EVGA X58 3X SLI User Manual

User’s Guide

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

EVGA | 1

EVGA | 2

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

Table of Contents

User’s Guide.................................................................................................................1

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard ........................................................................................1

Before You Begin… .....................................................................................................8

Parts NOT in the Kit ................................................................................................. 8

Intentions of the Kit.................................................................................................. 8

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard .......................................................................................9

Motherboard Specifications..................................................................................... 9

Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ..........................................................................11

Unpacking .............................................................................................................. 11

Equipment.............................................................................................................. 11

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard .................................................................................. 13

Hardware Installation .................................................................................................16

Safety Instructions ................................................................................................. 16

Preparing the Motherboard.................................................................................... 17

Installing the CPU .............................................................................................. 17

Installing the CPU Fan ....................................................................................... 18

Installing System Memory (DIMMs) ................................................................... 19

Installing the Motherboard..................................................................................... 20

Installing the I/O Shield ...................................................................................... 20

Securing the Motherboard into a System Case ................................................ 21

Connecting Cables................................................................................................. 21

24-pin ATX Power (PW1) ............................................................................... 22

8-pin ATX 12V Power (PW12) ........................................................................ 23

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Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives...................................................................... 23

Connecting Serial ATA Cables........................................................................... 24

Connecting Internal Headers ............................................................................. 25

Front Panel Header ........................................................................................ 25

IEEE1394a (Firewire) ...................................................................................... 26

USB Headers ................................................................................................. 27

Audio .............................................................................................................. 28

Fan Connections................................................................................................ 29

COM1................................................................................................................. 30

Expansion Slots ................................................................................................. 30

PCI Slots ........................................................................................................ 31

PCI Express x1 Slots ..................................................................................... 31

PCI Express x16/x8 Slots .............................................................................. 31

Onboard Buttons ................................................................................................... 32

Clear CMOS Button ....................................................................................... 32

RESET and POWER Button ........................................................................... 32

Post Port Debug LED and LED Status Indicators ................................................. 33

Post Port Debug LED..................................................................................... 33

LED Status Indicators .................................................................................... 33

Configuring the BIOS .................................................................................................34

Enter BIOS Setup................................................................................................... 35

Main Menu ............................................................................................................. 35

Standard CMOS Features Menu ........................................................................... 38

Date and Time.................................................................................................... 39

SATA Channel.................................................................................................... 39

Halt On ............................................................................................................... 41

Memory .............................................................................................................. 41

Advanced BIOS Features....................................................................................... 42

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EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

Hard Disk Boot Priority ...................................................................................... 43

CD-ROM Device Priority .................................................................................... 43

First/Second/Third Boot Device ........................................................................ 43

Boot Other Device.............................................................................................. 44

Boot Up NumLock Status.................................................................................. 44

Security Option .................................................................................................. 44

Integrated Peripherals Menu.................................................................................. 45

Legacy Devices.................................................................................................. 45

OnChip PATA/SATA Device............................................................................... 46

Onboard Device ................................................................................................. 47

USB Device Settings.......................................................................................... 48

Power Management Setup Menu .......................................................................... 49

ACPI Function .................................................................................................... 49

ACPI Suspend Type........................................................................................... 50

Run VGABIOS if S3 Resume.............................................................................. 50

Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN...................................................................................... 50

Wake-Up by PCI Card ....................................................................................... 50

USB KB Wake-Up From S3 ............................................................................... 50

Resume by Alarm............................................................................................... 50

POWER ON Function......................................................................................... 51

Hot Key Power On ............................................................................................. 51

PWRON After PWR-Fail..................................................................................... 51

PnP/PCI Configuration Menu................................................................................. 52

Init Display First.................................................................................................. 52

Reset Configuration ........................................................................................... 53

Resources Controlled By ................................................................................... 53

IRQ Resources ................................................................................................... 53

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop ..................................................................................... 54

EVGA | 5

INT Pin 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 Assignment .................................................................. 54

Maximum Payload Size...................................................................................... 54

PC Health Status Menu ......................................................................................... 55

SmartFan Function............................................................................................. 56

Frequency/Voltage Control Menu.......................................................................... 57

Memory Feature................................................................................................. 58

CPU Feature....................................................................................................... 59

CPU Clock Ratio ................................................................................................ 61

CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............................................................................... 62

Spread Spectrum............................................................................................... 62

EVGA VDroop control ........................................................................................ 62

CPU VCore......................................................................................................... 62

CPU VTT Voltage ............................................................................................... 62

CPU PLL Vcore .................................................................................................. 62

DIMM Voltage .................................................................................................... 62

DIMM DQ Vref.................................................................................................... 63

QPI PLL Vcore.................................................................................................... 63

IOH Vcore........................................................................................................... 63

IOH/ICH I/O Voltage........................................................................................... 63

ICH Vcore........................................................................................................... 63

CPU Thermal Trip............................................................................................... 63

PWM Frequency ................................................................................................ 64

Installing Drivers and Software ................................................................................65

Windows XP/Vista Driver Installation..................................................................... 65

Appendix A. POST Codes for the EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard ..............................66

EVGA Glossary of Terms ....................................................................................... 74

EVGA | 6

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EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

List of Figures

Figure 1. EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard Layout..................................................... 14

Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors........................................................... 15

Figure 3. PW1 Motherboard Connector.............................................................. 22

Figure 4. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu ................................................. 36

Figure 5. Standard CMOS Features Menu.......................................................... 38

Figure 6. Advanced BIOS Features Menu........................................................... 42

Figure 7. Integrated Peripherals Menu................................................................ 45

Figure 8. Power Management Setup Menu ........................................................ 49

Figure 9. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu............................................................... 52

Figure 10. PC Health Status Menu........................................................................ 55

Figure 11. Frequency/Voltage Control Menu ........................................................ 57

Figure 12. Memory Feature Menu ......................................................................... 58

Figure 13. CPU Feature Menu............................................................................... 60

EVGA | 7

Before You Begin…

Parts NOT in the Kit

This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard. However, it does not contain the following
items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.

Intel Microprocessor
System Memory
Cooling fan for the Microprocessor
Graphics Card
Power Supply

EVGA assumes you have purchased all the necessary parts needed to allow for
proper system functionality.

