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132-CK-NF79
User Manual
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EVGA 132-CK-NF79-A1, 132-CK-NF79 User Manual

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User Guide
EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard
EVGA Corporation
January, 2008 | DU-03597-001_v01
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EVGA Corporation
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nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
Table of Contents
Before You Begin… ....................................................................................................ix
Parts NOT in the Kit .................................................................................................ix
Intentions of the Kit.................................................................................................. x
EVGA nForce 790i Motherboard ................................................................................1
Motherboard Specifications..................................................................................... 1
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ............................................................................4
Unpacking ................................................................................................................ 4
Equipment................................................................................................................ 4
EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard............................................................... 5
Hardware Installation ...................................................................................................8
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................... 8
Preparing the Motherboard...................................................................................... 9
Installing the CPU ................................................................................................ 9
Installing the CPU Fan ....................................................................................... 10
Installing Memory DIMMs .................................................................................. 10
Installing the Motherboard..................................................................................... 12
Installing the I/O Shield ...................................................................................... 12
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis...................................................... 13
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches ............................................................. 13
Power Connections............................................................................................ 14
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ............................................................................. 15
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)........................................................................ 16
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Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ...................................................................... 16
Connecting Serial ATA Cables........................................................................... 18
Connecting Internal Headers ............................................................................. 19
Front Panel Header ........................................................................................ 19
IEEE 1394a..................................................................................................... 20
USB Headers ................................................................................................. 21
Audio .................................................................................................................. 22
Fan Connections ................................................................................................ 23
COM1................................................................................................................. 24
FDD Connector .................................................................................................. 25
Expansion Slots ................................................................................................. 25
PCI Slots ........................................................................................................ 26
PCI Express x1 Slot ....................................................................................... 26
PCI Express x16 Slots ................................................................................... 26
Jumper Settings..................................................................................................... 27
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS .................................................................... 27
Configuring the BIOS .................................................................................................28
Enter BIOS Setup................................................................................................... 29
Main Menu ............................................................................................................. 29
Standard CMOS Features Menu ........................................................................... 32
Date and Time.................................................................................................... 34
IDE Channel and SATA Channel........................................................................ 34
Drive A................................................................................................................ 37
Halt On ............................................................................................................... 37
Memory .............................................................................................................. 38
Advanced BIOS Features....................................................................................... 39
Removable Device Priority................................................................................. 40
Hard Disk Boot Priority ...................................................................................... 40
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nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
Network Boot Priority......................................................................................... 40
CPU Internal Cache ........................................................................................... 41
Quick Power On Self Test.................................................................................. 41
First/Second/Third Boot Device ........................................................................ 41
Boot Other Device.............................................................................................. 42
Boot Up NumLock Status.................................................................................. 42
Security Option .................................................................................................. 43
APIC Mode......................................................................................................... 43
MPS Version Control For OS ............................................................................. 43
Full Screen LOGO Show.................................................................................... 43
Advanced Chipset Features................................................................................... 44
System Clocks ................................................................................................... 45
Frequency Settings ........................................................................................ 46
HT Multiplier ................................................................................................... 47
Spread Spectrum........................................................................................... 47
FSB & Memory Config ....................................................................................... 48
CPU Configuration ............................................................................................. 53
System Voltages ................................................................................................ 55
NVMEM Memory Test........................................................................................ 57
Load Timing/Voltage Set.................................................................................... 57
Save Timing/Voltage Set.................................................................................... 58
System BIOS Cacheable ................................................................................... 58
Integrated Peripherals Menu.................................................................................. 59
IDE Function Setup ............................................................................................ 60
RAID Config ....................................................................................................... 61
USB Config ........................................................................................................ 61
MAC Config........................................................................................................ 62
IEEE1394 controller............................................................................................ 62
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HD Audio............................................................................................................ 62
IDE HDD Block Mode ........................................................................................ 62
Onboard FDC Controller .................................................................................... 63
Onboard Serial Port 1 ........................................................................................ 63
Power Management Setup Menu .......................................................................... 63
ACPI Function .................................................................................................... 64
ACPI Suspend Type........................................................................................... 64
Soft-Off by PBNT ............................................................................................... 65
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off ................................................................................ 65
Power On by Alarm ............................................................................................ 65
POWER ON Function......................................................................................... 65
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu................................................................................. 67
Init Display First.................................................................................................. 68
Reset Configuration Data................................................................................... 68
Resources Controlled By ................................................................................... 68
IRQ Resources ................................................................................................... 69
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop ..................................................................................... 69
Maximum Payload Size...................................................................................... 69
System Monitor Menu............................................................................................ 70
Dynamic Fan Control ......................................................................................... 71
Installing Drivers and Software ................................................................................73
Windows XP Drivers Install .................................................................................... 74
Using the NVIDIA Software.......................................................................................75
NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel ........................................... 76
Device Settings .................................................................................................. 77
Current Hardware Settings ............................................................................ 78
Dynamic BIOS Access ....................................................................................... 85
View System Information ................................................................................... 86
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nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
Profile Policies.................................................................................................... 87
Manage Your System BIOS ............................................................................... 88
NVIDIA System Monitor ......................................................................................... 89
Appendix A. POST Codes for Tritium Platform ........................................................95
Appendix B. Configuring an SLI Configuration ..................................................... 105
SLI Connector ...................................................................................................... 106
ForceWare Driver ................................................................................................. 106
Enabling 3-Way SLI.......................................................................................... 108
Verifying 3-way SLI is Active................................................................................ 110
Index ..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
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List of Figures
Figure 1. EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard Layout................................. 6
Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors............................................................. 7
Figure 3. Power Supply Connectors ................................................................... 15
Figure 4. PWR1 Motherboard Connector ........................................................... 15
Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu ................................................. 30
Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu.......................................................... 32
Figure 7. Advanced BIOS Features Menu........................................................... 39
Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features................................................................. 44
Figure 9. System Clocks Menu ........................................................................... 45
Figure 10. FSB & Memory Config Menu ............................................................... 48
Figure 11. CPU Configuration Menu ..................................................................... 53
Figure 12. System Voltages Menu ........................................................................ 55
Figure 13. Integrated Peripherals Menu................................................................ 59
Figure 14. Power Management Setup Menu ........................................................ 64
Figure 15. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu............................................................... 67
Figure 16. System Monitor Menu.......................................................................... 70
Figure 31. 3-way NVIDIA SLI connector (600-10732-0000-000) ....................... 106
Figure 18. Windows Vista Device Manager ........................................................ 107
Figure 19. NVIDIA Control Panel, Set SLI Configuration .................................... 108
Figure 20. SLI Visual Indicators Operating in 3DMark2006 ................................ 109
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Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new EVGA a nForce® 790i Ultra SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.
Intel microprocessor:
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo Pentium EE, Pentium D, Pentium
Cooling fan for the microprocessor System memory:
Supports dual channel DDR3 800/1066/1333, and up to 2000 MHz SLI­Ready Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR3 memory.
Graphics Card
This motherboard supports 3-way SLI with three x16 PCI Express slots.
Power Supply
The power supply requirement is dependent upon the power and the number of the GPUs you install. If you are going to SLI two graphics cards, you are going to require more power. As a rule, for one GPU you need a minimum of a 300 W power supply. If you have two GPUs in an SLI configuration, you will need a minimum of a 500 W power supply. If you have three GPUs in an SLI configuration, you will need a minimum of a 1000 W power supply. To calculate the power you are going to require for your specific configuration, go to www.slizone.com
nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
Before You Begin…
.
These instructions tell you how to install each of the parts listed so you can have a functioning motherboard. As you go through the installation instructions, we are assuming you have purchased the necessary parts.
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Intentions of the Kit
This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary to install the motherboard into a PC cabinet. If you are building a PC, you will use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a motherboard, you will not need many of the cables.
When replacing a motherboard in a PC cabinet, you will need to reinstall an operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.
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EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI
Motherboard
Thank you for buying the EVGA NFORCE 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users’ demand. When combined with two or three SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you get innovative NVIDIA SLI Technology for enhanced system performance.
Motherboard Specifications
Size
ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch
Microprocessor support
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE, Pentium D, Pentium
Operating systems:
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
Contains NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI MCP and SPP System Memory support
Supports dual channel JEDEC DDR3-1333 and SLI-Ready memory up to 2000 MHz. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR3 memories.
