Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

some guy reviewed v2.75 on May 22, 2014

just make the drivers leave the codecs to K-Lite

sweathog reviewed v2.70 on Aug 28, 2012

The latest and greatest isn't always better. 50Mb for an audio driver?? No thanks. I've been happy with v6.0.1.6013 from 2009. Less than 14Mb.

ShahinD reviewed v2.68 on Apr 3, 2012

@Fatbas****
what's it's bugg?

FatBastard reviewed v2.68 on Apr 3, 2012

Buggy

Uriel reviewed v2.67 on Dec 24, 2011

Thanks RWW. The download at Filehippo was a down to business direct link taking 30 seconds compared to the long 30 minutes download at Realtek's low bandwidth redirect link.

Input Overload reviewed v2.67 on Dec 18, 2011

If you really want to hear music properly buy a 'DAC Destroyer' plug it into your USB & use a decent amp & speakers & a half decent phono - phono interconnect, wipes the floor with any sound chip. No drivers required, you can disable all sound drivers in DM.

http://www.hotaudio.com/store/dac-destroyer.php

grum36 reviewed v2.67 on Dec 17, 2011

why i can't attrib a 0 because
they have the worst internet Bandwidth all over the world so ...

Uriel reviewed v2.65 on Sep 3, 2011

http://www.realtek.com.t...eID=3&GetDown=false

RWW reviewed v2.65 on Sep 2, 2011

Go to Filehippo to download these. You will be glad you did!

baki_princ reviewed v2.65 on Sep 2, 2011

how about u redirect ur stupid link to station-drivers? u try to dl it from ur own site!

holy1661 reviewed v2.63 on Jul 13, 2011

Hmm.

http://www.realtek.com.t...eID=3&GetDown=false

from:
http://www.realtek.com.t...nition%20Audio%20Codecs

thanks!

baki_princ reviewed v2.63 on Jul 12, 2011

ctrl-f 2.63 and find it. faster downlaod.
http://www.station-drive.../page/realtek_audio.htm

RWW reviewed v2.62 on Jun 19, 2011

Thank you Stylemessiah! This does really hack you off and Major Geeks is fast.
Five stars since Realtek (after all the hastle) does work for me but one star to Fileforum for creating the hastle.

Input Overload reviewed v2.61 on Jun 5, 2011

From past experience, if your sound works well leave well alone. Some of these updates seem to be Alpha's. Anyone got a barge pole?

The download seems to be based on some kind of maze system? I did give it a 2 but as I can't download it with a 50 Meg Bit line It's gone down to 1.

baki_princ reviewed v2.61 on Jun 3, 2011

it imsposible to download worste servers ever, and always problems in win 7 about microphone

zapatero reviewed v2.60 on May 6, 2011

It is almost impossible to download it. I had not experience so slow a download for years.

Dark_Diver reviewed v2.59 on Apr 19, 2011

How to save settings (EQ presets, et.c.) during upgade?

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.59 on Apr 8, 2011

R259 = version 6343

So far so good on Windows 7, no added damage on XP system, so it's doing ok. It is rather annoying to have to let it uninstall the old driver, reboot, rediscover, reboot and then finally end up with the driver installed but your EQ settings lost.

I've given up on custom EQ in this setup - I just have it set to the pre-specified POWERFUL selection and that does a pretty good job.

Under XP you could easily use a REG file to keep loading your custom setup, but it works differently on Win 7.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.58 on Mar 4, 2011

These seem to cause trouble on my Windows XP systems but help on my Windows 7 system. Mixed bag, as usual.

Given that Microsoft has pretty much ripped out the sound code and rewrote it all in software, and that multi-core systems are in place in many homes, onboard sound can give very, very good results compared to dedicated cards.

Given how inconsistent Creative drivers have been over the years, it's no wonder that most people are not upset about the change in the way sound is processed in Vista and Win 7 and the push for onboard sound has taken hold so substantially .

Regardless, I'm not that happy about the combined codec download and codebase. I wish that they would optimize code for each chipset on each platform. As it is, if they tweak stuff for Win 7, they sometimes goof up something in Windows XP, and that kinda sucks.

But it is what it is and it works ok for now I guess. I can always just leave the XP systems at the earlier versions.

NOTE:

R257 = version 6299
R258 = version 6316

4122 reviewed v2.57 on Jan 29, 2011

I'm sure everyone who has posted a review regarding Realtek audio chipsets is correct. You see, there's more to this issue than just black and white.

The first factor in the equation is the model chipset itself. The 889A is superior to the 883, for example.

