Since the AMD HD Audio Device is purely a passthrough device (it doesn't do anything to the audio itself, it just passes it to something that can) it can also pass encoded audio channels such as Dolby Digital (AC3) and Digital Theater Sound (DTS). The AMD HD Audio Device can only pass digital audio through to another endpoint such as a receiver or TV. The realtek device is an audio endpoint in that it takes digital audio in a wave format and converts it into an analog waveform which drives your speaker. It is not any better than the Realtek device. When nothing is plugged into the HDMI/DP jack it will show up as 'Not Plugged In' in your Sound Playback panel. When they are installed it will show up as 'AMD HD Audio Device'. It is enabled so long as it's turned on in the system setup, the drivers are installed, Windows Audio Service is running, and something is plugged in.ĪMD HD Audio Device will show up as 'High Definition Audio Device' when the AMD HDMI/DP Drivers are not installed. RealTek is the onboard audio codec that's built into your motherboard.

Amd high definition audio drivers