Ten USB 2.0 Ports
¾ Supports hot plug ¾ Ten USB 2.0 ports (six rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers) ¾ Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode ¾ Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
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Onboard Serial ATA II
¾ 300MBps data transfer rate ¾ Six Serial ATA II connectors ¾ NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
¾ Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
Onboard LAN
¾ Dual LAN interface built-in onboard ¾ Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet
Onboard 1394
¾ Support hot plug ¾ Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate
of transmission at 400 Mbps
Onboard Audio
¾ Azalia High-Definition audio ¾ Supports 8-channel audio ¾ Supports S/PDIF output ¾ Supports Jack-Sensing function
Triple PCI Express x16 Support
¾ 2 x16 PCI Express 2.0 ¾ 1 x16 PCI Express 1.0 ¾ Supports 4 GB/sec (8 GB/sec concurrent) bandwidth ¾ Low power consumption and power management features
Green Function
¾ Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) ¾ Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM),
S4 (Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
Expansion Slots
¾ Two PCI slots ¾ One PCI Express x1 slot ¾ Three PCI Express x16 Graphics slots
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nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
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Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Unpacking
The EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for adding a motherboard to a new chassis. If you are replacing a motherboard, you may not need many of these cables.
Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing box. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your reseller.
All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.
Equipment
The following equipment is included in the EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI motherboard box.
EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard This PCI Express motherboard contains the
NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI SPP and MCP and is SLI-ready.
I/O Shield Installs in the chassis to block radio
frequency transmissions, protect internet components from dust and foreign objects and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.
Floppy Cable Used to attach a floppy drive to the
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nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
motherboard.
2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three)
1394 Cable Provides two additional 1394 ports to either
the front or back panels of the chassis.
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable Provides four additional USB ports to either
the front or back panels of the chassis.
SATA Signal Cable (Qty Six) Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and
each one connects a single drive to the motherboard
Comm2 Bracket Cable
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable
EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard
The EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI motherboard with the NVIDIA nForce 790i Ultra SLI SPP and MCP processors is a PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard. Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.
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5
11
17
16
16
15
19 18
14
20
29
21
21 23
22
22
22
23
24
2
26
27
28
2
3
4
13
1. CPU Socket 11. Fan connectors 21. PCI slots
2. nForce 790i Ultra SLI heatpipe 12. Serial-ATA (SATA) connectors 22. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)
3. CPU fan connector 13. Front panel connector 23. PCI Express x1 slot
4. DDR3 DIMM slots 0 - 3 14. Serial connector 24. SATA connector
5. 24-pin ATX power connector 15. Jumper 25. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2)
6. IDE connector 16. USB headers 26. Heat dissipater
7. Serial-ATA (SATA) connectors 17. 1394a connector 27. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector
8. FDD connector 18. Power button 28. MCP/SPP fan connector (not used)
9. NVIDIA MCP (passive heat sink) 19. Reset Button 29. Motherboard battery
10. Diagnostic code display 20. Front panel Audio connector
12
11
10
9
11
8
7
6
5
Figure 1. EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI Motherboard Layout
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nForce 790i SLI Motherboard
9
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
6
9
6
1. PS/2 Mouse Port
2. PS/2 Keyboard Port
3. Coaxial SPDIF
4. SPDIF output
5. eSATA
6. USB 2.0 ports (SIX)
7. 1394a (Firewire) Port
8. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange Center/Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Grey
9. Lan Port with LEDs to indicate status.
• Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity
• Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/link/Activity
• Green/Light Up/Blink = 1000 Mbps/Link/Activity
Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors
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Hardware Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The topics covered in this section are:
Preparing the motherboard
¾ Installing the CPU ¾ Installing the CPU fan ¾ Installing the memory
Installing the motherboard Connecting cables and setting switches
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic safety precautions.
Remember to remove power from your computer by disconnecting the AC main source before removing or installing any equipment from/to the computer chassis.
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Hardware Installation
Preparing the Motherboard
The motherboard shipped in the box does not contain a CPU or memory. You need to purchase these to complete this installation.
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Make sure not to bend or break any pins on the back. Hold the processor only by the edges and do not touch the bottom of the processor.
Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto the motherboard.
1. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and
away from the socket.
2. Lift the load plate. There is a protective socket
cover on the load plate to protect the socket when there is no CPU installed.
3. Remove the protective socket cover from the
load plate.
4. Remove the processor from its protective
cover, making sure you hold it only by the edges. It is a good idea to save the cover so that whenever you remove the CPU, you have a safe place to store it.
5. Align the notches in the processor with the notches on the socket.
6. Lower the processor straight down into the socket
with out tilting or sliding it into the socket
Align notches with
notches on the CPU
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Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level in the
socket.
7. Close the load plate over the CPU and press
down while you close and engage the socket lever.
Installing the CPU Fan
There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard. Follow the instruction that came with you fan assembly. Be sure that the fan orientation is correct for your chassis type and your fan assembly.
Installing Memory DIMMs
Your new motherboard has four 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory. These slots support 256 Mb, 512 Mb and 1 Gb DDR3 technologies for x8 and x16 devices. There must be at least one memory bank populated to ensure normal operation. Use the following the recommendations for installing memory. (See Figure 1 on page 6 for the location of the memory slots.)
One DIMM: Install into slot 0. You can install the DIMM into any slot,
however, slot 0 is preferred.
Two DIMMs: Install into either slots 0 and 1 or 2 and 3. The idea is to
not have the DIMMs in adjacent slots.
Four DIMMS: Install into slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.
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Card-edge
DIMM Slot 0
DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 3
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Hardware Installation
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Use the following procedure to install memory DIMMs. Note that there is only one gap near the center of the DIMM slot. This slot matches the slot on the memory DIMM to ensure the component is installed properly.
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.
2. Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module
vertically into the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at both sides of the DIMM slot automatically lock the DIMM into the connector.
Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or working with an empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then make all the connections. It is normally easier to secure the motherboard first.
Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure the motherboard into the chassis.
Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the chassis
covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also make sure the CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the covers.
Installing the I/O Shield
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio frequency transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.
Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the chassis. Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it fits securely. If the I/O shield does not fit into the chassis, you would need to obtain the proper size from the chassis supplier.
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Hardware Installation
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis
Most computer chassis have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the mother board to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is recommended that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short circuit. In most cases, it is recommended to secure the motherboard using a minimum of nine (9) spacers.
1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the studs/spacers located inside
the chassis.
2. Align the mounting holes with the studs/spacers.
3. Align the connectors to the I/O shield.
4. Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according
to the fan assembly instruction.
5. Secure the motherboard with a minimum of eight-to-ten screws.
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches
This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary on the motherboard. This will include:
Power Connections
¾ 24-pin ATX power ( ¾ 8-pin ATX 12V power (
Internal Headers
¾ Front panel ¾ IEEE 1394a ¾ USB Headers ¾ Audio
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PWR1)
PWR2)
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¾ Speaker ¾ COM
FDD IDE Serial ATA II Chassis Fans Rear panel USB 2.0 Adapter Expansion slots CMOS jumper settings
See Figure 1 on page 6 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following procedure.
Power Connections
To support 3-way SLI, this motherboard has the following specific power supply requirements:
Minimum 1000 W peak power Six PCI-E power connectors configured in either of the following
configurations (see Figure 3):
¾ Four 6-pin (3x2) and two 8-pin (4x2) PCI-E power connectors
or
¾ Six 6-pin (3x2) PCI-E power connectors
8-pin (4x2) PCT-E Connector 6-pin (3x2) PCI-E connector
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Hardware Installation
Figure 3. Power Supply Connectors
Make sure you have enough power to cover all the expansion cards you will be installing. To determine what you power requirements are for your specific configuration or a certified power supply vendor, refer to
www.slizone.com.
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1)
PWR1 is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the
board next to the DIMM slots. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.
PWR1 connector Plug power cable from system power supply to PWR1
Card edge
Figure 4. PWR1 Motherboard Connector
Table 1. PWR1 Pin Assignments
Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal
24 13
12 1
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1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 PWROK 20 RSVD
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Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)
PWR2, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to
the CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated.
Backpanel connector edge
1
5 8
9 +5V_AUX 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 GND
GND
4
12V
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives
The IDE connector supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66 IDE hard disk drives.
