Glossary GRAPHICS CARDS User Manual

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GRAPHICS CARDS

Precautions - Read this rst!

1) Before playing video games

Do not play when you are tired or short of sleep. Make sure that the room is well illuminated and lighting is adjusted to the brightness of the monitor. Keep a suitable distance from the display monitor. Take a break of 10 to 15 minutes every hour while playing.

Extremely pronounced lighting effects such as fast image changes, repetitions of simple geometric

shapes, ashes of light may induce epileptic ts or blackouts in some persons. Even persons with

no previous known tendency to epilepsy may be in danger. If you or member of your family has been diagnosed as prone to epilepsy, please consult your physician before playing the video game. Parents should monitor their children carefully when they play video games. Stop playing immediately if the following symptoms are detected: nausea, vision disturbance, muscle tension or cramps, orientation problems, involuntary movements or brief loss of consciousness.

2) Static electricity precautions

Do not take the graphics card out from the original static electricity protection package until you are ready to install it. Before installing, wear a grounded wrist strap if possible, or discharge static electricity by touching the bare metal surface of the system chassis. Carefully hold the graphics card

by its rear bracket, and avoid touching the “gold nger” PCB edge connector unless it is necessary.

3) Turn off system power before installing the graphics card

Turn off the AC main power to the system, by the AC main power switch or by detaching the AC power cord. Damage to the graphics card or the system components, or injury to you may result

if power is turned on during the installation. Please consult a qualied technician if necessary. The

manufacturer assumes no liability for any damage, caused directly or indirectly, by improper installation by unauthorized service personnel.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owner’s benet, without intent to infringe.

NVIDIA is a trademark of NVIDIA Corporation Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Macrovision

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

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GRAPHICS CARDS

Table of Contents

1. System Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

2. Installing the Graphics Card --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

For systems without an existing graphics card -------------------------------------------------------- 4

For systems with an existing graphics card ------------------------------------------------------------ 5

Installing multiple graphics cards in SLI ----------------------------------------------------------------- 6

3. Connecting Display Devices -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

VGA Port -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

Composite / S-Video / HDTV Port ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7

DVI Port -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

HDMI Port ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

4. Enabling S/PDIF audio input -------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

5. Graphics Card Driver Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11

Installing driver from CD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

Installing and updating driver from downloaded le ------------------------------------------------ 14

Removing graphics card driver --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Appendix - Basic Troubleshooting --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Glossary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18

Connecting Your Monitor

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

2 Table of Contents

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1. System Requirements

- 800MHz or higher speed processor

- At least 128MB system memory

- AGP or PCI-Express slot (depending on graphics card type)

- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

- 200MB free hard disk space

- Microsoft® Windows 7 / Vista / XP

GRAPHICS CARDS

System Requirements 3

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2. Installing the Graphics Card

Important!

Read the precautions before starting the installation

For system without an existing graphics card

1. Shut down the system and unplug the power cable from the AC power source.

2. Open the system chassis to access the AGP or PCI Express slot. Refer to your system

manual for instructions.

3. Remove the metal bracket cover near the AGP or PCI Express slot. Save the screw for later

use.

4. Remove the graphics card from its anti-static packaging.

5. Hold the card rmly and insert its golden connectors into the AGP or PCI-Express slot.

6. Make sure that the card is properly seated in the slot, and then secure the card metal

bracket with a screw.

7. Connect the DC power plug from the system power supply unit if your card has an auxiliary

power connector (for specic cards only). Some models may come with a DC power cable,

which connects between the card and the system power supply unit.

8. Replace the system cover and re-connect all power cables.

Fig 2-1 Insert the graphic card to the slot

Installing the Graphics Card

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GRAPHICS CARDS

For system with an existing graphics card

1. Uninstall the current VGA driver by accessing the Windows® Control Panel / Add or

Remove Programs

2. Shut down the system and unplug the power cable from the AC power source.

3. Open the system chassis to locate the existing graphics card at the AGP or PCI Express

slot. Refer to your system manual for instructions.