Intentions of the Kit

This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary
to install the motherboard into a system case. 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 system case, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current Hard Disk Drive may already have an
operating system.

EVGA | 8

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

EVGA X58 SLI

Motherboard

Thank you for purchasing the EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers
enthusiast performance and 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 i7 processor

Operating systems:

Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit

Contains INTEL X58 and ICH10R chipset
System Memory support

Supports triple channel JEDEC DDR3-1333. Officially supports up to
12GBs of DDR3 memory.

USB 2.0 Ports

Supports hot plug
Twelve USB 2.0 ports (Eight rear panel ports, four onboard USB

headers)

Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to a 480 Mbps transmission rate

®

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Nine(9) onboard Serial ATA II + one(1) eSATA II

300MBps data transfer rate
Six Serial ATA II connectors from south bridge with support for RAID

0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

Two Serial ATA II connectors from JMicron’s JMB363 with support for

RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

Two Serial ATA II connectors from JMicron’s JMB362 (one rear panel

port for eSATA, one onboard connector)

Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )

Onboard LAN

Integrated Dual LAN ports
Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet

Onboard IEEE1394a (Firewire)

Support hot plug
Two IEEE1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with a

rate transmission of 400 Mbps

Onboard Audio

Realtek High-Definition audio
Supports 8-channel audio
Supports S/PDIF output (Optical and COAX)
Supports Jack-Sensing function

Triple PCI Express Support

Three (3) PCI-E 2.0 Slots
Supports 4 GB/sec (8 GB/sec concurrent) bandwidth
Low power consumption and power management features

Green Function

Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4

(Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)

Expansion Slots

Two PCI slots
One PCI Express x1 slot
Three PCI Express x8/x16 slots

EVGA | 10

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

EVGA | 11

Unpacking and

Parts Descriptions

Unpacking

The EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for
adding a motherboard to a system case. If replacing a motherboard, you may
not need many of these cables.

All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.

Equipment

The following accessories are included with the EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard.

The EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

This PCI Express motherboard contains the Intel X58 and
ICH10R chipset and is SLI-ready for both 2-Way and 3-Way
SLI configurations.

1 - Visual Guide

Helps to quickly and visually guide you through the hardware
installation of the motherboard.

1 - I/O Shield

Installs in the system case to block radio frequency
transmissions, protect internal components from dust, foreign
objects, and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.

3 - 2-Port SATA Power Cables

Allows a Molex power connector to adapt to a SATA power

6 - SATA Data Cables

1 - Installation CD

connector.

1 - IEEE1394a (Firewire) Bracket

Provides one (1) additional IEEE1394a port to the back panel
of the chassis.

1 - 4-Port USB 2.0 Bracket

Provides four additional USB ports to either the front or back
panels of the chassis.

Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and each one connects
a single drive to the motherboard.

1 - IDE Data Cable

Passes data between the IDE connection on the motherboard
and IDE device.

1 - 2-Way SLI Bridge

Bridges two (2) graphic cards together which allows for
2-Way SLI.

1 - 3-Way SLI Bridge

Bridges three (3) graphic cards together which allows for
3-Way SLI.

Contains drivers and software needed to setup the
motherboard.

EVGA | 12

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

The EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard with the Intel X58 and ICH10R chipset is a
PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard. Figure 1 shows the motherboard and
Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

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13

11

10

17

16

15

14

12

25

4
4

18

19

18

21

20

19

19

8

22

23

24

1

2

3

8

9

9. Debug LED Display - CPU Temperature
Monitor

8

6 7

EEEI .11 6631 tekcoS UPC .1 1394a Connector 21. Front Panel Audio Connector

19. PCI Express 2.0 Slots

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Figure 1. EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard Layout

EVGA | 14

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

7 2 3 5

8

1

4

6

2

1. PS/2 Keyboard Port

2. USB 2.0 Ports (Eight)

3. Clear CMOS Button

4. Coaxial SPDIF Output

5. Optical SPDIF Output

6. IEE1394a (Firewire) Port

7. eSATA Port

2

8

2

9

8. Dual LAN Ports with LEDs to indicate status:

Activity LED Status Description

Off No data transmission

Blinking (Green) Data transmission

Speed/Link LED Status Description

Yellow 1000 Mbps data rate
Green 100 Mbps data rate

Off 10 Mbps data rate

9. Audio Port 2-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 Center/Subwoofer
Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Grey Side Speaker Out

Figure 2. Chassis Back Panel Connectors

EVGA | 15

This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The
topics covered in this section are:

Preparing the motherboard

Installing the CPU
Installing the CPU fan
Installing the memory

Installing the motherboard
Connecting cables

Safety Instructions

Hardware Installation

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.

EVGA | 16

Preparing the Motherboard

Installing the CPU

Be very careful when handling the CPU. Hold the processor only by the edges
and do not touch the bottom of the processor.

1. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down

and away from the socket.

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

2. Put your finger on the tail of the load

and
plate and press down with light pressure
to lift the load plate up.

3. Lift the load plate. There is a protective

socket cover within the CPU socket to
protect the socket when there is no CPU
installed.

4. Remove the protective socket cover from

the CPU Socket.

Note: Remove the process 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.

EVGA | 17

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

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.

8. The CPU installation is complete.

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.

Align notches with notches on the CPU

EVGA | 18

Installing System Memory (DIMMs)

Your new motherboard has six 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory. These slots
support 256 MB, 512 MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB DDR3 technologies. 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
14 for the location of the memory slots.)

One DIMM: If using 1 DIMM (Single Channel), install into: DIMM slot 1.
Two or Four DIMMs: If using 2 DIMMs (Dual Channel), install into:

DIMM slots 1 and 3. If using 4 DIMMs (Dual Channel), install into:
DIMM slots 2, 1, 4, and 3.

Three DIMMs: If using 3 DIMMs (Triple Channel), install into: DIMM

slots 1, 3 and 5.

Six DIMMs: If using more than 4 DIMMs, use: DIMM slots 2, 1, 4, and 3

then proceed to occupy the following DIMM slots in this order: 5 and 6.

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 4
DIMM Slot 3
DIMM Slot 6
DIMM Slot 5

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.

EVGA | 19

Installing the Motherboard

The sequence of installing the motherboard into a system case depends on the
chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or
working with an empty system case. 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 system

case 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. This will
depend on the system case being used.

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.