1. Connect the blue connector (the cable end with a single connector) to
the motherboard.
2. Connect the black connector (the cable with the two closely spaced
black and gray connectors) to the Ultra ATA master device.
3. Connect the gray connector to a slave device.
If you install two hard disk drives, you must configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk documentation for the jumper settings.
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Hardware Installation
Note: If an ATA-66/100 disk drive and a disk drive using any other IDE transfer
protocol are attached to the same cable, the maximum transfer rate between the drives may be reduced to that of the slowest drive.
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Connecting Serial ATA Cables
The Serial ATA II connector is used to connect the Serial ATA II device to the motherboard. These connectors support the thin Serial ATA II cables for primary storage devices. The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to 300MB/s data transfer rate.
There are six serial ATA connectors on the motherboard that support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1 and JBOD configurations.
SATA 1 (bottom) SATA 2 (top)
Connect the locking cable end to the motherboard connector. Connect the end without the lock to the drive.
SATA 3 SATA 4 SATA 6
SATA 5
GND GND GND
TX+ RX+
TX- TX-
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Hardware Installation
Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used to connect the following four cables
(see Table 2 for pin definitions):
PWRLED
Attach the front panel power LED cable to these two pins of the connector. The Power LED indicates the system’s status. When the system is in S0 status, the LED is on. When the system is in S1, S3, S4, S5 status, the LED is off.
Note: Some chassis do not have all four cables. Be sure to match the name on
the connectors to the corresponding pins.
1 2
+ +
HD_LED PWRLED
RESET PWRSW
No Connect Blank
- -
9 10
PWRSW
Attach the power button cable from the case to these two pins. Pressing the power button on the front panel turns the system on and off rather than using the power supply button.
HD_LED
Attach the hard disk drive indicator LED cable to these two pins. The HDD indicator LED indicates the activity status of the hard disks.
RESET
Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two pins. The system restarts when the
RESET switch is pressed.
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Table 2. Front Panel Header Pins
Pin Signal In/Out Description
1 HD_PWR Out Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V HD_LED 3 HDA# Out Hard disk active LED
2 HDR_BLNK_GRN Out Front panel green light PWRLED 4 HDR_BLNK_YEL Out Front panel yellow light
5 GND Ground RESET 7 FP_RESET# In Reset switch
6 SWITCH_ON# In Power switch PWRSW 8 GND Ground
No Connect 9 No Connect
Empty 10 Empty
IEEE 1394a
The IEEE 1394 expansion cable bracket is provided in the box but if you do not require the additional external connections, you do not need to install it.
1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not
all chassis are equipped with the front panel option).
2. Connect the two ends of the cables to the IEEE 2394 connectors on
the motherboard.
Table 3. IEEE 1394a Connector Pins
Connector Pin Signal
IEEE 1394a Connector
10
8 6 4 2
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9 7 5 3 1
1 TPA+ 2 TPA­3 GND 4 GND 5 TPB+ 6 TPB­7 +12V 8 +12V 9 Empty
Card Edge
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Hardware Installation
10 GND
USB Headers
This motherboard contains six (6) USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear panel of the chassis (Figure 2). The motherboard also contains two 10-pin internal header connectors onboard that can be used to connect an optional external bracket containing four (4) more USB 2.0 ports.
1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel
of your chassis (not all chassis are equipped with the front panel option).
2. Connect the two ends of the cables to the USB 2.0
headers on the motherboard.
Table 4. USB 2.0 Header Pins
Card Edge
Connector Pin Signal
USB 2.0 Header Connector
1 5V_DUAL
3 D-
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
6
8
10
5 D+
7 GND
9 Empty
Pin Signal
2 5V_DUAL
4 D-
6 D+
8 GND
10 No Connect
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Audio
The audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of audio output choices: the Front Audio, the Rear Audio. The front Audio supports re-tasking function.
Table 5. Front Audio Connector
Connector Pin Signal
Front Audio Connector
10
8 6 4 2
9 7 5 3 1
1 PORT1_L
2 AUD_GND
3 PORT1_R
4 PRECENCE_J
5 PORT2_R
6 SENSE1_RETURN
7 SENSE_SEND
8 Empty
9 PORT2_L
10 SENSE2_RETURN
Card Edge
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Page 34
Hardware Installation
g
V
A
V
Fan Connections
There are five fan connections on the motherboard. The fan speed can be detected and viewed in the The fans are automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 mode.
PC Health Status section of the CMOS Setup.
UX Fan
Install the fan on the nForce 790i Ultra SLI MCP to draw heat from the MCP and the SPP. The fans plu a 3-pin connector.
into
Fan Connector
3 2 1
GND
SENSE
+12
Note that the CPU fan cable can be either a 3-pin or a 4-pin connector. Connect a 3-pin connector to pins 1, 2, and 3 on the motherboard connector.
REG Fan
CPU Fan
Connector
4 3 2
GND SENSE
PWR CONTROL
CPU Fan
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Page 35
A
There are three more fan connectors on the motherboard. For this installation, these will not be used.
System fan connector
Fan Connector
3 2
GND
+12V
SENSE
Chassis fan connector
COM1
The motherboard kit provides an additional serial COM header for your machine. Connect one side of a switching cable to the header and then attach the serial COM device to the other side of the cable.
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uxiliary fan
connector
Page 36
Hardware Installation
FDD Connector
The motherboard supports a standard 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44m, and a
2.88M floppy disk drive (FDD).
Expansion Slots
The EVGA nForce 790i Ultra SLI motherboard contains seven expansion slots, five PCI Express slots and two PCI slots. For a full list of PCI Express x16 graphics card supported by this motherboard, go to
www.nvidia.com/estore.
1
2
3
46
5
5
1 – PCI slot 1 2 – PCIe x16 slot 2
3 – PCI slot 2
4 – PCIe x16 slot 3 5 – PCIe x1 slots 6 – PCIe x16 slot 1
(Primary)
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PCI Slots
The two PCI slots support many expansion cards such as a LAN card, USB card, SCSI card and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. When installing a card into the PCI slot, be sure that it is fully seated. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with the screw used to hold the blank cover.
PCI Express x1 Slots
There are two PCI Express x1 slots that are designed to accommodate less bandwidth-intensive cards, such as a modem or LAN card. The x1 slots provide 250 MB/sec bandwidth.
PCI Express x16 Slots
These three PCI Express x16 slots are reserved for graphic or video cards. The bandwidth of the x16 slot is up to 4GB/sec (8GB/sec concurrent). The design of this motherboard supports three PCI-Express graphics cards using NVIDIA’s SLI technology with multiple displays.
When installing a PCI Express x16 card, be sure the retention clip snaps and locks the card into place. If the card is not seated properly, it could cause a short across the pins. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with the screw used to hold the blank cover.
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Hardware Installation
Jumper Settings
The motherboard contains a 3-pin BIOS configuration jumper that enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program.
The silk screen on the motherboard shows a ∆ next to pin 1.
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS
The motherboard uses the CMOS RAM to store all the set parameters. The CMOS can be cleared by removing the CMOS jumper.
Use the following procedure to clear CMOS:
1. Turn off the AC power supply
2. Connect pins 1 and 2 together using the jumper cap.
Pin 1
3. Return the jumper setting to normal (pins 2 and 3
together with the jumper cap).
4. Turn the AC power supply back on.
Card Edge
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Page 39
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Configuring the BIOS
This section discusses how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
This section includes the following information:
Enter BIOS Setup Main Menu Standard CMOS Features Advanced BIOS Features Advanced Chipset Features Integrated Peripherals Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations System Monitor
Page 40
Configuring the BIOS
Enter BIOS Setup
The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software. Correctly setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance.
Use the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings.
1. Power on the computer.
2. Press the Del key when the following message briefly displays at the
bottom of the screen during the Power On Self Test (POST).
Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter Setup.
Pressing Del takes you to the Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you do not change the default BIOS settings.
Changing some settings could damage your computer.
Main Menu
The main menu allows you to select from the list of setup functions and two exit choices. Use the the options or press arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press
Note: Note that on the BIOS screens all data in white is for information only, data in
yellow is changeable, data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a
red box is highlighted for selection.
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Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through
Enter to display the associated submenu. Use the 
Esc.