4. Remove the graphics card from the AGP or PCI Express slot. Save the screw for later use.

5. Remove the graphics card from its anti-static packaging.

6. Hold the card rmly and insert its golden connectors into the AGP or PCI Express slot.

7. Make sure that the card is properly seated in the slot, and then secure the card the card

metal bracket with a screw.

8. Connect the DC power plug from the system power supply unit if your card has an auxiliary

power connector (for specic cards only). Some models may come with a DC power cable,

which connects between the card and the system power supply unit.

9. Replace the system cover, and re-connect all power cables.

Fig 2-2 Connect the DC power plug to the card

Installing the Graphics Card

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Installing multiple graphics cards in SLI

PCI Express graphics card models with SLI (Scalable Link Interface) feature are equipped with

a gold nger connector at the top edge of the PCB for multiple GPU operations. This feature

allows two graphics cards (with identical GPU types) to run simultaneously on an SLI enabled

motherboard for signicant performance improvements.

1. Follow the installation steps above to install two identical (SLI compatible) graphics cards in

the system.

2. Locate the SLI bridge (cable adaptor). This item is sold separately and typically included

with SLI compatible motherboards.

3. Hold the SLI bridge rmly and insert the connector on both ends of the graphics cards SLI gold nger

connectors, located at the top edge of the PCB.

4. Replace the system cover and re-connect all power cables.

Fig 2-3 Connect the SLI bridge between two graphic cards

Installing the Graphics Card

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3. Connecting Display Devices

VGA Port

Connect the VGA Monitor Signal Cable to the VGA port on the graphics card.

Fig 3-1 Connect the VGA Monitor

Composite / S-Video / HDTV Port

Connect the Composite / S-Video Signal Cable to S-Video port on the graphic card.

Specic model of graphics cards may come with HDTV cable, which connects to HDTV.

Fig 3-2 Connect the Composite / S-Video / HDTV Monitor

Connecting Display Devices

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DVI Port

Connect the DVI Signal Cable from Flat Panel Display to DVI port on the graphics card.

Fig 3-3 Connect the DVI Flat Panel Display Monitor

HDMI Port

Specic models are equipped with HDMI port on the graphics card.

Connect the HDMI signal cable from Flat Panel Display or HDTV (with HDMI) to the HDMI port. Some models without HDMI port may be connected via the DVI-HDMI Dongle Adaptor.

Fig 3-4 Connect the HDMI Flat Panel Display Monitor via HDMI port

Connecting Display Devices

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GRAPHICS CARDS

Fig 3-5 Connect the HDMI Flat Panel Display Monitor via DVI-HDMI Dongle Adaptor

Connecting Display Devices

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4. Enabling S/PDIF audio input

To enable audio output over HDMI or DVI with a GeForce 8 series or newer graphics card, follow the steps below:

1. Find the S/PDIF audio cable bundled with the GeForce series graphics card (GeForce 8 series and newer).

2. Locate end with white connector on S/PDIF audio input cable.

3. Connect white connector to S/PDIF input connector on the GeForce series graphics card (GeForce 8 and newer). Ensure the connector matches up with the notch on the connector. a. If there’s no visible connector on the GeForce series graphics card, the connector may be hidden by a rubber cover (GeForce GTX 200 series). Remove the cover and proceed to connect the cable.

4. Locate the S/PDIF audio header on your motherboard or sound card (consult user manual for details).

5. Locate pins for SPDIF_OUT and GND (or GROUND) on motherboard or sound card (consult user manual for details).

6. Connect connector labeled “SPDIF” (white) on cable to corresponding SPDIF_OUT pin on

motherboard or sound card.

7. Connect connector labeled “GND” (black) on cable to corresponding GND or GROUND pin

on motherboard or sound card.

Note: Connecting the S/PDIF audio input cable incorrectly can cause damage to your GeForce series graphics card.