The second factor is the implementation of the chipset on the motherboard you own. Every motherboard model implements the chipset differently & sometimes it is only slight differences. However, those differences can affect the sound quality in huge ways. Some motherboard models have vastly superior audio implementations than others.

The third and final factor is variances in production. You may have the bad luck to get either a chipset or a motherboard that is borderline when it comes to quality control.

Having said that, the Realtek 889A chipset on my particular Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R playing through my Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1 speakers is pretty gosh darn awesome so I give a 5-star rating.

I wish everyone shared my good luck, but sadly that's just not the way this particular aspect of computing works. Shortcomings in any of the factors above is going to result in a below-optimal, maybe even craptacular, experience.

Anyway, just because your Realtek chipset implementation sounds awesome doesn't automatically mean the next guy's is going to sound awesome, too.

ecvogel reviewed v2.57 on Jan 28, 2011

Realtek and VIA are the top 2 best on board sound and if you read up on stuff you will know that on board is just as good as a seperate audio card.

anomoly reviewed v2.57 on Jan 28, 2011

STFU dumba** cyber db. I've had a good sound card and good speakers before and I could gas what your mobo says. A real soundcard makes anything sound better. FU
Just as good? Just as good for the average user but not for someone who prefers asio output & more control as well with optionall rca jacks. If it had asio support I would change my mind but for professional audio, mobo's just don't cut the mustard. Try again. You guys need to understand how quality audio hardware works and it was invented long before your mobo and still sounded better back then. They have made mobos with tubes just for the audio. In fact the best stuff still uses tubes. If you cannot tell the difference between a live performance and the latest digital recording you're just plain clueless. Top notch audio eqpt is not a freebee that comes with pc mobo's. A high end audio card will cost as much as whatever price you may ever pay for an entire mobo. I wonder why that is? Hmm

CyberDoc999 reviewed v2.56 on Jan 6, 2011

tell us you have cheap speakers then tell us onboard is no good
what a Loser

onboard is great! and win 7 generic drivers are also great

Phat Esther reviewed v2.55 on Dec 5, 2010

missing download link

anomoly reviewed v2.55 on Dec 4, 2010

Not impressed with HD onboard audio at all. The cheapo speakers I have have a loudness button which to me sounds better than the software version this has. Nothing to complain about here except for the fact I haven't bought an asus xonar dg yet. Even with an average pair of speakers, a real audio card will put out a much cleaner sound than this will regardless of the mobo.
Easiest way to get the drivers is to go here
http://www.station-drivers.com/
Artem is so right. That's like saying that generic video drivers are better than the latest official ones.

Artem S. Tashkinov reviewed v2.55 on Dec 4, 2010

When morons think of Windows 7 they think of "generic" drivers, which are in fact old Realtek drivers.

baki_princ reviewed v2.54 on Nov 8, 2010

thjis is piece of crap. on every laptop i install it on win 7 sound volume become too low so its better with win 7 generic drivers. no to mention problems with microphone.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.53 on Oct 28, 2010

This new version, 253 (or v6215 in the DXDIAG screen) seems to work as well as 252 (v6194) did, but for some reason it seems like 240 (v6013) worked the best so far. I'll do more detailed testing and post back if I find anything of note.

It is frustrating that when you install a new version over an existing installation, it doesn't remember all of your EQ settings. I have to re-enter the custom EQ settings into the registry and then load those settings manually again each time I upgrade. I wish that wasn't necessary.

UPDATE: I've done some more detailed testing and am finding that any of the 2.5x series seem to be less stable than earlier releases on my particular system, which has a GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P motherboard. After all of the testing I've been doing and re-doing, it appears that version 2.40 gives me the most stable, consistent performance, so I'm sticking with that. I wonder what they did wrong in later versions?

CobraPL reviewed v2.53 on Oct 11, 2010

To download (which means avoiding infinite link loop) go through link from betanews. And then, on realtek website, click on "HD Audio Codec Driver" (right, bottom section of the page). You will be transfered toa new page, click "HD Audio Codec Driver" again, and then click on checkbox and button "NEXT".

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.51 on Aug 3, 2010

Things are working fine so far, again, thankfully.

Version 2.51 = v5.10.0000.6167 in the DXDIAG Sound Dialog

Good luck with it

Uriel reviewed v2.50 on Jul 10, 2010

LOL! Once upon a time when I was lost in the woods, I realized that after passing a certain familiar tree a few times I was only going in circles. Clicking on this link brought back some great memories! Thanks Realtek and fileforum.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.50 on Jul 10, 2010

Nothing seems to be broken in this one. In fact, it actually seems a bit more stable when playing some pretty old directsound games in XP.