EVGA | 20

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

Securing the Motherboard into a System Case

Most system cases have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the
motherboard 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 and screws.

1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the stand off /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 recommended minimum of nine (9) screws.

Connecting Cables

This section takes you through all the necessary connections on the
motherboard. This will include:

Power Connections

24-pin ATX power (
8-pin ATX 12V power (PW12)

Internal Headers

Front panel
IEEE 1394a
USB Headers
Audio
COM

IDE
Serial ATA II
Chassis Fans

PW1)

EVGA | 21

1

USB 2.0
Expansion slots
CMOS Clear Button

24-pin ATX Power (PW1)

PW1 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.

Card edge

Figure 3. PW1 Motherboard Connector

PW1 connector
Plug power cable from system
power supply to PW1

Table 1. PW1 Pin Assignments

EVGA | 22

Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal

1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V

24

12

13

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
9 +5V_AUX 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 GND

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

8-pin ATX 12V Power (PW12)

PW12, 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.

GND

12V

Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives

The IDE connector supports Ultra ATA 133/100 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.

Note: If an ATA-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.

Motherboard Edge

IDE Connector

EVGA | 23

T

T

T

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 nine (9) internal serial ATA connectors and one (1) e-SATA on this
motherboard. Connection points SATA0 - SATA5, are controlled by the South
Bridge Chipset. Connection points SATA8 - SATA9, are controlled by the
JMicron JMB363 chip. These connection points support RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 0+1 and JBOD configurations. SATA6 and SATA7 are
controlled by the JMicron JMB362 chip.

SATA 5

SATA 4

SATA 2 (bottom)
SATA 3 (top)

SATA 0 (bottom)
SATA 1 (top)

SATA 7

SATA 8 (bottom)
SATA 9 (top)

X-

X-

RX+

X+

GND



GND

GND

Connect the locking cable end to
the motherboard connector.

Connect the end without the lock
to the SATA device.

SATA 6(e-SATA)

EVGA | 24

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
turn on status, the LED is on. When
the system is turn off status, the LED
is off. When the system is in S1, S1, S3,
S4 status, the LED will blink.

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

Note: Some system cases do not have al

name on the connectors to the corresponding pins.

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 onboard 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

RESET switch is pressed.

the

l four cables. Be sure to match the

Table 2.Front Panel Header Pins

Pin Signal

HD_LED

PWRLED

RESET

PWRSW
No Connect 9 +5V

Empty 10 Empty

1 HD_PWR
3 HD Active
2 PWR LED
4 STBY LED
5 Ground
7 RST BTN
6 PWR BTN
8 Ground

EVGA | 25

IEEE1394a (Firewire)

The IEEE 1394a 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 the system case (not

all system cases are equipped with the front panel option).

2. Connect the end of the cable(s) to the IEEE1394a headers on the

motherboard.

Table 3. IEEE 1394a Connector Pins

Connector Pin Signal

IEEE 1394a Connector

10

8
6
4
2

9
7
5
3
1

1 TPA+
2 TPA­3 GND
4 GND
5 TPB+
6 TPB­7 +12V
8 +12V
9 Empty
10 GND

Card
Edge

EVGA | 26

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

USB Headers

This motherboard contains eight (8) 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) 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

Connector Pin Signal

USB 2.0 Header Connector

1 5V_DUAL
3 D­5 D+
7 GND
9 Empty

Pin Signal

2 5V_DUAL
4 D­6 D+
8 GND
10 No Connect

EVGA | 27

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

EVGA | 28

Fan Connections

A

There are six fan connections on the motherboard. The fan speed can be
detected and viewed in the
fans are automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 mode.

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

PC Health Status section of the CMOS Setup. The

System Fan

Sense

+12V

Ground

Sense

+12V

Ground

Chassis Fan

Ground

Power Fan

+12V

Ground

Sense

Note: 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.

CPU Fan

Ground

+12V

Sense

Control

Sense

UX Fan

+12V

Chipset Fan

+12V

Sense

Ground

EVGA | 29

COM1

The motherboard kit provides an additional serial COM header for the system.
Connect one side of the cable to the headers on the motherboard then, attach
the serial COM device to the other side of the cable.

Expansion Slots

The EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard contains six (6) expansion slots, four (4) PCI
Express slots and two (2) PCI slots. For a full list of PCI Express graphic cards
supported by this motherboard, visit: www.EVGA.com/Products

5 4

23

16

Slot Listing

1 – PCI-E 2.0 x16 - Slot 1 (Primary)
2 – PCI-E x1 - Slot 1

3 – PCI-E 2.0 x8/x16 - Slot 2

4 –

PCI - Slot 1
PCI-E 2.0 x8 - Slot 3

5 –

PCI - Slot 2

6 –

Note: When using 1 Graphic Card in PCI-E: Slot 1, a speed of x16 will be used.

When using 2 Graphic Cards in PCI-E Slots: 1 and 3, a speed of x16/x16
will be used. When running 3 Graphic Cards in PCI-E Slots: 1, 3, and 5 a
speed of x16/x8/x8 will be used.

EVGA | 30

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

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 is one PCI Express x1 slot that is 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/x8 Slots

These PCI Express slots are reserved for Graphic Cards. The design of this
motherboard supports multiple Graphic Card technology.

When installing a PCI Express Graphic 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.

EVGA | 31

Onboard Buttons

These onboard buttons include RESET, POWER and Clear CMOS. These
functions allow you to easily reset the system, turn on/off the system, or clear
the CMOS.

Clear CMOS Button

The motherboard uses the CMOS
RAM to store all the set parameters.
The CMOS can be cleared by pressing
the Clear CMOS button either onboard
or on the external I/O Panel.

RESET and POWER Button

These onboard buttons allow you to easily turn on/off the system. These
buttons allow for easy debugging and testing of the system during
troubleshooting situations.

External Clear CMOS Button

The POWER button with LED indicates the system’s status. When the system
is powered on, the LED remains a solid green.

The RESET button with an integrated LED indicates the activity status of the
hard disk drives and will flicker accordingly.

EVGA | 32

RESET
Button

POWER
Button

Clear CMOS

Button

Post Port Debug LED and
LED Status Indicators

Post Port Debug LED

Provides two-digit POST codes to show why the system may be failing to boot.
It is useful during troubleshooting situations. This Debug LED will also display
current CPU temperatures after the system has fully booted into the Operating
System.

