pls do I have 5.1 channel audio output?

[pdoyle]

hello, just purchased Acer AX3950-U3022, trying to determine if 5.1 channel audio is put out. It's a refurb from SenecaData; two requests in to seneca data tech support ; so far, they cannot tell me. Other than one HDMI output, the only audio output is what looks like standard green analog jack; one on rear, one on front panel; plus blue and pink on rear. front has a mic input jack.
This pc is replacement upgrade for original purchase Acer AX3910, which did have separate channel audio output jacks on back panel; 6 of them. i believe it also had s/pdif; and HDMI output. But imaging problem meant they had to repair all of this model, and they replaced original with upgraded ax3950, assuring me it had all features and more of original AX3910 i bought; and i specifically asked about 5.1 channel audio out, that tech support rep said yes it had it.
the AX3950 has upgrades; 6 GB ram instead of 4; i3-550 dual core processor instead of E5800; hyperthreading; but 3910 has HDCP support, 3950 doesn't list yes or no; both models have one pciexpress x1 and x16 slot.
Realtek HD Audio Manager on board; if 5.1 audio out is selected, it shows Analog outputs but hovering cursor over three rear jacks shows front speaker out, rear speaker out, center/subwoofer out. If stereo audio is selected, same three jacks just show standard settings of mic, line in, and audio out.
there is not product manual for either pc! just a 30 page setup manual.
please can you advise me what the AX3950 is capable of?
If i use HDMI output, can i also use the speaker jack without switching?
I suppose i could connect HDMI output to my HDTV, then HDTV optical output to my AV receiver, then i'll have 5.1 channel sound through the av receiver?
i'm confused.
I asked the second Seneca tech support if a sound card was necessary; he said he didn't think the slots would work for that; he promised to research and get back to me in a few days. But seems to me he should already know the answer to this.
thanks for any advice!
system info attached:huh:;

 

[brianzion]

hi and hello to the seven forums

just had a look at the pc specs AX3910-U4022 | Product Model and it states what you ask (see my snapshot)

 

[brianzion]

go to this link and you should get your manual (you may have to put your details in) >>> Download

 

[pdoyle]

thanks Brianzion;
sorry i wasn't clear, but yes, I was aware that pc the AX3910 does indeed have the 5.1 channel connections on the back panel; that's the model i originally ordered but it was defective. it has been replaced by the AX3950, which is the model i have all the questions about.
thanks also for the product manual link...that is the document i refer to in my post, it's only about 30 pages long and is useless. i was expecting a 200 page user manual, like my toshiba satellite came with years ago; it was useful.
I am assuming Acer has a more detailed manual than that download, but i am probably wrong.
thanks for your assistance; can you look into the model AX3950-U3022?
pdoyle

 

[stormy13]

Realtek HD Audio Manager on board; if 5.1 audio out is selected, it shows Analog outputs but hovering cursor over three rear jacks shows front speaker out, rear speaker out, center/subwoofer out.

Have you tried it set that way with the speakers plugged in accordingly? From the sounds of it with only having the 3 jacks that the Realtek driver/software auto-reassigns the jacks as needed depending on whether set to stereo or 5.1.

If i use HDMI output, can i also use the speaker jack without switching?

Should just be a matter of setting the speakers/Realtek as the default playback device.

I suppose i could connect HDMI output to my HDTV, then HDTV optical output to my AV receiver, then i'll have 5.1 channel sound through the av receiver?

Only if the HDMI supports 5.1 or the source is 5.1 to begin with, other than that it will only be stereo over HDMI and up to the receiver to upmix it to 5.1.

 

[brianzion]

thanks Brianzion;
sorry i wasn't clear, but yes, I was aware that pc the AX3910 does indeed have the 5.1 channel connections on the back panel; that's the model i originally ordered but it was defective. it has been replaced by the AX3950, which is the model i have all the questions about.
thanks also for the product manual link...that is the document i refer to in my post, it's only about 30 pages long and is useless. i was expecting a 200 page user manual, like my toshiba satellite came with years ago; it was useful.
I am assuming Acer has a more detailed manual than that download, but i am probably wrong.
thanks for your assistance; can you look into the model AX3950-U3022?
pdoyle

AX3950-U3022 | Product Model

 

[brianzion]

stormy is right i just looked at mine if you have the speakers to put in i would try.

 

[pdoyle]

User manual is lacking

yes brainzon; that is the download link to a 30 page general 'guideline' pamphlet which has only the most basic instructions. that's my complaint about this product; there is no user manual of any substance; like, e.g. "how to select which audio program to use'; it comes preloaded with realtek HD audio, and with a basic speakers program. but doesn't tell one how to use which one.
thanks
pdoyle

 

[brianzion]

yes brainzon; that is the download link to a 30 page general 'guideline' pamphlet which has only the most basic instructions. that's my complaint about this product; there is no user manual of any substance; like, e.g. "how to select which audio program to use'; it comes preloaded with realtek HD audio, and with a basic speakers program. but doesn't tell one how to use which one.
thanks
pdoyle

ah i see sorry i searched there site thats the best i can find at the moment

 

[pdoyle]

the video is useful...
i notice it displays a different screen, e.g. has a Digital hdmi output on left diagram of outputs...my realtek hd audio manager screen does not have that, though the pc has hdmi output...
might this indicate that maybe i need to download a new driver? so the diagram of outputs is accurate?
my version realtek hd audio mgr 6.0.1.6024
DirectX 11.0
audio codec ALC662

maybe i need to connect the HDMI cable in order for it to be displayed?

 

[brianzion]

View attachment 167823

View attachment 167793
this is my realtek version in the pic. yes maybe to connect the hdmi will help

 

[brianzion]

go to device manager and check for updates

 

[stormy13]

Realtek audio,

http://www.sevenforums.com/sound-audio/3756-latest-realtek-hd-audio-driver-version.html

 

[brianzion]

Realtek audio,

http://www.sevenforums.com/sound-audio/3756-latest-realtek-hd-audio-driver-version.html

thanks stormy did not realize there was updates hope this helps the op(just updated mine)

wow i have a equalizer !! in this update