Version 2.50 = v5.10.0000.6151 in the DXDIAG Sound Dialog

Don't forget that you may have better luck using the IE Engine on those Realtek sites than Firefox. I use the IE-TAB add-on in Firefox 3.0.19 and that does the trick.

x-ray reviewed v2.50 on Jul 9, 2010

There shold use filehippo so we also get an changelog

Racerbob reviewed v2.50 on Jul 9, 2010

Why can't this company set up a legitimate download link ? Trying to download this file is like being on a merry go round. Keeps on sending me back to the original page.

FatBastard reviewed v2.49 on Jun 13, 2010

Realtek makes high quality drivers but their downloadservers are the worst on the internet :(

covetking reviewed v2.49 on Jun 12, 2010

the last 2 updates I have tryed stuufed my Toshiba Qosmio X300 sound up....its a night mare with headphones and in bad company 2

heres the last one i tryed QX300-Realtek-Audio-6.0.1.5636-Vis64

apparently it registered as 5.2 when it should have been 5.1

the website is not working atm either to try newer ones

any ideas guys hit me up on xfire immensetie (no gaps)

help would be appreciated

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.48 on May 10, 2010

Solid performance consistent with the last version, and no new compatibility isues that I could discern. Good release it would seem.

Version number as shown in the DXDIAG Sound tab:

Version: 5.10.0.6101 (2.48)

Gus_Valentine reviewed v2.48 on May 5, 2010

Driver Package R2.48
Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec .
1. Vista/Windows 7 WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC892, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC270, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670, ALC275, ALC680
2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC892, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC270, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670, ALC275, ALC680
3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices
4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Windows Server 2003, Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows7 - x86/x64
5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.

x-ray reviewed v2.48 on May 5, 2010

can´t you share the changelog

Nischi reviewed v2.47 on Apr 13, 2010

Works great as usual. although why does it have to be so hard to find a change log ?

Thanks for the mirrors by the way, I've never liked Realtek's sluggish servers.

RWW reviewed v2.47 on Apr 12, 2010

I have written good things about Realtek drivers and I do like and use them but I'll let this one ride. Their download site is more trouble than it is worth.

Muskie reviewed v2.46 on Mar 30, 2010

What can happen in one month is that BFBC2 came out and its a known issue that on board realtek audio chipsets are causing the game to freeze/crash to desktop. I dont have a realtek chip but my onboard audio was causing the issues for me to. Switched to a sb live audigy and the probelm went away. For 3 days i played lag free then they patched the game and its crashing to desktop now. GRRRRRR

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.44 on Mar 16, 2010

New games, new patches, etc. means that updates are needed to keep things playing smooth. It seems like a reasonable schedule given the complexity of sound drivers in the crazy world of buggy apps, etc.

So far, so good for this latest release. Still have to change FireFox to use the IE engine for Realtek's page, but it works okay to download it after that.

x-ray reviewed v2.44 on Mar 16, 2010

changelog to see if it corretc probloms i have

cltx99 reviewed v2.44 on Mar 16, 2010

The download site is absolute crap! Not worth the bother to download as it's so freakin slow.

Artem S. Tashkinov reviewed v2.44 on Mar 15, 2010

2Fatbas****:

Different motherboards have different HDA codec configuration, so they need to release new drivers to support newer hardware. If you don't understand something, it doesn't mean that thing is useless.

4 for brain damaged download servers.

FatBastard reviewed v2.44 on Mar 15, 2010

I understand why ATI releases a new new graphics-driver every month but I don't understand why Realtek releases a audio-driver every month.

I don't really mind that they update their drivers that often, but I mean what can happen in just one month to motivate that?

And Realtek's download servers suck !!!

midfingr reviewed v2.44 on Mar 15, 2010

Major Geeks has mirrors for 2K/XP0/03 and Vista/7 -- http://www.majorgeeks.com/

Odd there's no change log files...

rvxtm reviewed v2.43 on Mar 3, 2010

I know that Realtek's download servers are slow so i put up a mirror for the latest Realtek Audio codecs with fast download speed. enjoy

High Definition audio / AC97
(Windows XP/Windows 7/Windows XP/Windows 200/Windows 98

http://rvxtm.com/realtek-mirror/

DaCash reviewed v2.43 on Feb 26, 2010

Once again, 2.43 is out and still no detailed changelog
Someone keeps deleting my mirror links.... they are virus free, whatever.
So you have to stickup with slow realtek site.

x-ray reviewed v2.43 on Feb 26, 2010

slow web site, no change log here or at there sit? is that show ppl what there get ? also no mirrors at there site

x-ray reviewed v2.42 on Feb 19, 2010

Down from 5 to 2 cos no changelog never, no where

statm1 reviewed v2.42 on Feb 16, 2010

@some guy: To my knowledge, this isn't trying to compete with Klite.. Someone correct my if Im wrong..