LED Status Indicators

Theses LEDs indicate the system’s status.

EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard

Debug LED with CPU

Temperature Monitor

POWER LED (Yellow):

When the System is powered on: This LED is on.

DIMM LED (Green):

When the Memory slot is functional: This LED is on.

STANDBY LED (Blue):

When the System is in Standby Mode: This LED is on. This LED will

remain on as long as the motherboard is receiving constant power.

POWER LED

(YELLOW)

DIMM LED

(GREEN)

STANDBY LED

(BLUE)

EVGA | 33

Configuring the BIOS

This section discusses how to change the system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. 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
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup

SOIB eht gnirugifnoC

PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status
Frequency/Voltage Control

EVGA | 34

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.

3. Power on the computer.

4. 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
options or press
keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the
previous menu, press

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.

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the

Enter to display the associated submenu. Use the  arrow

Esc.

EVGA | 35

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Standard CMOS Features

Advanced BIOS Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
PC Health Status

Frequency/Voltage Control

Esc : Quit
F10 : Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date, Hard Disk Type..,

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Load Optimized Defaults

Set Supervisor Password
Set User Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving

: Select Item

Figure 4. 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.

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.

PnP/PCI Configurations

Use this menu to modify the system’s Plug-and-Play and PCI configurations.

PC Health Status

Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC, including
temperature, voltages, and fan speed.

EVGA | 36

Frequency/Voltage Control

Use this menu to optimize system performance and configure clocks,
voltages, memory timings, and more.

The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands
rather than submenus:

Load Fail-Safe Defaults

Load Fail-Safe defaults system settings.

Load Optimized Defaults

Load Optimized defaults system settings.

Set Supervisor Password/Set User 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.

SOIB eht gnirugifnoC

EVGA | 37

p

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
and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the
sub-menu. Use the
choose. To go back to the previous menu, press

The information shown in Item Help corresponds to the option highlighted.

arrow keys to position the selector in the option you

Esc.

Page Up

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Date (mm:dd:yy) Thu, Oct 23 2008
Time (hh:mm:ss) 12 : 48: 23

SATA 0 [None]
SATA 1 [None]
SATA 2 [None]
SATA 3 [None]
SATA 4 [None]
SATA 5 [None]

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

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:O

Standard CMOS Features

Item Help

Main Level

Change the day, month,
year and century

timized Defaults

Figure 5. Standard CMOS Features Menu

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.

EVGA | 38

Date and Time

Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through dates and times. Note that

the
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

SATA Channel

Use these functions to detect and configure the SATA channels. Select a
channel and press

SATA 0 [None]
SATA 1 [None]
SATA 2 [None]
SATA 3 [None]
SATA 4 [None]
SATA 5 [None]

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Enter to display the SATA sub-menu.

Press ENTER to display

SATA Channel sub-menu

IDE Auto-Detect [Press Enter]

Extended IDE Drive [None}

Access Mode Auto

Capacity 0 MB

Cylinder 0

Precomp 0
Landing Zone 0
Sector 0

0 daeH

EVGA | 39

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
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]

BM 0 yticapaC

Cylinder .....0

Head [ 0]
Precomp [ 0]
Landing Zone [ 0]
Sector [ 0]

The BIOS supports the following HDD
Access Modes:

CHS

For HDD less than 528 MB.

LBA

For HDD greater than 528 MB and

Press ENTER to display sub-menu

or enter number manually

Cylinder

Min= 0
Max=65535

Key in a DEC number :

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

supporting LBA (Logical Block
Addressing).

Large

For HDD greater than 528 MB but not supporting LBA.

Auto

Recommended mode.

,

Enter to

EVGA | 40

Halt On

[

Halt On determines whether or not the computer stops if an error is detected

during power on. Use the
options or press
to position the selector in the option you choose. Press
changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features menu.

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Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the

Enter to display the Halt On sub-menu. Use the arrow keys

Enter to accept the

Halt On

All Errors

Whenever the BIOS detects a nonfatal
error, the system stops and prompts you.

No Errors

ystem boot does not stop for any detected

S

errors.

All, But Keyboard

System boot does not stop for keyboard
errors, but does stop for all other errors.

Memory

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.

All , But Keyboard]

Base Memory 640K

Extended Memory 1047552K

Press ENTER to display sub-menu

Halt On

All Errors ..... [ ]

No Errors ..... [ ]

All , But Keyboard ..... [

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

]

EVGA | 41

F

-

S

Advanced BIOS Features

Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup
screen. Use the
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

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 or

Esc.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

` Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter]
` CD-ROM Boot Priority [Press Enter]

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]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

5:Previous Values F6:Fail

Advanced BIOS Features

Item Help

Main Level `

Select Removable Boot
Device Priority

afe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Figure 6. Advanced BIOS Features Menu

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.

EVGA | 42

Configuring the BIOS

d

-in

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
down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press

+ or – keys to move the device priority up or

Esc.

1. Ch0. : ST3802110A

2. Bootable Ad

Cards

Use the + and – keys to move
the priority of the device within
the list

CD-ROM Device Priority

Use this option to select the priority for CD-ROM 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

+ or – keys to move the device priority up or

down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press

1. Ch0 M. : BENQ DVD DC DW1810

First/Second/Third Boot Device

Use this option to set the priority sequence of the devices booted at power on.
Use the

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 press

First Boot Device

Removable ..... [

Hard Disk ..... [ ]

CDROM ..... [ ]

Legacy LAN ..... [ ]

Disabled ..... [ ]



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

]

Esc.

EVGA | 43

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.

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.

EVGA | 44

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

` Legacy Devices [Press Enter]
` OnChip PATA/SATA Device [Press Enter]
` Onboard Device [Press Enter]
` USB Device Setting [Press Enter]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

Integrated Peripherals

Item Help

Main Level `

Figure 7. Integrated Peripherals Menu

Legacy Devices

Press Enter to display the Legacy Devices menu.

Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8/IRQ4]

EVGA | 45

Onboard Serial Port 1

This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to select the
onboard serial port 1 function. Options are [3F8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3],
[3E8/IRQ4], [Auto], and [Disabled]

OnChip PATA/SATA Device

Press Enter to display the OnChip PATA/SATA Device menu.

