Beefier XBMC/HTPC. Looking for advice on HDMI + S/PDIF

This is actually going to be my first HTPC build, but I'm actually quite familiar with building desktops.

I'm actually here because I have a pretty serious question that needs to be answered before I pull the trigger. Here is my build.

Diablotek 320W MicroATX PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817822009

G.SKILL 4GB DDR3 1333 Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231275

nMediaPC HTPC Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811204037

ASUS p8h67-M LGA 1155 Intel H67 Micro ATX MoBo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...813131711R

Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge 2.8GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819116507

Last thing is the Graphics cards. Here is my issue. I want to retain HD Audio (5.1) when streaming (HTPC --> AVR --> TV). This motherboard obviously has S/PDIF out, but my questions is how do most of you XBMCers get your audio from your HTPC to your AVR and/or TV? AFAIK most GFX cards don't inherently support 5.1 (or audio for that matter) through their HDMI output unless you have a jumper (which most low profile don't)

Does it make sense to run HDMI from graphics cards to AVR have it pass through the Video to the TV(HTPC->AVR->TV) and then have all the audio come via SPDIF (HTPC-->AVR)? Or is there a better way to do this? Does S/pdif even support 5.1?

That being said, I'm currently looking at Nvidia GT430 Fermi (low profile) for my card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...814121397R


I know this is a more powerful build than I usually see around here, but I will also be using it for some medium gaming, so I wanted it to be able to handle a little bit. Thanks for any help you can provide.

(2012-05-11 05:26)msds1502 Wrote:  Last thing is the Graphics cards. Here is my issue. I want to retain HD Audio (5.1) when streaming (HTPC --> AVR --> TV). This motherboard obviously has S/PDIF out, but my questions is how do most of you XBMCers get your audio from your HTPC to your AVR and/or TV? AFAIK most GFX cards don't inherently support 5.1 (or audio for that matter) through their HDMI output unless you have a jumper (which most low profile don't)

Does it make sense to run HDMI from graphics cards to AVR have it pass through the Video to the TV(HTPC->AVR->TV) and then have all the audio come via SPDIF (HTPC-->AVR)? Or is there a better way to do this? Does S/pdif even support 5.1?

Actually most new ones now don't need a jumper - GT 430 definitely does not.

HDMI, optical, and SPID/F all work fine. I tried all and went with optical, sicne HDMI cut out if my screen did anything like alt-tabbing. Audio quality was pretty mcuh the same for all. But I must strongly suggest you get yourself a separate audio card. I used a slightly better on-board Realtek for a bit and I foudn that even a cheaper audio card sounded much better. Then again, some AVRs do an awesome job handling audio signals.

PS i use a Yamaha rx-v667.