DaCash reviewed v2.41 on Feb 14, 2010

2.42 is out.
Download links:

7/vista: http://depositfiles.com/files/divzxl0ns
xp: http://depositfiles.com/files/4yfsk7f4t

Changes as usual:

Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
Add/Fix 1.) Driver : Customizations.

FatBastard reviewed v2.41 on Jan 23, 2010

Realtek make good drivers but Realtek's servers are VERY SLOW.

Too bad betanews can't host the drivers :(

nugro reviewed v2.41 on Jan 23, 2010

Learn to distinguish between a codec pack and a driver before you make a fool of yourself.

Work fine here, the equalizer added last revision was good.

Just wish they had a concrete change log.

some guy reviewed v2.41 on Jan 22, 2010

not bad but nothing beats K-lite

DaCash reviewed v2.40 on Jan 2, 2010

Awful support. I have been writing to Realtek since 2.32 about a bug on Windows XP 32 with SPDIF passthgrough issues. 2.30 still remains the latest version in which SPDIF digital out works flawlessly

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.40 on Jan 1, 2010

Seems a good, solid release.

As an alternative to that pesky IE-centric REALTEK page, you can go to GURU3D and get them. They repackage them but they work great and download fast.

http://downloads.guru3d....;-Media-Codecs_c30.html

Hope you find that useful. It'd be nice if Betanews hosted them though.

Here are the more recent DXDIAG version numbers and their corresponding R2.xx values:

Version: 5.10.0.6013 (2.40)
Version: 5.10.0.6000 (2.39)
Version: 5.10.0.5995 (2.38)
Version: 5.10.0.5983 (2.37)
Version: 5.10.0.5969 (2.36)
Version: 5.10.0.5953 (2.35)
Version: 5.10.0.5943 (2.34)
Version: 5.10.0.5936 (2.33)
Version: 5.10.0.5928 (2.32)
Version: 5.10.0.5919 (2.31)
Version: 5.10.0.5911 (2.30)
Version: 5.10.0.5898 (2.29)
Version: 5.10.0.5888 (2.28)

thebig429 reviewed v2.40 on Jan 1, 2010

There is now an equalizer that you can adjust to your liking for Vista!
(Sound effects tab, equlizer. the button to the right of the reset button)

mdmower reviewed v2.40 on Jan 1, 2010

GadgetPig, not everyone browsing is a male, and your download instructions are a bit more complicated than need be.

If having issues with downloads, go directly to: http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/

As for the drivers, each incremental release over the 6 months has made no noticeable changes for me, but frankly that's fine since everything is currently working as expected. I give 5 stars for the team at RealTek continuing to support their products.

GadgetPig reviewed v2.40 on Jan 1, 2010

(updated)

Everyone,

If you're getting "object moved here" when you download "directly from within betanews", it's caused by an issue or setting (yet to be determined) with firefox @ default settings and Realtek's website.

as was suggested by mdmower, simply type/copy/paste the direct link:

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/
(thank you mdmower)

To fix the Realtek driver download "object moved here" issue (when you're clicking on the Betanews realtek download button) use ietab:

http://ietab.mozdev.org/
or
http://coralietab.mozdev.org/

davidtb reviewed v2.40 on Dec 31, 2009

Major Geek hosts the files.

johngalt reviewed v2.40 on Dec 31, 2009

At Sammo - you shouldn't blame BetaNews for this - this happens even when I have visited the site on my own looking for the codecs in Firefox. It's a RealTek issue, not a Betanews issue in this case.

These *DRIVERS* work well in Windows 7 64bit as well as Windows 7 32bit.

some guy reviewed v2.40 on Dec 31, 2009

nor bad but will stick with the k-lite

Sammo reviewed v2.40 on Dec 31, 2009

When is Betanews going to get this right.

"Object moved to here." and an endless loop - never able to actually download the file. Crap!!

x-ray reviewed v2.40 on Dec 31, 2009

whats the changelog, sincs no changelog we cant download if it corrects any bugs we have

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.38 on Dec 10, 2009

To download the software at the link provided below in ARTEM's post:

[http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3 link]

I must use the Internet Explorer browser rendering engine and then it will work. I have no luck with Firefox in it's native rendering engine.