SATA Mode ]EDI[
LEGACY Mode Support [Disabled]

JMB362 SATA Controller [Auto]

JMB363 SATA/PATA Controller [Auto]
JMB363 Mode [IDE]

SATA Mode

This is allows you set the onboard Serial SATA mode.

IDE: Use the Serial ATA hard disk drivers as Parallel ATA storage

devices.

RAID: Create a RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 and JBOD configuration
AHCI: Use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) to enables

advanced SATA features for improved performance with NCQ and
Hot-plug features

LEGACY Mode Support

JMB362 SATA Controller

JMB363 SATA/PATA Controller

EVGA | 46

This function allows the SATA controller to operate in LEGACY mode.
Selected Disabled if you install operating system that support Native mode.

This function allows you to enable JMB362 SATA Controller for SATA port
6/7 control. The options are Auto, Enabled and Disabled.

This function allows you to enable JMB363 SATA Controller for IDE &
SATA port control. The options are Auto, Enabled and Disabled.

JM363 Mode

This function allows you set the onboard Serial JM363 mode. The options are
IDE, RAID and AHCI.

Onboard Device

Press Enter to display the Onboard Device menu.

PE4 Slot (PCIE x1) [Auto]

Realtek GigaLan (LAN1) [Auto]
Realtek GigaLan (LAN2) [Auto]

Realtek Lan PXE Boot ROM [Disabled]

TI 1394 Setting [Enabled]

P80 Show CPU Temp. [Enabled]

PE4 Slot (PCIE x1)

Use this function to set the PCI-e x1 Slot function. The options are Auto,
Enabled and Disabled.

Realtek GigaLan (LAN1)

Use this function to set the onboard Realtek GigaLan function for LAN1.
The options are Auto, Enabled and Disabled.

SOIB eht gnirugifnoC

Realtek GigaLan (LAN2)

Use this function to set the onboard Realtek GigaLan function for LAN2.
The options are Auto, Enabled and Disabled.

Realtek Lan PXE Boot ROM

This function allows you to enable or disable the onboard Realtek Lan PXE
Boot ROM for booting from LAN.

TI 1394 Setting

This function allows you to enable or disable the IEEE1394 (Firewire)
interface.

P80 Show CPU Temp.

When this function is enabled the onboard Post Port LED will display the
CPU temperature.

EVGA | 47

USB Device Settings

Press Enter to display the USB Device Settings menu.

USB 1.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB Operation Mode [High Speed]
USB Keyboard Function [Enabled]

USB Mouse Function [Enabled]
USB Storage Function [Enabled]

*** USB Mass Storage Device Boot Setting ***

USB 1.0 Controller

Use this function to enable the USB 1.0 controller.

USB 2.0 Controller

Use this function to enable the USB 2.0 (EHCI) controller.

USB Operation Mode

Select the USB Operation Mode for USB device. Options are Full/Low
Speed and High Speed.

USB Keyboard Function

USB Mouse Function

USB Storage Function

EVGA | 48

Use this function to enable or disable support for USB keyboard under DOS.

Use this function to enable or disable support for USB mouse under DOS

Use this function to enable or disable legacy support of USB Mass Storage

Configuring the BIOS

Power Management Setup
Menu

Select Power Management Setup from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and

Enter to display the Power Management Setup menu.

press

ACPI function [Enabled]
APCI Suspend Type [S3(STR)]

Run VGABIOS if S3 Resume [Auto]

Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN [Instant-Off]

Wake-Up by PCI Card [Enabled]
USB KB Wake-Up From S3 [Disabled]
Resume by Alarm [Disabled]

x Day of Month Alarm 0
x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm 0 : 0 : 0

POWER ON Function [Disabled]

x Hot Key Power On Ctrl-F1

PWRON After PWR-Fail [Off]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

Figure 8. 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 `

EVGA | 49

ACPI Suspend Type

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to select an
ACPI Suspend Type. Types to select from are

[S3(STR)].

[S1&S3], [S1(POS)], and

Run VGABIOS if S3 Resume

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you determines
whether or not to enable the system to run the VGA BIOS when resuming
from S3(STR) or S1&S3. The Options are Auto, Yes and No.

Soft-Off by PWR-BTTN

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to set Soft­Off by PBNT to

[Instant-Off] or [Delay 4 Sec].

Wake-Up by PCI Card

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows PCI Card to wake­up the system from Soft-off state.

USB KB Wake-Up From S3

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows a USB keyboard
device to wake-up the system from S3 state.

Resume by Alarm

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or
disable the Power-on by alarm function. Set to
on by alarm. When set to
month and the time of the alarm.

EVGA | 50

[Enable], you can manually put in the day of the

[Disable] to prevent power-

Day of Month Alarm [ 0]
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm [0 : 0 : 0]

To enter a day or time, use the
numbers or enter the number using the keyboard number or the

POWER ON Function

This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to define the
power-on function. Options for this function are:

Disabled
Keyboard

Hot Key Power On

Use this function with the above “POWER ON Function” to set a combination
of keys that can be used to power on the system. Options for this function are:

Ctrl-Esc
Ctrl-F1
Ctrl-Space
Anykey

SOIB eht gnirugifnoC

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through

+ and – keys.

PWRON after PWR-Fail

This function enables your computer to automatically restart or return to its last
operating status after power returns from a power failure.

Off:

The system stays off after a power failure.

On: The system stays on after a power failure

EVGA | 51

PnP/PCI Configuration
Menu

Select PnP/PCI Configuration from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press

Enter to display the PnP/PCI Configuration menu.

Init Display First [PCI Slot]

Reset Configuration [Disabled]
Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]

x IRQ Resources Press Enter

PCI/VGA Palette [Disabled]
INT Pin 1 Assignment [Auto]

INT Pin 2 Assignment [Auto]

INT Pin 3 Assignment [Auto]

INT Pin 4 Assignment [Auto]

INT Pin 5 Assignment [Auto]

INT Pin 6 Assignment [10]

INT Pin 7 Assignment [Auto]

INT Pin 8 Assignment [7]

** PCI Express relative items **

Maximum Payload Size [128]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

Figure 9. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu

Init Display First

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

PnP/PCI Configuration

Item Help

Main Level `

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].

EVGA | 52

Configuring the BIOS

esources

[Press

]

Reset Configuration

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 [Disabled].