Page 41
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
` Standard CMOS Features
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Advanced Chipset Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
Esc : Quit F10 : Save & Exit Setup
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type..,
SLI-Ready memory - Disabled
` System Monitor
Load Defaults
Set Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
 : Select Item
Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu
Standard CMOS Features
Use this menu to set up the basic system configuration.
Advanced BIOS Features
Use this menu to set up the advanced system features and boot sequence.
Advanced Chipset Features
Use this menu to optimize system performance and configure clocks, voltages, memory timings, and more.
Integrated Peripherals
Use this menu to set up onboard peripherals such as IDE, RAID, USB, LAN, and MAC control.
Power Management Setup
Use this menu to configure power management, power on, and sleep features.
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Configuring the BIOS
PnP/PCI Configurations
Use this menu to modify the system’s Plug-and-Play and PCI configurations.
System Monitor
Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC, including temperature, voltages, and fan speed.
The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands rather than submenus:
Load Defaults
Load default system settings.
Set Password
Use this command to set, change, and disable the password used to access the BIOS menu.
Save & Exit Setup
Use this command to save settings to CMOS and exit setup.
Exit Without Saving
Use this command to abandon all setting changes and exit setup.
SLI-Ready Memory is a status indicator displayed at the bottom of the BIOS screen. The three status indicators are:
Enabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected and enabled. Disabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected but disabled. Not Detected: SLI-Ready memory is not detected.
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Standard CMOS Features Menu
The Standard CMOS Features menu is used to configure the standard CMOS information, such as the date, time, HDD model, and so on. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press
Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the
selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press
Esc.
The information shown in Item Help corresponds to the option highlighted.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Standard CMOS Features
Date (mm:dd:yy) Sat, Jul 01 2006 Time (hh:mm:ss) 12 : 48: 23
` IDE Channel (.) Master [None] ` IDE Channel (.) Slave [None] ` SATA Channel 1 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 2 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 3 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 4 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 5 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 6 Master [None]
Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On [All , But Keyboard]
Base Memory 640K
Extended Memory 1047552K Total Memory 1048576K

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu
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Main Level `
Change the day, month, year and century
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Item Help
Page 44
Configuring the BIOS
Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable,
data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.
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Date and Time
Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through dates and times.
Note that the weekday (Sun through Sat) cannot be changed. This field changes to correspond to the date you enter. Note that the hour value is shown in a 24-hour clock format. Time is represented as hour : minute : second.
Date (mm:dd:yy) Sat, Jul 01 2006 Time (hh:mm:ss) 14 : 48: 43
IDE Channel and SATA Channel
Use these functions to detect and configure the individual IDE and SATA channels. Select a channel and press menu.
` IDE Channel (.) Master [None] ` IDE Channel (.) Slave [None] ` SATA Channel 1 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 2 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 3 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 4 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 5 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 6 Master [None]
Press ENTER to display
SATA Channel sub-
Enter to display the IDE/SATA sub-
Press ENTER to display
IDE Channel sub-menu
IDE HDD Auto-Detect [Press Enter]
IDE Channel 0 Slave [Manual} Access Mode [CHS]
Capacity 0 MB
Cylinder [ 0] Head [ 0] Precomp [ 0] Landing Zone [ 0] Sector [ 0]
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Configuring the BIOS
IDE Auto-Detect [Press Enter]
Extended IDE Drive [None}
Access Mode Auto
Capacity 0 MB
Cylinder 0 Head 0 Precomp 0 Landing Zone 0 Sector 0
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Page 47
Press Enter to auto-detect IDE and SATA channels in the system. Once the channel is detected, the values for Capacity, Cylinder, Heads, Precomp, Landing Zone, and Sector are automatically filled in.
None
There is no HDD installed or set.
Auto
The system can auto-detect the hard disk when booting up.
Manual
When you set the channel to [Manual] and change Access Mode to
[CHS], you can then enter the number of cylinders, heads, Precomp,
landing zone, and sector. You can manually enter the values or you can press
Enter to display a window that tells you the min and max values.
IDE HDD Auto-Detect [Press Enter]
IDE Channel 0 Slave [Manual} Access Mode [CHS]
Capacity 0 MB
Cylinder .....0
Head [ 0] Precomp [ 0] Landing Zone [ 0] Sector [ 0]
The BIOS supports the following HDD Access Modes:
¾ CHS
For HDD less than 528 MB.
¾ LBA
For HDD greater than 528 MB and supporting LBA (Logical Block Addressing).
¾ Large
For HDD greater than 528 MB but not supporting LBA.
Press ENTER to display sub-
menu
Cylinder
Min= 0 Max=65535
Key in a DEC number :

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
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Configuring the BIOS
[
]
Drive A
The Drive A option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install. Options are:
Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On
None 360K, 5.25 in. 1.2M, 5.25 in. 720K, 3.5 in. 1.44M, 3.5 in. 2.88M, 3.5 in.
Use the scroll through the options or press display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. Press Standard CMOS Features menu.
¾ Auto
Recommended mode.
All, But Keyboard
Page Up and Page Down keys to
Enter to accept the changes and return to the
Enter to
-
Drive A
None ..... [ ]
360K, 5.25 in. ..... [ ]
1.2M, 5.25 in. ..... [ ]
720K, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]
1.44M, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]
2.88M, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Halt On
Halt On determines whether or not the computer stops if an error is
detected during power on. Use the through the options or press the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. Press
Enter to accept the changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features
menu.
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January 11, 2008 | DU-03751-001_v01 37
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll
Enter to display the Halt On sub-menu. Use
Page 49
Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On [All , But Keyboard]
All Errors
Whenever the BIOS detects a nonfatal error, the system stops and prompts you.
No Errors
S
ystem boot does not stop for any
detected errors.
All, But Keyboard
System boot does not stop for keyboard errors, but does stop for all other errors.
All, But Diskette
The system boot does not stop for a diskette error but will stop for all other errors.
All, But Disk/Key
The system boot does not stop for a keyboard or disk error, but will stop for all other errors.
Memory
Press ENTER to display sub-menu
Halt On
All Errors ..... [ ]
No Errors ..... [ ]
All , But Keyboard ..... [ ]
All , But Diskette ..... [ ]
All , But Disk/Key ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
These settings are display-only values that are determined by the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test).
Base Memory
BIOS POST determines the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed in the system.
Extended Memory
BIOS determines how much extended memory is present during the POST.
Total Memory
This value represents the total memory of the system.
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Base Memory 640K
Extended Memory 1047552K
Page 50
Configuring the BIOS
Advanced BIOS Features
Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup screen. Use the or press
Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position
the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press
Esc.
Note: The options that have associated sub-menus are designated by a `, which
precedes the option. Press Enter to display the sub-menus.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
` Removable Device Priority [Press Enter] ` Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter] ` Network Boot Priority [Press Enter]
CPU Internal Cache [Enabled] Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled] First Boot Device [Removable] Second Boot Device [CDROM] Third Boot Device [Hard Disk] Boot Other Device [Enabled] Boot Up NumLock Status [On] Security Option [Setup] APIC Mode [Enabled] MPS Version Control For OS [1.4] Full Screen LOGO Show [Disabled]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Advanced BIOS Features
Main Level `
Select Removable Boot Device Priority
Figure 7. Advanced BIOS Features Menu
Item Help
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>
p
Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable,
data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.
Removable Device Priority
Use this option to select the priority for removable device startup. Press
Enter to see the list of removable devices in your system. Use the  arrow
keys to go to the various devices. Then use the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press
Esc.
+ or – keys to move the
1. Floppy Disks
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Use this option to select the priority for HDD startup. Press Enter to see the list of bootable devices in your system. Use the  arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press
1. Ch0. : ST3802110A
2. Bootable Add-in Cards
Network Boot Priority
Use this option to select the priority for network startup. Select Network
Boot Priority and press Enter to view available networks. Use the 
arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press
1. Network 0 : <description of network>
2. Network 1 : <description of network
Esc.
+ or – keys to move the device priority
Esc.
Use the + and – keys to move
riority of the device within
the
+ or – keys to move
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Page 52
Configuring the BIOS
CPU Internal Cache
Use this option to enable or disable the CPU internal cache. Use the Page
and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to
Up
display the options in a sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose.