I still find my best luck on XP 32 Bit with SP3 to be with earlier versions. These updates for Vista / Win 7 do not seem to benefit the XP in any way I can find, nor do they seem to function quite as "normal"

Something feels off but I can't yet place it. If I do I will update later.

Artem S. Tashkinov reviewed v2.38 on Dec 8, 2009

Please, use this [http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3 link] to download the drivers. The link given by Betanews will never allow you to download drivers.

Gus_Valentine reviewed v2.38 on Dec 8, 2009

Driver Package R2.38
Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec .
1. Vista/Windows 7 WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC892, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC270, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670, ALC275
2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC892, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC270, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887,ALC670, ALC275
3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices
4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Windows Server 2003, Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows7 - x86/x64
5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.
2. Support graphic EQ feature.

RWW reviewed v2.37 on Nov 22, 2009

I have a fairly expensive Creative setup on my main computer and Realtek on my second one. Having always been a Creative nut I have to say Realtek works just as good for me. Never thought I would say that!!

moog reviewed v2.37 on Nov 22, 2009

"Why on earth do Realtek update their drivers so damn often "
stupid thing to say.
u should buy creative hardware with their bad drivers and slow upadate

Artem S. Tashkinov reviewed v2.37 on Nov 22, 2009

Their website is ugly. I can download drivers only from mirrors.

Phat Esther reviewed v2.37 on Nov 21, 2009

please repair the link comment from DOWNLOAD NOW to DOWNLOAD NOWHERE

FatBastard reviewed v2.37 on Nov 20, 2009

Why on earth do Realtek update their drivers so damn often ?

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.36 on Nov 10, 2009

Version 236 (5969) seems to work as well as 234 (5943) and 235 (5953) on my system. No errors, no crashes, no slow-downs - at least so far.

It is annoying that installing a newer version over older versions still appears to force a reset of EQ settings. Thankfully, I backed up the registry entries for those EQ settings before installation of the newer driver and all I had to do was double-click on that dot REG file to load them into the registry, replacing those default settings.

Still, it seems like this is the 3rd entry in a row to show no downside that I can find. So, 4 stars it is.

FatBastard reviewed v2.36 on Nov 2, 2009

Realtek makes good drivers but howe come they or update so often? I mean how much can change in an audiodriver???

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.35 on Oct 12, 2009

234 was a more stable product, and 235 seems to be so as well. But still, neither version should cause a total RESET of the EQ settings after installation over an existing configuration.

235 appears to be v5953 according to DXDIAG on my rig. Wish they would just stick to one or the other (2xx or 5xxx)

Overall, good but could be better. I'd give it a 3.5 if that was an option, but it's closer to 4 than not, so 4 it is.

mjm01010101 reviewed v2.33 on Sep 15, 2009

I've found the best way to get these is to wait a day after they update them. By then the traffic has died down a tad and you can pull them in under 5 minutes...

stranded reviewed v2.31 on Aug 25, 2009

2.31 Changelog:
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.
2. Fix DTM KS position testing fail issue when turn on Microphone effect under Win7.
2.) Package
1. Reboot message in log file. ( WILL_REBOOT )
2. Copy all of AP files to system.

Good drivers, bad hosting.

You can always find the latest drivers on:
http://bbs.betabbs.com/i...mp;st=120&start=120

michaelkenward reviewed v2.30 on Aug 13, 2009

The quickest way to get the files is to follow the link to the Realtek site.

When you get there, ignore the invitation to download the file

Instead hit the "Downloads" tab at the top.

With luck the one you want will be listed. Then you can go through the previous process and arrive at a table that lets you choose what you want.

Then you just have to jump through a few more hoops.

It worked here.

sjc1963 reviewed v2.30 on Aug 13, 2009

Looks like we have a spammer on our hands. Is there any way to report this nonsense?

@michaelkenward

I already mentioned this below, but it seems to have gotten deleted.

rotjong reviewed v2.29 on Jul 25, 2009

Great drivers. For people running ATI Radeon HD 4xxx cards I recommend using these drivers instead of the ones that are part of the Catalyst driver package. As others have noted it is infuriating trying to get the drivers from the Realtek website. I advise people to visit MajorGeeks.com. They always have the download mirrored with good download speeds.

Dreimanis reviewed v2.29 on Jul 25, 2009

5 stars for software, but I'm giving 1 for the horrible download location.