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
these fields. If you select

Resources

Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]

x IRQ Resources Press Enter

[Auto(ESCD)] if you want the BIOS to automatically populate

[Manual] so you can assign the resources, IRQ

is enabled for input.

IRQ Resources

Resources Controlled By [Manual)]
IRQ R

Enter

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]

EVGA | 53

Use Legacy ISA for devices compliant with the original PC AT Bus
specification. Use PCI/ISA PnP for devices compliant with the plug-and-play
standard, whether designed for PCI or ISA Bus architecture.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop

This item is designed to overcome problems that may be caused by some
nonstandard VGA cards..

INT Pin 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 Assignment

This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to set the INT
Pin 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 Assignment.

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
sizes.

+ and – keys to go up and down the list of

EVGA | 54

PC Health Status Menu

P

Select PC Health Status from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter
to display the PC Health Status menu.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

` SmartFan Function [Press Enter]

VCC 3.3V 3.28V

CPU Vcore 1.19V
DIMM Voltage 1.48V
CPU VTT Voltage 1.23V
IOH Vcore 1.08V
VCC 4.96V
+12V 12.10V
3VSB 3.23V
VBT 3.15V
CPU temperature 31oC

NB temperature 55oC

VREG temperature 50oC
System temperature 33oC
CPU Fan Speed 3054 RPM
Power Fan Speed 0 RPM
Chassis Fan Speed 0 RPM

AUX Fan Speed 0 RPM



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

C Health Status

Figure 10. PC Health Status Menu

Item Help

Main Level `

All of the values shown in Blue are dynamic and change as the speed and
voltages of the various components change with system usage.

EVGA | 55

SmartFan Function

Press Enter to display the SmartFan Function menu.

CPU Speed Control [SmartFan]

x Manual Fan Speed, % 100

If temp > 100ºC, Set Fan Speed 100%
If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 50%

Power Speed Control [SmartFan]

x Manual Fan Speed, % 100

If temp > 100ºC, Set Fan Speed 100%
If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 50%

Chassis Speed Control [SmartFan]

x Manual Fan Speed, % 100

If temp > 100ºC, Set Fan Speed 100%
If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 50%

Use this menu to control the speed of the various fans on the motherboard. Set
CPU fan speed to

[SmartFan] when you want the speed of the fans

automatically controlled based on temperature. To set the fan speed to a
constant rate, select

[Manual] and then enter the speed from 0% to 100%.

Set the desired speed for the Power and Chassis fans from 0% to 100%. The
system defaults to 100%.

EVGA | 56

Configuring the BIOS

P

Frequency/Voltage Control
Menu

Select Frequency/Voltage Control from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and

Enter to display the Frequency/Voltage Control menu.

press

hoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Frequency/Voltage Control

` Memory Feature [Press Enter]
` CPU Feature [Press Enter]

CPU Clock Ratio [22X]
CPU Host Frequency(Mhz) [133]
Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

PCIE Frequency(Mhz) [100]

EVGA VDroop control [With VDroop]
CPU VCore [1.25000V] 1.25000V
CPU VTT Voltage [Auto] 1.100V
CPU PLL Vcore [Auto] 1.800V
DIMM Voltage [Auto] 1.500V

DIMM DQ Vref [+0mv] +0mv
QPI PLL Vcore [Auto] 1.100V
IOH Vcore [Auto] 1.100V

IOH/ICH I/O Voltage [Auto] 1.500V
ICH Vcore [Auto] 1.050V

CPU Thermal Trip [Enabled]

PWM Frequency [x 0.8] x 0.8



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

Main Level `

Figure 11. Frequency/Voltage Control Menu

Item Help

EVGA | 57

F

-

S

P

Memory Feature

Select Memory Feature from the Frequency/Voltage Control menu and press

Enter to display the Memory Feature menu.

hoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Memory Control Setting [Disabled]
Memory Frequency [Auto]
Channel Interleave Setting [6 way]

Rank Interleave Setting [4 way]

Parameters Setting Current Value

tCL Setting [Auto] 8

tRCD Setting [Auto] 8

tRP Setting [Auto] 8

tRAS Setting [Auto] 19

tRFC Setting [Auto] 59

Command Rate [Auto] 2T

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

5:Previous Values F6:Fail

Memory Feature

afe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Figure 12. Memory Feature Menu

Item Help

Main Level

Memory Control Setting

This function is allows you to select the Memory Control Setting.

Memory Frequency

This function is allows you to select the Memory Frequency. The options are
Auto, 800Mhz, 1067Mhz and 1333Mhz.

Channel Interleave Setting

This function is allows you to select the Channel Interleave Setting. The
options are 1 way, 2 way, 3 way, 4 way, 5 way and 6 way.

Rank Interleave Setting

This function is allows you to select the Rank Interleave Setting. The options
are 1 way, 2 way and 4 way.

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tCL Setting

This function is set the CAS latency. The options are 0 through 18.

tRCD Setting

This function is set the RAS to CAS Delay for Read/Write commands to the
same bank. The options are 0 through 15.

tRP Setting

This function is set the Row Precharge time. This is the Precharge-to-Active
or Auto-to-Refresh of the same bank. The options are 0 through 15.

tRAS Setting

This function is set the minimum RAS# active time. The options are 0
through 31.

Command Rate

This function is set the command timing setting on a per clock unit basis.
The options are Auto, 1T and 2T.

CPU Feature

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Select CPU Feature from the Frequency/Voltage Control menu and press

Enter to display the CPU Feature menu.

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Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

CPU Feature

Intel SpeedStep [Enabled]

Turbo Mode Function [Enabled]

CxE Function [Auto]

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Virtualization Technology [Enabled]

***** Logical Processor Setting *****
Intel HT Technology [Enabled]

Active Processor Cores [All]

***** QPI Controller Setting *****

QPI Controller Setting [Enabled]

QPI Link Fast Mode [Enabled]

QPI Frequency Selection [Auto]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F5:Previous Values F6:Fail-Safe Defaults F7:Optimized Defaults

Item Help

Main Level

Figure 13. CPU Feature Menu

Intel SpeedStep

Use this function to enable the Intel SpeedStep technology (EIST). The
options are Enabled and Disabled.

