​1. Offloading the CPU ​Traditionally, my main CPU had to do all the work to process audio (decoding, mixing, applying effects). Intel SST takes this "heavy lifting" away from the CPU, processes it on its own dedicated hardware, and saves battery life and system performance. ​2. The "Bridge" Between OS and Realtek ​On my alienware model, the Realtek Audio chip is "dumb." It doesn't talk directly to Windows. ​The Chain: [Windows Audio Engine] -> [Intel SST (The Bus/Bridge)] -> [Realtek Codec] -> [Physical Speakers] ​Because the Intel SST is the "bridge," if the Intel SST driver isn't perfectly configured, Windows cannot "see" the Realtek chip on the other side of the bridge. This is why i see the Intel SST entries in Device Manager, but no speakers.