Connect to Motherboard

Fig 4-1 Connect the S/PDIF audio cable

Enabling S/PDIF audio input

Connect to VGA card

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5. Graphics Card Driver Installation

Graphics card driver is the software program that makes the device work with your computer’s

Operating System. Each type of Operating System requires its own set of driver software for

each graphics card. The following types of Operating Systems are supported by the graphics

card driver:

- Windows® 7

- Windows® Vista

- Windows® XP

Please see the recommended methods in this section to install, update, or remove the graphics

card driver, after the graphics card is installed in the system.

Installing driver from CD

The procedure listed below are suitable for newly installed computer system, with no previous

graphics driver installed, or the graphics driver is already removed. The driver software is on the

CD bundled with the graphics card package.

1. Start the computer system and boot to Windows® 7/Vista/XP Operating System.

2. When the system shows the “Found New Hardware Wizard” dialog box, click “Cancel”.

Fig 5-1 Found New Hardware Wizard

Graphics Card Driver Installation

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3. Insert the graphics card’s bundled CD in the CD-ROM / DVD-ROM drive. If autorun

is enabled, the Driver Installation Main Menu will show up automatically. If autorun is

disabled, you may click the le Launch.EXE to bring up the Driver Installation Main Menu.

Windows 7/Vista may ask for further conrmation, please click “Allow” or “OK” to proceed.

Fig 5-2 Driver Installation Main Menu

4. Click the box “Driver Installation”, then the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) selection box

will show up.

Fig 5-3 GPU Selection Box

Graphics Card Driver Installation

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5. Click the Scroll Bar to locate the GPU type which is used on the graphic card and then click

to select the GPU.

6. The Operating System selection box will show up. Select the target Operating System and

then click OK to start the driver installation.

Fig 5-4 Operating System Selection Box

7. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation of graphics card driver and

restart the system to let the driver take effect.

8. After the system restarts, bring up the Control Panel / Display Properties to select the

display resolutions and color depth that meets your application and monitor requirements.

Graphics Card Driver Installation

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Installing and updating driver from downloaded le

The procedure listed below is suitable for existing running computer systems, in which an older

graphic driver was installed, or when the driver CD is unavailable, or an updated version graphic

driver is necessary to x certain known issues.

1. Identify the exact GPU on the graphic card, the target system Operating System type and

download the graphic driver from the relevant web sites:

NVIDIA Web Site: http://www.nvidia.com

The downloaded driver le may be in ZIP or EXE le type. If it is a ZIP le type, please

expand the le using suitable software tools. Copy the EXE le or the expanded les to the

hard disk drive on the target system.

2. On the target system, click the EXE le, or the Setup.EXE to start the graphic driver

installation.

Fig 5-5 NVIDIA Graphic Driver installation wizard screen

3. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation of graphic card driver and

restart the system to let the new driver take effect.

4. After the system restarts, bring up the Control Panel / Display Properties to select the

display resolutions and color depth which meets your application and monitor requirements.

Graphics Card Driver Installation

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Removing graphics card driver

It may be necessary to remove an existing graphics card driver from the system, as for example,

when changing the graphics card to a brand new GPU type. Follow the procedures below to

remove the graphics card driver.

1. Start the computer system and boot to Windows® 7/Vista/XP Operating System.

2. Click “Start”, then “Control Panel” to bring up the functions for Control Panel.

3. Double click the “Add or Remove Programs” icon.

Fig 5-6 Control Panel - Add or Remove Programs

4. From the list of “Currently installed programs”, locate the target item, eg. “NVIDIA Drivers”,

then click the “Change/Remove” box.

Graphics Card Driver Installation

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Fig 5-7 Add or Remove Programs - Currently installed programs

5. Follow the instructions on the screen to remove the graphics card driver.

Restart to complete the process.

6. Shut down the system, turn off the main power and proceed to install the new

graphics card.