Turbo Mode Function

CxE Function

Execute Disable Bit

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Use this function to enable the Intel Turbo Mode Function. The options are
Enabled and Disabled.

This function allows you to select the lowest C state supported according as
CPU and MB. The options are Auto, Disabled, C1, C1E, C3 and C6.

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.

Logical Processor Setting

Intel HT Technology

This function is allows you to enable the Intel HT Technology. The options
are Enabled and Disabled.

Active Processor Cores

This function active number of cores to enable in each processor package.
The options are All, 1 and 2.

QPI Controller Setting

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QPI Controller Setting

This function is allows you to enable the QPI (QuickPath Interconnect)
Controller Setting. The options are Enabled and Disabled.

QPI Link Fast Mode

This function is allows you to enable the QPI Link Fast Mode. The options
are Enabled and Disabled.

QPI Frequency Selection

This function is allows you to select the QPI Frequency. The options are
Auto, 4.800 GT/s, 5.866 GT/s and 6.400 GT/s.

CPU Clock Ratio

This value changes the CPU Frequency value depending on the value you
choose. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options.

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CPU Host Frequency (Mhz)

This item allows you to select the CPU Host Frequency. This value changes the
CPU Frequency value depending on the value you choose. Use the Page Up and
Page Down keys to scroll through the options.

Spread Spectrum

This item reduces the EMI generated. The options are Disabled and Enabled.

EVGA VDroop control

EVGA VDroop control is a safety measure by motherboards to protect the
CPU. Select to [With VDroop] to calibrate CPU VDroop or select to [Without
VDroop] to disable this function.

CPU VCore

Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or select
[Auto] to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU Core.

CPU VTT Voltage

Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or select
[Auto] to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU VTT Voltage.

CPU PLL Vcore

Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or select
[Auto] to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU PLL Voltage.

DIMM Voltage

This function defines the voltage level for the DRAM. Use the Page Up and
Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto] to automatically set the

voltage.

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Configuring the BIOS

DIMM DQ Vref

This function defines the voltage level for the DRAM DQ Vref. Use the Page
Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage to set the voltage.

QPI PLL Vcore

Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or select
[Auto] to automatically set the voltage level for the QPI PLL Voltage.

IOH Vcore

This function defines the core voltage level for the Intel IOH chip. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto] to
automatically set the voltage.

IOH/ICH I/O Voltage

This function defines the voltage level for the Intel IOH/ICH I/O Voltage
chip. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]
to automatically set the voltage.

ICH Vcore

This function defines the core voltage level for the Intel ICH chip. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto] to
automatically set the voltage.

CPU Thermal Trip

This function allows you to set the CPU Thermal Trip function. The options
are Enabled and Disabled.

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PWM Frequency

This function allows you to select the PWM frequency. For the following
options, higher is cleaner, lower is more energy efficient: 806KHz, 935KHz,
1057KHz.

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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 utilities, drivers, and additional software.

The CD that has been shipped with the EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard contains
the following software and drivers:

Chipset Drivers
Audio drivers
RAID drivers
LAN Drivers
Matrix Storage
JMicron SATA Drivers
EVGA E-LEET
NVIDIA SLI Drivers
Adobe Acrobat Reader
User’s Manual

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Windows XP/Vista Driver
Installation

5. Insert the Intel X58 Express installation CD for the motherboard included

in the kit.

6. The CD will autorun, 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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Appendix A. POST Codes for the EVGA

X58 SLI Motherboard

This section provides the Award POST Codes (Table

6) for the EVGA X58 SLI Motherboard during
system boot up.

The POST Codes are displayed on the Debug LED
readout located directly onboard the motherboard.

This Debug LED will also display current CPU
temperatures after the system has fully booted
into the Operating System.

Table 6. Award POST Code

Debug LED with CPU

Temperature Monitor

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Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

01 Reserved
02 Jumps to E000

segment
03 Early SuperIO Init Early Initialized the super IO
04 Reserved
05 Blank video Reset Video controller
06 Reserved
07 Init KBC Keyboard controller init
08 KB test Test the Keyboard
09 Reserved

0A Mouse Init Initialized the mouse

0B Reserved
0C Reserved
0D Reserved

0E CheckSum Check the integrity of the ROM,BIOS and message

Execution of POST routines in E000

Configuring the BIOS

Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

Check
0F Reserved
10 Autodetect

EEPROM
11 Reserved
12 Test CMOS Test and Reset CMOS
13 Reserved
14 Load Chipset Load Chipset Defaults
15 Reserved
16 Init Clock Initialize onboard clock generator
17 Reserved
18 Init CPU CPU ID and initialize L1/L2 cache
19 Reserved

1A Reserved

1B Setup Interrupt

Vector Table

1C CMOS Battery

Check

1D Early PM Early PM initialization

1E Reserved
1F Re-initial KB Load keyboard matrix
20 Reserved
21 HPM init Init Heuristic Power Management (HPM)
22 Reserved
23 Program

chipset
24 Init PNP Init PNP
25 Shadow VBIOS Shadow system/video BIOS
26 Clock Gen Init onboard clock generator and sensor
27 Setup BDA Setup BIOS DATA AREA (BDA)
28 Reserved

Check Flash type and copy flash write/erase routines

Initialize first 120 interrupt vectors with
SPURIOUS_INT_HDLR and initialize INT 00h-1Fh
according to INT_TBL

Test CMOS and check Battery Fail

Early Programming of chipset registers

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Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

29 CPU Speed

detect

2A Reserved

2B Init video Initialize Video

2C Reserved
2D Video memory

test
2E Reserved
2F Reserved
30 Reserved
31 Reserved
32 Reserved
33 Early keyboard

reset
34 Reserved
35 Test DMA

Controller 0
36 Reserved
37 Test DMA

Controller 1
38 Reserved
39 Test DMA Page

Registers

3A Reserved

3B Reserved

3C Test Timer Test 8254 Timer 0 Counter 2.
3D Reserved

3E Test 8259-1

Mask
3F Reserved
40 Test 8259-2

Mask
41 Reserved
42 Reserved

Chipset programming and CPU Speed detect

Test Video Memory and display Logos

Early Keyboard Reset

Test DMA channel 0

Test DMA channel 1

Test DMA Page Registers

Verify 8259 Channel 1 masked interrupts by
alternately turning off and on the interrupt lines.