Quick Power On Self Test
Enabling this option allows the system to skip certain test while booting, which reduces the time needed to boot the system. Use the
Page Down keys to toggle between Enable and Disable.
First/Second/Third Boot Device
Use this option to set the priority sequence of the devices booted at power on. Use the press
Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the
selector in the option you choose.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or
Page Up and
First Boot Device
Removable ..... [
Hard Disk ..... [ ]
CDROM ..... [ ]
Network ..... [ ]
Disabled ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
]
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Boot Other Device
With the option set to Enable, the system boots from some other device if the first/second/third boot devices fail.
Boot Up NumLock Status
This option allows you to select the power-on state of NumLock. Select On to activate the keyboard NumLock when the system is started. Select Off to disable the
NumLock key.
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Page 54
Configuring the BIOS
Security Option
The Security Options allows you to require a password every time the system boots or only when you enter setup. Select Setup to require a password to gain access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select System to require a password to access the CMOS Setup screen and when the system boots.
APIC Mode
Use this function to enable or disable the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). If you disable this option, you also disable the MPS Version Control for OS option.
MPS Version Control For OS
Use this function to select the Multi-Processor Specification (MPS) version that BIOS passes to the operating system. Use the keys to scroll through the options.
Page Up and Page Down
Full Screen LOGO Show
This option allows you to enable or disable the display of the full-screen logo when the system boots. Use the toggle between
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Enable and Disable
Page Up and Page Down keys to
Page 55
Advanced Chipset Features
Select Advanced Chipset Features from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Functions menu.
Enter to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced Chipset Features
` System Clocks [Press Enter] ` FSB & Memory Config [Press Enter] ` CPU Configuration [Press Enter] ` System Voltages [Press Enter]
NVMEM memory test [Disable]
Load timing/voltage set [Press Enter] Save timing/voltage set [Press Enter] System BIOS Cacheable [Disabled]
HPET Function [Enable]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features
Item Help
Main Level `
Voltage control
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Page 56
Configuring the BIOS
System Clocks
Select System Clocks from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
Enter to display the System Clocks menu. From this menu, you are
press able to specify frequency settings, HT multipliers, and Spread Spectrum settings. Note that in Figure 9, all of the options are listed. On the actual BIOS screen, you will need to scroll down to see all the options.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Parameters Settings Current Valce **Frequency Settings** CPU Freq, MHz 2933.3 2933.3 FSB Reference Clock, MHz 1066.7 1066.7
CPU Multiplier [11 X] 11X
PCIe x16_1, MHz [Auto] 100 PCIe x16_3, MHz [Auto] 100
x16_2, MHz [Auto] 100
PCIe SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz [Auto] 100
**HT Multiplier**
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP [5 x] nForce SPP <-- nForce MCP [5 x]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum [UP Spread]
HT Spread Spectrum Disabled PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP) [Auto] PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP) Disabled SATA Spread Spectrum Disabled

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
System Clocks
Figure 9. System Clocks Menu
Item Help
Main Level `
CPU frequency multiplier. CPU core clock = FSB Ref Clock/4 * CPU Multiplier
d
Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable,
data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.
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Frequency Settings
CPU Freq, MHz
This value is set by the CPU Multiplier (value cannot be changed by the user).
FSB Reference Clock. MHz
This value is set by the system (value cannot be changed by the user). To change the SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing, go to the FSB & Memory screen.
CPU Multiplier
This value changes the CPU Frequency value depending on the value you choose. Use the options. The options are from 6 X through 60 X.
PCIe x16_1, MHz
Use the options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 1 (the black slot closest to the CPU). Note that as you go higher in value,
Spectrum(SPP)
PCIe x16_3, MHz
Use the options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the blue slot in the middle).
PCIe x16_2, MHz
Use the options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the black slot farthest from the CPU).
SPP<
Use the options for the reference clock between the SPP chip and the MCP chip.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
is disabled and cannot be changed from this status.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
—
>MCP Ref Clock, MHz
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the
PCIe Spread
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Page 58
Configuring the BIOS
HT Multiplier
nForce SPP
Use the multiplier options and set the link speed from the SPP chip to the MCP chip. Values are
nForce MCP <
Use the multiplier options and set the link speed from the MCP chip to the SPP chip. Values are
— —
> nForce MCP
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the HT
[1 x] through [5 x].
— —
nForce SPP
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the HT
[1 x] through [5 x].
Spread Spectrum
CPU Spread Spectrum
Use the Spectrum options for the CPU. Option values are
Spread]
HT Spread Spectrum
Disabled
PCIe Spread Spectrum (SPP)
Use the Spectrum options for the SPP PCIe. Option values are
Spread]
cannot be changed when the value for PCIe x16_1 exceeds 100MHz.
PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP)
Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum
Disabled
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread
[Disabled], [UP
, and [Center Spread].
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread
[Disabled], [UP
, and [Center Spread]. This option reverts to Disabled and
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FSB & Memory Config
Select FSB & Memory Config from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press provides the means to set SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing.
Enter to display the FSB & Memory Config menu. This menu
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
FSB & Memory Config
Parameters Settings Current Value
SLI-Ready Memory [Disabled] Disabled
CPU Freq, MHz 2933.3 2933.3 CPU Multiplier 11X 11X
FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Auto]
x FSB (QDR), MHz Auto 1066.7 Actual FSB (QDR), MHz 1066.7
x MEM (DDR), MHz Auto 800.6
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0
` Memory Timing Setting [Press Enter]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Figure 10. FSB & Memory Config Menu
SLI-Ready Memory
Use the Memory options. The options are:
¾ Disabled ¾ CPUOC 0% ¾ CPUOC 1% ¾ CPUOC 2%
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the SLI-Ready
Item Help
Main Level ``
“CPUOC MAX” realizes the complete optimized memory settings when SLI-Ready memory is installed
Optimized memory settings by allowing X% CPU overclocking
CPU overclocking may require manual overvolting of the CPU to improve system stability
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Configuring the BIOS
¾ CPUOC 3% ¾ CPUOC 4% ¾ CPUOC 5% ¾ CPUOC MAX
When you select one of the
Clock Mode Ready Memory
FSB and Memory Clock Mode
Use the
is set to Unlinked and cannot be changed until SLI-
is set to Disable.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the FSB and
CPUOC x% options, the FSB - Memory
Memory Clock Mode options. The options are:
¾ Auto
This is the optimal setting since it sets the FSB and memory speeds automatically.
¾ Linked
When Link is selected,
FSB (QDR), MHz is changed to editable and
the FSB speed can be entered manually. As the FSB speed is changed,
CPU Freq, MHz changes proportionally.
CPU Freq, MHz 2933.3 2933.3 CPU Multiplier 11X 11X
FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Linked]
FSB (QDR), MHz [1067] 1066.7
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz 1066.7 x MEM (DDR), MHz Auto 800.6
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0
¾ Unlinked
When Unlink is selected,
FSB (QDR), MHz and MEM (DDR), MHz
are changed to editable and the FSB and memory speeds can be entered manually. As the FSB speed is changed,
CPU Freq, MHz
changes proportionally.
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FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Linked]
FSB (QDR), MHz [1067] 1066.7
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz 1066.7 MEM (DDR), MHz [1067] 800.6
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0
FSB (QDR), MHz
Use the
+ or – keys to scroll through new values for the CPU FSB
frequency or type in a new value. Note that the reflects the actual frequency that takes effect on a reboot.
MEM (DDR), MHz
Use the
+ or – keys to scroll through new values for the memory
frequency or type in a new value. Note that the reflects the actual frequency that takes effect when the system reboots.
Memory Timing Setting
Enter to display the Memory Timing Setting menu. Use this menu
Press to set optimal timings or to manually enter timings.
Actual FSB (QDR)
Actual MEM (DDR)
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Memory Timing Setting
Parameters Settings Current Value
Memory Timing Setting [Optimal]
x tCL (CAS Latency) Auto(5) 5 x tRDC Auto(7) 5 x tRP Auto(7) 5 x tRAS Auto(23) 18 x Command Per Clock (CDM) Auto(2T) 1T
** Advanced Memory Settings **
x tRRD Auto(4) 3 x tRC Auto(28) 22 x tWR Auto(7) 5 x tWTR Auto(10) 9 x tREF Auto 6.1uS

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help[
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Item Help
Main Level ``
Select [Expert] to enter timings manually
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Page 62
Configuring the BIOS
¾ Optimal
Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select Optimal. Optimal
prohibits you from manually setting any timing. All timing is set for optimal performance.