SteveJohnSteele reviewed v2.28 on Jul 11, 2009

The main problem is not with the software but with just getting that software ... the website just goes around in circles ... does anyone have a solution ?

PLEASE BETA NEWS - HOST THIS FILE YOURSELVES
... so we dont have to navigate Realtek's website

Also after doing the install correctly and all works, sometimes the driver simply vanishes from my system and all that shows are the Microsoft HD drivers.

1 for the website
4 for the software - needs work

coover reviewed v2.28 on Jul 10, 2009

I've just installed v. "2.28" on my Vista Laptop. The actual version number is 6.0.1.5888. I assume the XP version number would be 5.0.1.5888.

Since I do not have access to a "change log", I do not know what changes from 2.27 were actually made, but I can notice no difference in the software, or in performance from previous versions.

However, I have noticed that the installation procedure for the Realtek driver is different from any other driver or application. In order to properly update this driver, you must click on the executable file, and follow the directions offered. I'm not sure what actually is done, but one of the things that happens is that the previous version of the driver is removed. Everything is fine up to that point. A reboot is then required. That is OK. When the machine boots up, the user then must click again on the executable in order to finish the installation. Follow directions and then reboot (again). The executable is run twice. You must reboot twice. This is very unusual. I've never seen it elsewhere, and I wonder how many folks try to install this driver and fail because they don't read or comprehend the instructions. I suggest that Realtek completely rewrite their installer to make installation easier. Rebooting twice should not be necessary. Executing the file twice should not be necessary. Realtek must change this.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.27 on Jun 25, 2009

ADDITION - WDM Driver Version and Windows DXDIAG listing:

Version: 5.10.0.5874 (2.27)
Version: 5.10.0.5864 (2.26)
Version: 5.10.0.5859 (2.25)
Version: 5.10.0.5854 (2.24)
Version: 5.10.0.5845 (2.23)
Version: 5.10.0.5832 (2.22)
Version: 5.10.0.5821 (2.21)
Version: 5.10.0.5817 (2.20)

That's just for anyone who might need it.

ORIGINAL POST:

Man. They really need to get a handle on this quality control.

I'll outline the multiple version experience in the hopes that it may be help to others who might have the same types of issues.

First - The 221 driver set seems to be the most stable for me on a Windows XP Pro SP2 and/or SP3 platform configuration. If I revert back to that version or use that version in a fresh install (I use Norton Ghost to backup and restore disk images when testing) things seem to work as expected as far as I can tell. But 224, 225, 226, 227 all seem to have issues that are discernable. So I'm using 221 as a base of reference when outlining the problems encountered in later releases.

After installing the Realtek driver, the Realtek Control Panel (RTHDCPL.EXE) is loaded into the Startup group that you can see when executing MSCONFIG from the Run menu / dialog.

With 221, the control panel icon appears in the system tray and seems to function properly. I can either double-click on that icon or right-click over that icon and choose "Sound Manager" to bring up the actual cyan / aqua colored control panel interface. The 5 icons on the "dial" to the right of the EQ bars all respond to mouse input and seem to work as expected. I can define, load, save and delete custom EQ settings as well as enable disable the EQ effect itself. So naturally, this functionality is what I expect from the driver. However, later versions are showing glitches that affect all or part of the functionality available in 221.

In no particular order:

- The Realtek Control Panel loads but does not display the system tray Icon
- The system tray icon shows, but the CP application cannot be executed from it
- If the CP does appear, loading, saving and deleting custom EQ settings fails

Via a search, I found that if you go into the Windows Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel) and execute the "Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager", the Realtek panel may load up. If it does, you should be able to click on the small "i" icon in the lower-left corner to bring up the Information window. In the lower-left area of that dialog you can toggle the status of the system tray icon.

Via another search, I found that you can manually alter the registry to allow your custom EQ settings to be loaded as the default. That can be a long process, requiring to you find the "[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Realtek\EQ]" registry entry and doing some manual tweaking to eliminate corrupt entries. It's a hassle.

If you have a working EQ setup, you may want to open up that path in Regedit and create a backup by exporting existing EQ values.

That's what I have been able to figure out so far. Hope it helps some of you when trying to deal with the parade of releases that Realtek has made lately.

ZenWarrior reviewed v2.27 on Jun 24, 2009

Definitely something in the last version which crashes my system. However, the weekly updates are a real hassle. Maybe time to start avoiding Realtek on any computers I now purchase.

