Using S/PDIF output on Z68 board

[genegold]

I wanted to experiment with using an optical audio connection to my DAC (using USB for power only). When I hooked a TOSLINK cable to the S/PDIF port of the Z68 board, it wasn't recognized. Opening the case, I see that header is empty, which I assume is the reason why. If so, where is the wire for that header supposed to come from? Looking at my Cooler Master Elite 335 manual, there doesn't appear to be one. Did it come with the mobo? Thanks,

[absic]

Re: Using S/PDIF output on Z68 board

You shouldn't need to connect any cables to the main board as the S/PDIF out on the back of the motherboard is built in.

Make sure that the Onboard Audio is enabled and that drivers are installed then check settings in the OS for Audio output.

[genegold]

Re: Using S/PDIF output on Z68 board

Thanks, that's what I thought. Since I don't have a sound card, there wouldn't be any sound now if the audio controller wasn't enabled, but I checked the BIOS just to be sure. Plus, the sys tray shows both the Windows and Realtek icons, and Sound in the CP shows the DAC as the current default. So the question is, why wouldn't any of those recognize a (good) Toslink cable, running from the mobo's optical link to the DAC? I assume it should have shown as a digital connection in at least one of the dialogue boxes (screenshot shows current set up with USB connection, bypassing Realtek).