By default Linux Kernel/ALSA does not support this chipset correctly. It swaps the rear speakers, the side speakers and the LFE/center speakers as well. In other words, only the front speakers works right. Using the "automated" realtek official driver installation leaves you to a no-sound and no hardware sound support. So, how to install the correctly and working drivers: 1. Visit "http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsCheck.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false" and download the lastest Unix/Linux driver. In this example, 2. Open terminal. 3. Type: "sudo su" and enter root password. 4. Change to the folder where you downloaded the driver (ie: "cd ~/Downloads") 4. Type: "tar -xjf LinuxPkg_XXX.tar.bz2" , where XXX is the version of your downloaded driver (as sown in filename, example: "tar -xjf LinuxPkg_5.17rc13.tar.bz2"). 5. Type: "cd realtek-linux-audiopack-YYY" , where YYY is the version of your downloaded driver (as shown if folder name, example: "cd realtek-linux-audiopack-5.17"). 6. Type "tar -xjf alsa-driver-ZZZ.tar.bz2" , where ZZZ is the version corresponding to the filename (example: "tar -xjf alsa-driver-1.0.25-5.17rc13.tar.bz2"). 7. Type "cd alsa-driver-WWW" , where WWW is the version corresponding to the folder name (example: "cd alsa-driver-1.0.25"). 8. Type "./configure --with-cards=hda-intel" 9. Type "make" 10. Type "make install" 11. Reboot 12. Test the audio output. You can do this by right-clicking on you speaker icon and selecting sound preferences -> hardware -> select the desired audio output -> select the desired surround profile (ie: Analog Surround 5.1 Output + Analog Stereo Input) -> Test Speakers. During the installation the sound level can be mutted, check out in the slider if it is not mute! I hope it helps. It took a long time to reach this. This tutorial probably also applies to: ALC100,100P ALC200,200P ALC650D ALC650E ALC650F ALC650 ALC655 ALC653 ALC658 ALC658D ALC850 ALC101 ALC202 ALC250 ALC203 ALC221 ALC260 ALC262 ALC267 ALC268 ALC259 ALC269 ALC270 ALC271X ALC272 ALC273 ALC275 ALC276 ALC280 ALC281X ALC282 ALC283 ALC290 ALC656 ALC660 ALC660VD ALC661 ALC662 ALC663 ALC665 ALC668 ALC670 ALC671 ALC672 ALC680 ALC861 ALC861VD ALC880 ALC882 ALC883 ALC885 ALC888 ALC889A ALC898 ALC892 ALC899 ALC900 ALC1150 ALC1200