cant remember exactly how its spelled. Set it to Auto

1. enabled in bios
2. HDA support in windows (xp by patch, vista is native)
3. (correct) Drivers installed
4. Correct output selected
5. Working sound device to test
6. Human ears able to accept and "hear" sound

i got the same exact board, make sure you have sound drivers installed - its Realtek HD Audio, you can also get the drivers from www.realtek.com.tw or www.gigabyte.com.tw etc

2. HDA Support in Windows XP needs a patch? Pls explain. I thought you can install in XP SP2 fine but if you install SP3 first, you have to go through a big ordeal. ???
Which BIOS (ver.) should I have (I have a DS3R, too, same board as OP).

Any other info to add?

Which driver ver. should I use? R.1.92 or R1.94? R1.94 is the latest? Gigabyte's site only lists R1.92.

I have an Audigy 2ZS sound card. Is the onboard HD Audio inferior or superior to the sound card I have? It's not in the system yet but I thought of adding it as I can always disable or enable onboard sound.

I need good sound for watching movies and I sometimes use headphones so I want to avoid any sound issues (crackling, hiss, any noise etc. etc.).

Is the HD Audio a better choice than the AC 97 sound? I mean, is it worth the hassle of installing?

Thanks for any answers and advice.

HD audio isnt supported without a patch that actually comes with Realtek's driver package anyhow

Download the LATEST driver aka R1.94, ignore the manufacturers always out of date driver set.

If you have the Audigy 2 ZS then disable the onboard HD audio in the bios and use that - waaayyyyyy better (only owners of any decent sound cards will agree here, those who have never tried one will strongly disagree haha)

HD means nothing really for sound - Its still onboard and sufferes the same limits etc (and you do not have anything AC97 in your system)

My on-board sound seems to be working fine... I got the drivers from Gigabyte's site and installed with 0 problems. All audio outs seem to be working fine, and my mic is picked up with no real issues.