CobraPL reviewed v2.27 on Jun 23, 2009

Mirror of 2.27 for W2K/2003/XP:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FUCUNOWF

mjm01010101 reviewed v2.27 on Jun 23, 2009

I wonder if Realtek realizes that people sit there and try ALL their FTP/HTTP sites to determine which one is the fastest, thereby negating the advantage of having more than one option for where to download? Surely this causes them more traffic overhead than simply having the server decide the best download location?

One also must question how crappy the driver code must be to release weekly versions. There is that much more potential for coding errors.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.26 on Jun 23, 2009

Version 2.26 (v5864) seems to fix at least some of the 2.25 issues. But I just noticed that 2.27 is out, so perhaps they found a show-stopper and issued a quick fix.

Frequent updates are ok as long as they fix things, but I wish they would do more thorough testing before they released a new version. Fast and sloppy doesn't win over doing it right the first time. I hope they do better in the near future.

mjm01010101 reviewed v2.26 on Jun 8, 2009

We had issues with these drivers for the past few months under XP SP3. Had to roll back. Vista's seem ok.

As for downloading, try this link:
http://www.realtek.com/downloads/

sn0wflake reviewed v2.26 on Jun 8, 2009

Provided link loops indefinitely with a "Object moved" link. The driver probably doesn't work either as I've experienced problems with all version after 2.00 where my S/PDIF 5.1 speakers work like they should. Installing any higher version results in my speakers are forced to stereo, and there's no way to change it back to 5.1 speakers :P

SteveJohnSteele reviewed v2.25 on Jun 3, 2009

my ONE STAR is not for the software but for the website

the link > takes you to realtek.com.tw and then onto a list of download ...
and then one of the following
Firefox = 550 Cannot change directory
Chrome = "Realtek download ... dont support Google Chrome ... use IE 6"
IE 8 = links 1,2,3 dont work ... express also dont work but gives ftp details

eventually I downloaded using FileZilla (FTP client)

Please BetaNews check how easy it is to download on external sites and please host downloads on your own servers, the ones that work :-)

Prospero424 reviewed v2.25 on Jun 2, 2009

So far I'm having no problems with 2.25 (or is it 2.55?) under Windows 7 64-bit. Those listing problems and/or inconsistencies really need to state, at the very least, their OS version.

Also, the install routine seems unchanged for me. Run the installer -> uninstalls old drivers and software -> reboot -> run installer again -> installs software and drivers -> reboot again

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.25 on May 28, 2009

I am having trouble with an install and subsequent instabilities of 225. I restored my 221 ghost image and everything worked fine.

As a result, I'm not going to be able to rate 225 as even being functional.

One link that may be helpful. Realtek will release items as R221, R224, R225, etc. but when you look for the driver version in Windows XP, it uses a completely different driver version numbering system.

The address below shows the long-form version number and the corresponding Rxxx short form number.

http://www.realtek.cz/re...tek=ALC883&system=1

coover reviewed v2.25 on May 28, 2009

This package was full of surprises.

The first was the driver version which is (evidently) 2.55 rather than 2.25.

The 2nd surprise came during installation. Every driver up to and including 2.24 required that the .exe be run, the computer rebooted, and the .exe be run a second time, and the computer be rebooted a second time. Evidently the RealTek programmers got their "stuff" together and figured out how to install a new version without the 2nd execution and the 2nd boot. Way to go, RealTek.

And the 3rd surprise was the application GUI, which really was changed, not necessarily for the better, but certainly not for the worse.

Whether or not sound quality was improved is a question I shall leave to the Audio experts. But, at least, there is considerable improvement in the installation process.

mjm01010101 reviewed v2.25 on May 28, 2009

nevermind.

lang999 reviewed v2.25 on May 28, 2009

Dont use that crap get a job and buy an x-fi.
Diffrence yes man.'

Gus_Valentine reviewed v2.25 on May 28, 2009

Driver Package R2.25
Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec .
1. Vista/Windows 7 WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices
4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Windows Server 2003, Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows7 - x86/x64
5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.
2. Windows 7 WHQL Driver.

cltx99 reviewed v2.24 on May 20, 2009

I installed it and realized a marked improvement in sound quality.

_Shorty-dammit reviewed v2.22 on Apr 21, 2009

If you look at the changelogs, most of the recent "changes" have simply been listed as "customizations", whatever that means. I don't think they're actually making any functional fixes.

Prospero424 reviewed v2.20 on Mar 31, 2009

Wow, they're really pumping these drivers out. A version a week, almost!

