How to identify sound card driver for your audio chip in your motherboard?

Identifying audio chip sometimes is really difficult if we do not have the knowledge where to look for such information. Somehow, others find it easy to install or identify sound card driver for their computer. So, How are we going to identify our audio chip for us to download or install driver for our sound card. 

There are ways to identify sound card or audio chip on our motherboard.

The method below is for desktop computers.

Method 1. Identify the motherboard first. 

From motherboard box.

By identifying the motherboard, we can also easily identify its audio chip or sound card. So, how are we going to identify our motherboard? A new motherboard has already the brand and model number on its box and it also comes with CD/DVD software installer for its driver. 

From motherboard labels (old desktop computers).

For old desktop computers usually we open the chassis or casing then we look for the motherboard label or brand. The motherboard model number always goes near the motherboard brand label. Most of the time you will find the model number in the center of the motherboard. Model number is really important because there are many types or kinds of motherboard in a brand. Also, there are some motherboard models that have one or two version on the same model. Please take note of the version, sometimes there are certain hardware components differences like in built-in video, built-in LAN or sound cards.

See illustration below. 

What we do with the information that we collected like the brand and its model number? 

In the google search box you type in like this "Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-S1 sound card driver" or "Gigabyte GA-F2A68HM-S1" then Google will give you search results. Better if you choose the result associated with Gigabyte Website, this is the best site to download its driver. Also, you can check what sound card or audio chip on your motherboard in the specifications section.

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Method 2. Identify the chip on the motherboard. 

If you stumble upon on a motherboard with no label you can always use this method of identifying the sound card or audio chip on your motherboard. 

This method may require you to use magnifying glass for better view of the chip or I.C. (Integrated Circuit).

How to locate motherboard sound or audio chip?

The chip usually located near the audio out, mic & audio in jack or near the Front Panel Audio Header.

See the illustration below.

Hope this will you help you find the right driver for your audio device.


Thank for reading this blog post!


Last modified: Oct. 14, 2019.