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¾ Expert
Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select Expert. When
Expert is selected, all timing categories are enabled for manual input. Note that you should set the value to Optimal to use the manufacturers’ recommended values.
Parameters Settings Current Value
Memory Timing Setting [Expert] tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto(5)] 5 tRDC [Auto(7)] 5 tRP [Auto(7)] 5 tRAS [Auto(23)] 18 Command Per Clock (CDM) [Auto(2T)] 1T
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD [Auto(4)] 3 tRC [Auto(28)] 22 tWR [Auto(7)] 5 tWTR [Auto(10)] 9 tREF [Auto] 6.1uS
tCL: CAS# latency (options are 1 through 6).
tRDC: RAS#-to-CAS# Delay for Read/Write commands to the
same bank (options are 1 through 7).
tRP: Row Precharge time. This is the Precharge-to-Active or
Auto-to-Refresh of the same bank (options are 1 through 7).
tRAS: This is the minimum RAS# active time (options are 1
through 31).
Command Per Clock: This is the command timing setting on a
per clock unit basis (options are 1T and 2T).
tRRD: RAS#-to-RAS# delay of different banks (options are 1
through 15).
tRC: RAS#-to-RAS# or auto refresh time of the same bank
(options are 1 through 31).
tWR: The Write recovery time (options are 2 through 7).
tWTR: This is the minimum write-to-read delay with the same
chip selected (options are 1 through 10).
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Configuring the BIOS
tREF: This is the DRAM refresh rate (options are Auto, 7.8uS,
and
3.9uS).
CPU Configuration
Select CPU Configuration from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
Enter to display the CPU Configuration menu.
press
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
CPU Configuration
Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled] x Intel SpeedStep Disabled
CPU Thermal Control [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Virtualization Technology [Enabled]
CPU Core 0 Enabled CPU Core 1 [Enabled]
x CPU Core 2 Disabled x CPU Core 3 Disabled

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Item Help
Main Level ``
Set linit CPUID MaxVal to 3, should be “Disabled” for WinXP
Figure 11. CPU Configuration Menu
Limit CPUID MaxVal
Use this function to enable the set limit of the CPUID MaxVal to 3. Set to Disable for Win XP.
CPU Thermal Control
Use this function to enable or disable TM1 and TM2 support. Options are:
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¾ Disable
Disable support for TM1 and TM2.
¾ TM1 Only
The CPU is thermally throttled by cutting active processor clock cycles.
¾ TM2 Only
Thermal throttling is achieved by reducing the CPU multiplier and CPU core voltage.
¾ TM1 & TM2
Enables support for both TM1 and TM2.
C1E Enhanced Halt State
Enabled, this function reduces the CPU power consumption when the CPU is idle. Idle occurs when the operating system issues a halt instruction.
Execute Disable Bit
When this function is disabled, it forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).
Virtualization Technology
When this function is enabled, it allows a VMM to utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.
CPU Core 1
This function allows you to enable or disable CPU Core.
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Configuring the BIOS
System Voltages
Select System Voltages from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
Enter to display the System Voltages menu.
press
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Voltages
Parameters Settings Current Value CPU Core [Auto] 1.28 CPU FSB [Auto] 1.2V
Memory [Auto] 1.85V
nForce SPP [Auto] 1.30V nForce MCP [Auto] 1.50V
HT nForce SPP <-> MCP [Auto] 1.20V
nForce MCP Auxiliary [Auto] 1.50V
GTLVREF Lane 0 [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 1 [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 2 [Auto] +00mv
GTLVREF Lane 3 [Auto] +00mv

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Item Help
Main Level ``
Voltage level for CPU Core (CPU VID)
Figure 12. System Voltages Menu
CPU Core
Use the select
CPU FSB
Use the select
Memory
This function defines the voltage level for the DRAM. Use the and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto] to automatically set the voltage.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or
[Auto] to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU Core.
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or
[Auto] to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU FSB.
Page Up
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nForce SPP
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce SPP chip. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage (1.20V,
1.30V, 1.40V, 1.50V) or select
nForce MCP
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce MCP chip. Use the select
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
HT nForce SPP <-> MCP
This function defines the voltage level for the NVIDIA HT nForce SPP <-> MCP Link. Use the voltage or select
nForce MCP Auxiliary
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce MCP Auxiliary voltage. Use the voltage or select
GTLVREF Lane 0
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 0. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to
automatically set the voltage.
GTLVREF Lane 1
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 1. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to
automatically set the voltage.
GTLVREF Lane 2
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 2. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to
automatically set the voltage.
GTLVREF Lane 3
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 3. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to
automatically set the voltage.
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a
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Configuring the BIOS
NVMEM Memory Test
This function defines whether you run the NVIDIA memory testing module during POST. The options are Fast, Medium, Slow, and Disable.
Load Timing/Voltage Set
This function loads the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. You can set up to four profile settings using the
There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is
Auto for all settings. Press Enter to see the options.
Load timing/voltage set
Press Enter to Exit ..... [ ]
Select Profile 1 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 2 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 3 ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Save timing/voltage set function.
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Save Timing/Voltage Set
This function saves the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is the options.
Save timing/voltage set
Press Enter to Exit ..... [ ]
Select Profile 1 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 2 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 3 ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Auto for all settings. Press Enter to see
System BIOS Cacheable
This function allows you to enable or disable caching the system BIOS.
HPET Function
This function allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Even Timer (HPET). When multimedia and other time-sensitive application. When HPET is
Disabled, the APIC timer is used.
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Enabled, HPET is used as the timing hardware for
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Configuring the BIOS
Integrated Peripherals Menu
Select Integrated Peripherals from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
Enter to display the Integrated Peripherals menu.
press
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Integrated Peripherals
` IDE Function Setup [Press Enter] ` RAID Config [Press Enter] ` USB Config [Press Enter] ` MAC Config [Press Enter]
IEEE1394 controller [Auto] HD Audio [Auto] IDE HDD Block Mode [Enabled] Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled] Onboard Serial Port 1 [3FB/IRQ4]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 13. Integrated Peripherals Menu
Item Help
Main Level `
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IDE Function Setup
Press Enter to display the IDE Function Setup menu.
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Primary Master PIO [Auto] Primary Slave PIO [Auto] Primary Master UDMA [Auto] Primary Slave UDMA [Auto] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Serial-ATA Controller [All Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]
OnChip IDE Channel0
Use this function to enable or disable the onchip IDE Channel0. When disabled, the Primary Master/Slave functions are changed to
Auto and cannot be
changed.
Primary Master/Slave PIO
When mode for the primary Master and Slave PIO. Select from
1 through Mode 4.
Primary Master/Slave UDMA
When primary Master and Slave UDMA or set it to
IDE DMA transfer access
Use this function to enable or disable IDE DMA transfer access.
Serial-ATA Controller
This function allows you to enable specific SATA controllers, enable all controllers, or disable all controllers. The options available are
0]
IDE Prefetch Mode
Use this function to enable or disable the
OnChip IDE Channel0 is set to [Enabled], you can select a
OnChip IDE Channel0 is set to [Enabled], you can disable the
, [SATA-0+1], [Enable All], and [Disabled].
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Disabled]
x Primary Master PIO Auto x Primary Slave PIO Auto x Primary Master UDMA Auto x Primary Slave UDMA Auto
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Serial-ATA Controller [All Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]
Auto, or Mode
[Auto].
[SATA-
IDE Prefetch mode.
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Configuring the BIOS
RAID Config
Press Enter to display the RAID Config menu.
RAID Enable [Enabled] SATA 0 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 0 Secondary RAID [Disabled] SATA 1 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 1 Secondary RAID [Disabled] SATA 2 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 2 Secondary RAID [Disabled]
RAID Enable
Use this function to enable or disable RAID. When RAID is set to [Disabled], all SATA functions are changed to
Disabled and cannot be
changed.
SATA x Primary/Secondary
When various SATA functions.
