Hi Person264,
OK, games: Do not expect multi-channel (5.1) sound from games over a digital link. Such bit streams are produced by either a Dolby (AC3), or a DTS encoder. The encoding would have to be done by the game—I know of none that do—or by the sound card. Off hand, I can’t think of any that include an AC3 encoder. The 5.1 SPDIF sound you get from a DVD is simply a pass-thru of the encoded bit-stream from the DVD.
Regards,
Marty
If your Sony receiver has multi-channel analog inputs—like my STR DE 485—you can connect the analog outputs from the Realtek that way. That’s what I do in my living room with the Media Center computer using the on-board Realtek because it lacks an empty slot for a sound card. In that case any DSP, such as bass redirection, must be done by the Realtek because MC input bypasses the DSP in the Sony.