Verify 8259 Channel 2 masked interrupts by
alternately turning off and on the interrupt lines.

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Configuring the BIOS

Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

43 Test Stuck

Interrupt

44 Reserved
45 Reinit serial

port
46 Reserved
47 EISA Test If EISA non-volatile memory checksum is good,

48 Reserved
49 Size Memory Size base memory from 256K to 640K and extended

4A Reserved

4B Reserved

4C Reserved
4D Reserved

4E Init APIC Initialize APIC and set MTRR
4F Reserved
50 USB init Initialize USB controller
51 Reserved
52 Memory Test Test all memory of memory above 1MB using Virtual

53 Reserved
54 Reserved
55 CPU display Detect CPU speed and display CPU vendor specific

56 Reserved
57 PnP Init

Display
58 Reserved
59 Setup Virus Setup virus protect according to Protect Setup

5A Reserved

Turn off interrupts then verify no 8259's interrupt
mask register is on. Test 8259 Force an interrupt and
verify the interrupt occurred.

Reinitialize Preboot agent serial port

execute EISA initialization. If not, execute ISA tests
and clear EISA mode flag.

memory above 1MB.

8086 mode, page mode and clear the memory

version string and turn on all necessary CPU features

PnP logo and PnP early init

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Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

5B Awdflash Load If required, will auto load Awdflash.exe in POST

5C Reserved
5D Onboard I/O Init Initializing onboard superIO

5E Reserved
5F Reserved
60 Setup enable Display setup message and enable setup functions
61 Reserved
62 Reserved
63 Initialize

Mouse
64 Reserved
65 PS2 Mouse

special
66 Reserved
67 ACPI init ACPI sub-system initializing
68 Reserved
69 Init Cache Initialize cache controller

6A Reserved

6B Setup Enter setup check and autoconfiguration check up

6C Reserved
6D Initialize

Floppy
6E Reserved
6F FDD install Install FDD and setup BIOS data area parameters
70 Reserved
71 Reserved
72 Reserved
73 Initialize Hard

Drive
74 Reserved
75 Detect HDD IDE device detection
76 Reserved
77 Detect serial Initialize serial ports.

Detect if mouse is present, initialize mouse, install
interrupt vectors.

Special treatment to PS2 Mouse port

Initialize floppy disk drive

Initialize hard drive controller

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Configuring the BIOS

Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

ports
78 Reserved
79 Reserved

7A Detect parallel

ports
7B Reserved

7C HDD Write

Protect

7D Reserved

7E Reserved
7F POST error

check
80 Reserved
81 Reserved
82 Security Check Ask password security.
83 Write CMOS Write all CMOS values back to RAM and clear screen.
84 Display PNP Display PNP devices
85 USB Final Init Final USB initialization
86 Reserved
87 Reserved
88 Reserved
89 Setup ACPI

tables

8A Reserved

8B Option ROM

Detect

8C Reserved
8D Enable Parity

Check
8E Reserved
8F IRQ12 Enable Enable IRQ12 if mouse present
90 Reserved

Initialize parallel ports.

HDD check for write protection

Check POST error and display them and ask for user
intervention

Setup ACPI tables

Scan for Option ROMs

Enable Parity Check

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Award POST Codes

Code Name Description

91 Reserved
92 Reserved
93 Boot Medium

Read
94 Final Init Final init for last micro details before boot
95 NumLock Set NumLock status according to Setup
96 Boot Attempt Set low stack Boot via INT 19h.

C0 Base CPU test Read/Write CPU registers
C1 Memory

Presence

C2 Early Memory Board Initialization
C3 Extend

Memory

C4 Special Display First display initialization
C5 Early Shadow Early shadow enable for fast boot
C6 Cache

presence
CF CMOS Check CMOS checkup
B0 Spurious If interrupt occurs in protected mode.
B1 Unclaimed NMI If unmasked NMI occurs, display Press F1 to disable

BF Program MCP To program chipset from defaults values

E1-EF Setup Pages E1- Page 1, E2 - Page 2, etc.

FF Boot

Detect and store boot partition head and cylinders
values in RAM

Base memory detect

Turn on extended memory, cache initialization

External cache size detection

NMI, F2 reboot.

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Configuring the BIOS

EVGA Glossary of Terms

ACPI - Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
AFR – Alternate Frame Rendering
APIC - Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
BIOS - Basic Input Output System
CD-ROM - Compact Disc Read-Only Memory
CMOS - Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
CPU – Central Processing Unit
D-ICE – Dry Ice Cooling
DDR2 - Double Data Rate 2
DDR3 - Double Data Rate 3
DIMM - Dual In-line Memory Module
DRAM - Dynamic random access memory
DVD - Digital Versatile Disc
DVI – Digital Video Interface
FDC - Floppy Disk Controller
FSB – Front Side Bus
FTW – For The Win!
GHz – Gigahertz
GPU – Graphics Processing Unit
HDD - Hard Disk Drive

HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface
HDR – High Dynamic Range Lighting
HPET - High Precision Event Timer
HT – Hyper-Threading

HSF - Heat Sink Fan
I/O - Input/Output
IDE - Integrated Drive Electronics

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IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGP - Integrated Graphics Processors
IRQ - Interrupt Request
JBOD - Just a Bunch of Disks
JEDEC - Joint Electron Device Engineering Council
LAN - Local Area Network
LCD - Liquid Crystal Display
LGA – Land Grid Array
LN2 – Liquid Nitrogen Cooling
MAC - Media Access Control
MCP - Media and Communications Processor
MHz - Megahertz
NB - Northbridge
NCQ - Native Command Queuing
NIC - Network Interface Card
NTFS - New Technology File System
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
PATA - Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment
PCB - Printed Circuit Board
PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCIe - Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
PCI-x - Peripheral Component Interconnect Extended
POST – Power on Self Test
PWM – Pulse Width Modulation

QDR - Quad Data Rate
QPI – Quick Path Interconnect

RAID - Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
RGB - Red Green Blue
SATA - Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
SB - Southbridge
SCSI - Small Computer System Interface
SFR – Split Frame Rendering
SLI - Scalable Link Interface
SPD - Serial Presence Detect

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Configuring the BIOS

SPDIF - Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format
SPP - System Platform Processors
TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
USB - Universal Serial Bus
VDroop - V-core Voltage Drop
VGA - Video Graphics Array

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