Graphics Card Driver Installation

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Appendix - Basic Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

1, No display after the

graphics card is installed

2, Wrong display

screen, wrong color, or distorted graphic on the screen

3, Cannot switch to

higher resolution, or higher color modes

4, Some LCD display

monitors go blank during Windows® booting

The graphics card is not properly installed

The display monitor is not properly connected

The auxiliary DC power connector is not connected on the graphic card

Insufcient power from the system

power supply unit

The graphics card is not supported by the motherboard in the system

The graphics card is not properly installed

The display monitor is not properly connected

The display monitor is unable to support the current resolution or refresh rate

Connectors for component colors (HDTV) were not correctly plugged

Another set of graphics card driver was installed in the system,

which causes conict

The graphics card driver is corrupted

The graphic card driver is not installed or corrupted

The attached display device does not support the high resolution mode

The LCD display monitor needs special driver software

Current setting of display resolution is beyond the capability of the LCD display

Check the card to make sure it is properly secured into the slot.

Check the signal cable to ensure the connectors are properly plugged into the graphics card and display monitor

Check the auxiliary DC power socket on the graphics card to make sure it is properly plugged

Check the technical documentation of the system to make sure the power supply unit is capable

Check the technical documentation of the system, eg. AGP voltage requirement, to

conrm that the card is supported on the

motherboard

Check the card to make sure it is properly plugged into the slot

Check the signal cable to ensure the connectors are secured and properly plugged into the graphic card and display monitor

Check the technical documentation of the display monitor to make sure the current setting is supported

Check the connectors for component colors (HDTV) to ensure proper connection

Remove the driver, for which the graphics card is not present in the system

Remove and re-install the graphics card driver

Remove and re-install the graphics driver

Check the technical documentation of the display monitor and set to lower resolution if necessary

Install the driver software for the LCD display monitor

Enter Windows® Safe Mode and set a lower resolution

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Appendix - Basic Troubleshooting

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Glossary

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)

An interface specication for graphics cards on older PCs. AGP was designed to offer the necessary bandwidth

and latency to perform texture mapping directly from system memory.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

BIOS is a set of routines that control how the computer transfers data between computer components, such as memory, disks and the display adapter. The BIOS instructions are built into the computer’s read-only memory. You can update the BIOS using a suitable software tool.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU, also called “Processor,” actually functions as the “brain” of the computer. It interprets and executes

program commands and processes data stored in the system memory.

Device Driver (software)

A software routine that links a peripheral device to the operating system. It acts as a translator between the device and the applications that use it. Each device has its own set of specialized commands known only to its driver while the applications access devices using high-level generic commands. The driver translates these commands into the commands required by the devices.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

A type of RAM that requires refresh cycles to prevent the loss of the data stored in it.

OS (Operating System)

The software that controls the overall operation of a computer system. The OS tasks include memory allocation, input and output distribution, interrupt processing, job scheduling, and various other duties.

PCIe (PCI Express)

The latest technology and interface specication for graphics cards, which enables high-performance 3D graphics

on current PCs. PCIe offers larger bandwidth for data transfer, as compared with AGP bus.

POST (Power On Self Test)

When you turn ON the computer, it will rst run through the POST, a series of software-controlled diagnostic tests.

The POST checks system memory, the motherboard circuitry, the display, the keyboard, the diskette drive, and other I/O devices.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

The computer’s primary storage area used to write, store, and retrieve information and program instructions which are passed to the CPU for processing. The information in RAM can be repeatedly re-written with new data.

Compared to other storage media like magnetic tape, oppy disk, and hard disk, RAM has an extraordinarily fast

access rate. RAM, however, is volatile, which means that the data stored in it are lost when the system power is turned off, or if power glitches occur.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

An integrated circuit chip containing program and data that can be accessed and read but not modied.

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)

A type of DRAM with access signals that are synchronized with the CPU clock, eliminating the delay associated with data transfers between the CPU and memory. SDRAM takes memory access away from the CPU control; internal registers in the memory accept the request, and lets the CPU do something else while the data requested is assembled for the next time the CPU talks to the memory.

18 Glossary

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Connecting Your Monitor

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Connecting Your Monitor 19

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