Realtek AC97 Audio

kevrob1 · 06-10-2003, 11:01 AM

I think I know the answer to this question but I need reassurance. I go to windows update fairly often to check for updates obviously. The other day a VIA AC97 driver update comes up. That would be ok if I had a VIA chipset, but I don't. I'm running a MSI 845G-Max board with Realtek AC97 on-board audio. I use MSI's Live Update to keep the board happy. All is well. I don't think downloading and installing the VIA AC97 updates would be a good thing. Am I right, does Via make the chipset for Realtek? I thought that Realtek is a chipset maker in it's own right. At any rate, I feel that downloading the VIA drivers is a problem waiting to happen. Any input would be appreciated.

Peter M · 06-10-2003, 11:38 AM

You need to understand the concept.

Audio solutions always are two-piece. There is an engine that does the actual work of computing the digital audio stream, and there's a codec that does the digital-analog conversion and input/output multiplexing.

These two components are usually interconnected on an AC97 bus. Calling something an "AC97 sound" is just as meaningless as saying "AGP graphics". AC97 interconnect is used in everything from primitive brainless CPU driven chipset audio as in Intel's 8xx chipsets to top solutions like Creative Audigy and VIA Envy24.

Now, drivers. In Windows, your audio driver needs to cover both the engine and the codec.

So if you have a VIA chipset there (with an integrated VIA sound engine) then you'll need to install VIA's driver, which above all handles the VIA sound engine itself, but also for sure knows how to handle the Realtek codec you have there. Realtek have been releasing their own driver set too, your choice
In Linux, sound engine and codec drivers are separate entities anyhow. There you'd load an engine driver and a separate codec driver.

kevrob1 · 06-10-2003, 01:18 PM

Uhh Mr. Peter M, sir, I don't take offense at your reference to the "primitive brainless CPU driven chipset audio as in Intel's 8xx chipsets". However, my computer ran and hid at the thought that it's technology was anything but leading edge.

I immediately took it to no less a reputable site than PCpitstop where she was again affirmed a paragon of computing power and media versatility.

At any rate, thanks for the info.

kevrob1 · 06-11-2003, 01:59 PM

Well I took the plunge and installed the VIA AC97 drivers. No sound to be found. Fortunately XP Pro lets you roll back to your previous driver. It appears that VIA looks for a VIA engine/codec. You live you learn.

Peter M · 06-11-2003, 02:36 PM

Ummm ... now I said you need to look at whether you have a VIA chipset in there, didn't I? If it's Intel as you said, then of course don't install VIA sound engine drivers - install Intel's. This driver handles Intel sound engines only, and supports a certain range of codecs. Alternatively, you can install Realtek's driver which only supports Realtek codecs on a certain range of chipset audio engines (including Intel's).

(And yes, Intel's chipset sound engines leave practically all the work to the main CPU.)

NDD · 06-11-2003, 03:48 PM

Hope I don't interrupt

If this is your mobo, then you have the Realtek ALC650 codec.
In that case, this would be the place with newest drivers for it.

Thank you

kevrob1 · 06-12-2003, 01:55 AM

Well I thought when you said that: "which above all handles the VIA sound engine itself, but also for sure knows how to handle the Realtek codec you have there.", I'd give it a try. It was an experiment which caused no problems.

ryan05dp · 07-01-2003, 09:59 PM

Humm... I have an eMachines W2047 and I seem to have the same thing in Windows Update. That's add.

I have the same sound too. I think i'm gonna email Microsoft and see just exactly why that happens. I'm going to bookmark this to let you know what happens from billy.

--Ryan

kevrob1 · 07-02-2003, 11:00 AM

I guess since I can't "personalize" the update out of Windows Update, I have to live with it showing up everyday. I'd be interested in what MS has to say.