Regardless of bugs that might pop up, it's good to see a "budget" hardware company put this kind of effort into their supporting software. Far too many (cough, Creative, cough) just seem to fix things when they feel like getting around to it, if ever.

enmaai507 reviewed v2.20 on Mar 30, 2009

corrupted download? I don't have a problem... using since version 2.0x

Jerrymiah reviewed v2.20 on Mar 30, 2009

I attempted twice to install Version 2.20 and on both occasion my sound system stopped working and the Realtek HD icon disappeared from the task bar and the Control Panel. I then reverted to the previous version and had no problems at all.

enmaai507 reviewed v2.19 on Mar 28, 2009

version 2.20 is out

Gus_Valentine reviewed v2.19 on Mar 19, 2009

Driver Package R2.19
Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec in Vista/WinXP/Win2000/Win2003 .
1. Vista WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices
4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Vista, Windows7 x86/x64
5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.
2.) Package :
1. Fix upgraded warning dialog for Small VGA mode .
2. Add failed run installation by count .

enmaai507 reviewed v2.18 on Mar 17, 2009

Version 2.19 is out.

sn0wflake reviewed v2.18 on Mar 10, 2009

This version thrashed my surround sound. I have a Pioneer DCS-580 connected by S/PDIF. After installing this I noticed that the Realtek HD Audio Manager had dissapered from the Control Panel. In the Sound options I could only select stereo. Installing my old driver, version 2.00, fixed it all and now I have 5.1 DTS again.

CobraPL reviewed v2.18 on Mar 10, 2009

Here is a megaupload mirror of "Realtek HD Audio Codec Driver v 2.18" for WinXP

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XFZZ0G5C

I had to zip the file, because someone uploaded (on megaupload) a file "WDM_R218.exe" which is 1.09 version of driver (from year 2004).

Gus_Valentine reviewed v2.18 on Mar 10, 2009

Driver Package R2.18
Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec in Vista/WinXP/Win2000/Win2003 .
1. Vista WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VC, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices
4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Vista, Windows7 x86/x64
5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.
2.) Package :
1. Support driver folder of Windows Server 2008 in package .
2. Disable Status Dialog when small VGA Mode enabled .
3. Fix CreativeUp folder disappear issue .

roymccoy reviewed v2.17 on Feb 26, 2009

Realtek doesn't say what's updated here in the 2.17, and strangely they don't even have a changelog on their website.

When the download are finished sometime next week (speed: 10Kb!!!) I might find some answers in there!

EDIT: OK, I see the changelog posted below. It is not saying me much, though... Why can't they write so people easily can see the changes/ news!?

mjm01010101 reviewed v2.16 on Feb 19, 2009

ALCMTR.exe is not spyware, it is a process that determines what is plugged into your sound card (analog/digital/etc.)

CobraPL reviewed v2.15 on Feb 10, 2009

Generally very good, but:

1. Run: START/Run.../msconfig and startup menu. Disable startup of ALCMTR.exe which is considered spyware.

2. Mirrors are SLOW, really! Grab WDM_R215.exe from there:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PHRHOJYQ

MD5: c3ef7b1570f91fd3615cedbd20f5114a
CRC32: 017FD6B1

3. Sometimes, after updating and rebooting my mic refused to work. Just unplug and plug it again.

Adrian79 reviewed v2.13 on Jan 2, 2009

this is just for onboard video drivers, mobo update

saphirex reviewed v2.13 on Dec 31, 2008

Here's your change log as usual nothing really mentioned.....except the usual "Driver Customizations"
--------
Driver Package R2.13
Realtek HD Audio Driver support all of Realtek HD Audio Codec in Vista/WinXP/Win2000/Win2003 .
1. Vista WHQL Supporting: ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663,
ALC665, ALC260, ALC262,ALC267, ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
2. Windows 2000/XP WHQL Supporting: ALC880, ALC882, ALC883, ALC885, ALC888, ALC889, ALC861VC,
ALC861VD, ALC660, ALC662, ALC663, ALC665, ALC260, ALC262, ALC267,ALC268, ALC269, ALC272, ALC273, ALC887
3. HDMI Device WHQL Support: ATI HDMI Devices
4. OS Supporting: Microsoft WindowsXP, Widnows2000, Vista x86/x64
5. Pack with Microsoft High Definition Audio UAAV1.0a(5013)
6. Add/Fix
1.) Driver :
1. Customizations.

keiichi999 reviewed v2.13 on Dec 31, 2008

On official website, the readme.pdf file to download contains the changelog.

twirt99 reviewed v2.13 on Dec 31, 2008

Works. Does anyone know where to find a change log file?