In all versions of 9618 released till now, I am observing a crackling noise coming from speakers frequently like every 5 to 10 seconds. Same problem seen with m$ drivers 9605 just now. Such problem was not there in version 9599. So I am keeping with old version for now.
Still, like you said, they're NOT official drivers, not tested either by Asus or MS. Official links are from either the Microsoft website or Asus'. The links on that post go to Mega Upload files. Not saying they're dangerous or anything. I've used them myself, but had sound quality issues on some versions. It's also possible to mod a driver without losing its WHQL signature.
I will wait till I install a fresh OS again (10 or 11 ) and then test the latest version. Till then I keep 9599.
MarvelX7 thanks to your post, i now have custom 6.0.9618.1 drivers installed, & working just fine. My custom build: Code: 6.0.9618.1\Win64\ Realtek HDX.cat HDX.inf OEMIcon.ico RTAIODAT.DAT RTKVHD64.sys 6.0.9618.1\Win64\Realtek\ ExtRtk_8824 [From Realtek HD X-Fi 6.0.9356.1] RealtekAPO_12_1097 RealtekHSA_315 RealtekService_681 and RealtekAudioControl 149.318.0 Using setup.exe Application 4.91 to install custom driver.
Based on pal1000 method. Realtek HDA 6.0.9618.1 with Driver Version: 6.0.9356.1 + Digital Signer. Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher Spoiler: Dir Structure: Code: :\Realtek HDA 6.0.9618.1\ HDXRT.inf HDXRTU.CAT Realtek RealtekAudioControl RTAIODAT.DAT RTKVHD64.sys SETUP.exe.cmd :\Realtek HDA 6.0.9618.1\Realtek\ ExtRtk_8824 RealtekAPO_12_1097 RealtekHSA_315 RealtekService_681 :\Realtek HDA 6.0.9618.1\RealtekAudioControl\ install.cmd Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.32530.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.32530.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.BlockMap Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.32530.0_x86__8wekyb3d8bbwe.appx Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.32530.0_x86__8wekyb3d8bbwe.BlockMap RealtekSemiconductorCorp.RealtekAudioControl_1.49.318.0_neutral_~_dt26b99r8h8gj.AppxBundle RealtekSemiconductorCorp.RealtekAudioControl_1.49.318.0_neutral_~_dt26b99r8h8gj.BlockMap Spoiler: SETUP.exe.cmd Code: @echo off cd "%~dp0" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\ExtRtk_8824\HDX_GenericExt_RTK.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\RealtekAPO_12_1097\RealtekAPO.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\RealtekHSA_315\RealtekHSA.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\RealtekService_681\RealtekService.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\HDXRT.inf" call "%~dp0\RealtekAudioControl\install.cmd" shutdown /r Spoiler: install.cmd Code: cd "%~dp0" @powershell -NoLogo -Command "Add-AppxPackage -Path *.Appx" 2>nul @powershell -NoLogo -Command "Add-AppxPackage -Path *.AppxBundle" @powershell -NoLogo -Command "Add-AppxPackage -Path *.EAppxBundle" 2>nul @pause Credit: pal1000 UPDATE: MSI Realtek HDA 6.0.9618.1: In HDXMSI.inf HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0235&SUBSYS_xxxxxxxx Only SUBSYS is unsupported on my system. Spoiler: updated SETUP.exe.cmd Code: @echo off cd "%~dp0" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\ExtRtk_8824\HDX_GenericExt_RTK.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\RealtekAPO_12_1097\RealtekAPO.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\RealtekHSA_315\RealtekHSA.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\Realtek\RealtekService_681\RealtekService.inf" pnputil -i -a "%~dp0\HDXMSI.inf" cls cd "C:\Windows\System32" echo Follow instructions: echo. echo (1). Open - 'Sound, video and game controllers' echo. echo (2). Select - 'Realtek(R) Audio' + 'Update driver' + 'Browse my computer for drivers' echo. echo (3). Select - 'Let me pick from a list of avvailable drivers on my computer' + Uncheck - 'Show compatible hardware' echo. echo (4). Find - 'Realtek' + Select - 'Realtek High Definition Audio' + 'Next' + 'Yes' + 'Close' echo. echo (5). Close - 'Device Manager' devmgmt.msc echo. pause cls cd "%~dp0" call "%~dp0\RealtekAudioControl\install.cmd" shutdown /r Now i have Driver Version: 6.0.9618.1 + Digital Signer. Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Audio working just fine...
"It's also possible to mod a driver without losing its WHQL signature." => " first pryority digital signature test " regards