RAID Enable is set to [Enabled], you can enable or disable the
RAID Enable [Disabled]
x SATA 0 Primary RAID Disabled x SATA 0 Secondary RAID Disabled x SATA 1 Primary RAID Disabled x SATA 1 Secondary RAID Disabled x SATA 2 Primary RAID Disabled x SATA 2 Secondary RAID Disabled
USB Config
Press Enter to display the USB Config menu.
OnChip USB [Enabled] USB Keyboard Support [Disabled] USB Mouse Support [Disabled]
OnChip USB
Use this function to enable specific versions of the USB or disable the onchip USB. When the onchip USB is set to and mouse support functions are set to
Enabled and
cannot be changed. Versions
OnChip USB [Disabled]
x USB Keyboard Support Enabled x USB Mouse Support Enabled
that can be selected are
[V1.1+V2.0] or [V1.1].
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[Disabled], the keyboard
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USB Keyboard/Mouse Support
Use these function to enable or disable the onchip WSB support of the keyboard and/or mouse.
MAC Config
Press Enter to display the MAC Config menu.
MAC0 LAN [Enabled] MAC1 LAN [Disabled]
MACx LAN
Use these functions to set the MAC0 and/or MAC1 LANs to disable their functions.
IEEE1394 controller
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the IEEE1394 (Firewire) interface.
Auto or
HD Audio
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the onboard High Definition audio.
IDE HDD Block Mode
Using this function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows your IDE hard drive needs to support block mode. Select automatically detect the optimal number of block read/writes per sector the drive can support. Select block mode.
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[Enabled] to
[Disabled] if your drive does not support
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Configuring the BIOS
Onboard FDC Controller
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the onboard FDC controller function.
Onboard Serial Port 1
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to select the onboard serial port 1 function. Options are
[3E8/IRQ4], [Auto], and [Disabled].
Power Management Setup Menu
Select Power Management Setup from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press
Enter to display the Power Management Setup menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Power Management Setup
[3F8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3],
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ACPI function [Enabled] APCI Suspend Type [S1&S3] Soft-Off by PBTN [Instant-Off] WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off [Disabled]
Power-on by Alarm [Disabled]
x Day of Month Alarm 0 x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm 0 : 0 : 0
POWER ON Function [BUTTON ONLY]
x KB Power ON Password Enter x Hot Key Power On Ctrl-F1

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 14. Power Management Setup Menu
ACPI Function
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable the ACPI function.
Item Help
Main Level `
ACPI Suspend Type
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to select an ACPI Suspend Type. Types to select from are and [S3(STR)].
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[S1&S3], [S1(POS)],
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Configuring the BIOS
Soft-Off by PBNT
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to set Soft-Off by PBNT to
[Instant-Off] or [Delay 4 Sec].
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable WOL(PMW#)
from soft-off.
Power On by Alarm
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable the Power-on by alarm function. Set to power-on by alarm. When set to day of the month and the time of the alarm.
[Enable], you can manually put in the
[Disable] to prevent
Power-on by Alarm [Disabled] Day of Month Alarm [ 0] Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm [0 : 0 : 0]
To enter a day or time, use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll
through numbers or enter the number using the keyboard number or the
+ and – keys.
POWER ON Function
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to define the power-on function. Options for this function are:
BUTTON ONLY Keyboard 98 Password
When is enabled so that you must enter a password.
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[Password] is selected, the KB Power ON Password function
Page 77
y
POWER ON Function [Password] KB Power ON Password [Enter]
x Hot Ke
  Hot Key Power On
When
Power On Ctrl-F1
[Hot Key] is selected, the Hot key Power On function is
enabled so that you must select a keyboard key as the hot key. To select a hot key use
Ctrl+F1 though Ctrl+F12
POWER ON Function [Hot key]
x KB Power ON Password Enter
Hot Key Power On [Ctrl-F1]
Mouse Left Mouse Right Any Key
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Configuring the BIOS
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu
Select PnP/PCI Configuration from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
Enter to display the PnP/PCI Configuration menu.
press
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
PnP/PCI Configuration
Init Display First [PCI Slot] Reset Configuration Data [Disabled]
Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]
x IRQ Resources Press Enter
** PCI Express relative items **
Maximum Payload Size [4096]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 15. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu
Item Help
Main Level `
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esources
[Press
]
Init Display First
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to define if the initial display is in the PCI slot or in the PCI Express slot. Options are
[PCI Slot] and [PCIEx].
Reset Configuration Data
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or disable the resetting of Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) when you exit Setup. Set this to
[Enabled] if you have installed a new
add-on and the system reconfiguration has caused a serious conflict that prevents the OS from booting. The default setting is
Resources Controlled By
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to define if the BIOS can automatically configure all the boot and plug-and-play compatible devices or if you can manually select IRQ, DMA, and memory base address fields. Select automatically populate these fields. If you select assign the resources,
[Auto(ESCD)] if you want the BIOS to
IRQ Resources is enabled for input.
[Disabled].
[Manual] so you can
Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]
x IRQ Resources Press Enter
Resources Controlled By [Manual)] IRQ R
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Enter
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Configuring the BIOS
IRQ Resources
To enable this field for input, set Resources Controlled By to
[Manual]. With this field enabled, press Enter to see options.
IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-9 assigned to [Reserved] IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-14 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI Device]
Use Legacy ISA for devices compliant with the original PC AT Bus specification. Use PCI/ISA PnP for devices compliant with the plug-and­play standard, whether designed for PCI or ISA Bus architecture.
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or disable the Palette Snoop function.
Maximum Payload Size
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to set the maximum TLP payload size (in bytes) for the PCI Express devices. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through sizes or enter the number
using the keyboard numbers or use the the list of sizes.
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+ and – keys to go up and down
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System Monitor Menu
Select System Monitor from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press
Enter to display the System Monitor menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Monitor
` Dynamic Fan Control [Press Enter]
CPU 47ºC/ 117ºF
CPU Core 1.28V CPU FSB 1.19V Memory 1.81V +3.3V 3.16V +3.3V Dual 3/16V +12V 11.92V +5V 4.99V +Vbat 3.00V
CPU Fan Speed 4272 RPM Aux Fan Speed 4891 RPM nForce Fan Speed 0 RPM Chassis Fan Speed 0 RPM Chassis Fan2 Speed 0 RPM

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Item Help
Main Level `
Figure 16. System Monitor Menu
All of the values shown in Blue are dynamic and change as the speed and voltages of the various components change with system usage.
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Configuring the BIOS
Dynamic Fan Control
Press Enter to display the Dynamic Fan Control menu.
CPU Fan Speed Control [SmartFan] If temp > 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100% If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 0%
x Manual Fan Speed, % 100
AUX Fan Speed Control, % [100] nForce Fan Speed Control, % [100] Chassis Fan Speed Control, % [100]
Use this menu to control the speed of the various fans on the motherboard. Set CPU fan speed to speed of the fans automatically controlled based on temperature. To set the fan speed to a constant rate, select from 0% to 100%.
[SmartFan] when you want the
[Manual] and then enter the speed
Set the desired speed for the Aux, nForce, and Chassis fans from 0% to 100%. The system defaults to 100%.
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Installing Drivers and
Software
Note: It is important to remember that before installing the driver CD that is shipped
in the kit, you need to load your operating system. The motherboard supports Windows XP 32bit and 64bit and is Vista-capable.
The kit comes with a CD that contains utility drivers and additional NVIDIA software.
The CD that has been shipped with your EVGA motherboard contains the following software and drivers:
NVIDIA nForce motherboard drivers Audio drivers RAID drivers Adobe Acrobat Reader User’s Manual
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Drivers Installation
3. Insert the NVIDIA EVGA nForce 780i SLI installation CD for the
graphics drivers motherboard included in the kit.
4. The CD will auto run, install the drivers and utilities listed on the
install screen.
If the CD does not run; go to My Computer and click on the CD to open.
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Using the
NVIDIA Software
Built upon the foundation of NVIDIA’s core motherboard and GPU technologies, NVIDIA System Monitor and Performance Server software utilities bring consolidated reporting and control to the desktop in seamless fashion. Traditionally, users have been forced to endure a sequence of trial and error attempts within the BIOS in order to customize the operation and performance of the system to their needs. As settings are attempted, the user must start and restart Windows several times. Fortunately, NVIDIA’s new System Monitor and Performance Group utilities bring the same rich functionality found in the BIOS to the user’s desktop. From a single convenient interface, the user can adjust settings to minimize noise, optimize performance, and maximize system stability. In addition, a wealth of system information is readily available in a lush 3D presentation which is customizable to suit the user.
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NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel
You can start the NVIDIA Performance Group several ways:
Double-click the NVIDIA Performance Group icon on the desktop
Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel
From the Windows Control Panel, double-click the NVIDIA Control
Panel
NVIDIA Performance Server menus are located under the
Performance
group in the left column.
Note All changes made within NVIDIA Performance Group are dynamically applied,
and will only remain active for the current Windows session. You can save these settings as a profile by using the Profile menu item.
CAUTION: Increasing the voltage or the clock speed of a component may void its
warranty due to exceeding recommended specifications. NVIDIA and the board manufacturer are not responsible for damage that may occur when component tolerances are exceeded.
Historically, NVIDIA’s Control Panel has contained a wealth of settings and adjustments for NVIDIA GPU’s. In similar fashion, the new NVIDIA Performance Group applies the same depth of control to the rest of the components within a system. Without ever leaving Windows or entering the BIOS, users can optimize and adjust nearly every system component.
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Using NVIDIA Software
Device Settings
Device Settings has two tabs, Current Hardware Settings and Hardware
Profiles
the CPU, Motherboard, Memory, and GPU.
. Under the Current Hardware Settings tab there are settings for
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Current Hardware Settings
CPU
This option deals with CPU parameters and information. Here, the user has the ability to dynamically change FSB speeds, CPU Voltages, and CPU fan speeds. At all times, real-time values for CPU frequency and appropriate CPU multiplier are reported.
CAUTION: Increasing the voltage or the clock speed of a component may void its
warranty due to exceeding recommended specifications. NVIDIA and the board manufacturer are not responsible for damage that may occur when component tolerances are exceeded.
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Using NVIDIA Software
Motherboard
The
Motherboard option showcases a wide variety of motherboard and system-
wide options and settings. The controls located in the Adjust Motherboard Timings screen allow the bus speeds to be adjusted manually to increase performance for gaming, or lower performance to conserve power and create a quieter user environment. The number to the right of the slider is the new bus speed that will be applied. Adjustments can be made by using the mouse to drag the slider. All changes will take effect immediately after selecting Apply; however, these setting will only remain active for the current Windows session. This will allow a user to safely return to Windows in the event of a crash, without any possibility of boot issues since the changes are not made directly to the BIOS settings.
Note: All changes on Adjust Motherboard Settings are dynamically made when you
apply them, and only remain active for the current Windows session. You can save these settings as a profile for use later by using the Profile menu item. If a setting does not allow a change, it probably requires a reboot and should be changed in the BIOS or from the Dynamic BIOS Access page (if available).
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Memory
Memory is one of the most critical components in terms of determining overall system stability and overclocking success, a wealth of information and options for memory modules is available. Both timings and voltage are dynamically adjustable, with real-time values for memory frequency, FSB frequency, and more being viewable to help dictate which settings are most appropriate.
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Using NVIDIA Software
Row Address Strobe
Adjusts the minimum RAS active time. This is the amount of time between a row being activated by Precharge and deactivated. A row cannot be deactivated until tRAS has completed. The lower this value, the faster the performance. However, if it is set too low it can cause data corruption by deactivating the row to soon. Adjustable from 1 to 63.
Write Recovery Time
Memory timing that determines the delay between a write command and a Precharge command is set to the same bank of memory. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
W to R Termination Turnaround
The Write-to-Read time is the number of clock cycles between the last
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write data pair and the subsequent READ command to the same physical block. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
RAS to CAS access
The RAS-to-CAS access (tRCD) is the amount of time in cycles for issuing an active command and the read/write commands. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
RAS to RAS Delay
The RAS-to-RAS delay (tRRD) is the is the amount of cycles it takes to activate the next bank of memory (this is the opposite of tRAS). The lower the timing the better the system performance. However, this scenario can cause instability. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
Refresh Rate
This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.
Memory bank switch
The row Precharge time (tRP) is the minimum time between active commands and the read/writes of the next bank on the memory module. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
R to W Turnaround
The Read-to-Write turnaround (tRWT) is a the amount of cycles for the command to be executed when a Write command is received. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
R to R Timing
the Read-to-Read time (tRDRD) is the number of clock cycles between the last read and the subsequent READ command to the same physical bank. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
Row Cycle Time
The Row Cycle Time is the minimum time in cycles it take a row to complete a full cycle. This can be determined by tRC=tRAS+tRP. If this value is set too short, it can cause corruption of data. If this value is set too high, it causes a loss in performance but an increase in stability. Adjustable from 1 to 63 cycles
W to R Command Delay
The Write-to-Read (tWRD) command delay is the amount of cycles required between a valid write command and the next read command. A
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lower cycle time results in better performance but is can instability. Adjustable from 0 to 6 cycles.
W to W Timing
The Write-to-Write (tWRWR) timing is the number of clock cycles between the last write and the subsequent Write command to the same physical bank. Adjustable from 2 to 15 cycles.
CAS Latency
The CAS Latency (tCL) is the time (in number of clock cycles) that elapses after the memory controller sends a request to read a memory location and before the data is sent to the module's output pins. The value shown cannot be changed.
Clock Drive Strength
This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.
Command Per Clock
The Command Per Clock (tCPC) sets the Command Rate for the memory controller. The value shown cannot be changed
Async Latency
This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.
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GPU
The graphics processing unit (GPU) located on your video card(s) can be adjusted using frequencies of your GPU and GPU memory, and you can set the GPU fan speed. Increasing the clock speeds will increase your GPU performance but may necessitate improved cooling to maintain the same level of reliability.
Device Setting interface. You can override the shipped clock
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Dynamic BIOS Access
The Dynamic BIOS Access page allows you to change your system BIOS settings. The changes do not go into effect until after you reboot your system. Since these changes are made to actual BIOS settings in the CMOS, the settings remain active until you change them again or restore the CMOS to the default settings.
Click the want to edit. The BIOS page chosen determines which items on the page are available for changing. To edit an item, select the corresponding list arrow and then select one of the values from the list. When finished making your changes, click the
Available BIOS Pages list arrow and select the BIOS page that you
OK or Apply.
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Note This feature is available only with BIOS support from the motherboard
manufacturer. Available screen and features will vary between different makes and models of motherboards.
View System Information
The View System Information menu is a high-level view where all the critical values of the system are consolidated and presented within a single view. At a glance, the user can clearly see the current status of their components and receives a clear depiction of overall system performance.
Within the View System
Information section, the
user can also double-click values for both memory modules and processors to
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receive even more-detailed information regarding those components.
Profile Policies
Easily one of the most powerful aspects of NVIDIA Performance Server is the ability to create custom profiles and rules. Essentially, NVIDIA Performance Server allows the user to offer a custom set of settings and alerts which can be tailored from a global setting all the way to something as granular as a particular game. In short, you can effortlessly customize your system to run as silent as possible when performing less-demanding tasks such as browsing the web. When loading a game however, system settings adjust to extract the highest possible performance from every system component and ensure you have the ultimate gaming experience with your current hardware.
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Manage Your System BIOS
Thanks to the power and flexibility of NVIDIA’s Performance Server software, users can even backup or update their system BIOS from within Windows. In addition to displaying a complete collection of information regarding the current BIOS version being used, the user also has the option of saving a backup version of the BIOS being used. This is especially useful when updating the current BIOS because you have a known good BIOS to revert to should the other version have issues with system stability or performance.
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NVIDIA System Monitor
You can open the NVIDIA System Monitor several ways:
Double-click the NVIDIA System Monitor icon on the desktop
Click Start, then click All Programs¼NVIDIA Corporation¼NVIDIA
System Monitor
The NVIDIA System Monitor is a unique 3D presentation of core component values. For every supported device, a wide range of information ranging from temperature, frequency, and voltage are reported. Given the fact that the NVIDIA System Monitor is based around an OpenGL foundation, there is nearly zero performance overhead associated with running the utility.
Users can effortlessly navigate through NVIDIA System Monitor by selecting a particular component in order to view that hardware’s appropriate information. The selected component comes to the foreground and all supported information is presented. Should the user prefer an overhead view of the components in the system, they can utilize the mouse-wheel to control the angle of the display.
.
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