Figure 18. Windows Vista Device Manager.........................................................99
Figure 19. NVIDIA Control Panel, Set SLI Configuration...................................100
Figure 20. SLI Visual Indicators Operating in 3DMark2006...............................101
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Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
NVIDIA® nForce® 780i SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the
following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard
functional.
q Cooling fan for the microprocessor
q System memory support:
Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 1200 MHz SLI-Ready
Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory.
qGraphics Card
This motherboard supports 3-way SLI with three x16 PCI Express slots.
qPower Supply
The power supply requirement is dependent upon the power and the number
of the GPUs you install. If you are going to SLI two graphics cards, you are
going to require more power. As a rule, for one GPU you need a minimum of
a 300 W power supply. If you have two GPUs in an SLI configuration, you
will need a minimum of a 500 W power supply. If you have three GPUs in an
SLI configuration, you will need a minimum of a 1000 W power supply. To
calculate the power you are going to require for your specific configuration,
go to www.slizone.com.
nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
Before You Begin…
These instructions tell you how to install each of the parts listed so you can
have a functioning motherboard. As you go through the installation
instructions, we are assuming you have purchased the necessary parts.
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Intentions of the Kit
This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary
to install the motherboard into a PC cabinet. If you are building a PC, you will
use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a
motherboard, you will not need many of the cables.
When replacing a motherboard in a PC cabinet, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.
Thank you for buying the NVIDIA NFORCE 780i SLI Motherboard. This
motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users’ demand. When
combined with two or three SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you
get innovative NVIDIA SLI Technology for enhanced system performance.
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
q Contains NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP and SPP
q System Memory support
Supports dual channel JEDEC DDR2-800 and SLI-Ready memory up to
1200 MHz. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memories.
q Ten USB 2.0 Ports
Ø Supports hot plug
Ø Ten USB 2.0 ports (six rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers)
Ø Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
Ø Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
Motherboard
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
q Onboard Serial ATA II
Ø 300MBps data transfer rate
Ø Six Serial ATA II connectors
Ø NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
Ø Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
The NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI motherboard comes with all the necessary cables
for adding a motherboard to a new chassis. If you are replacing a motherboard,
you may not need many of these cables.
Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing box. If
anything is missing or damaged, contact your reseller.
All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.
Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Equipment
The following equipment is included in the NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI
motherboard box.
Note to Partners:
Revise this list with
the equipment you
are shipping in the
kit.
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NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
This PCI Express motherboard contains the
NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI SPP and MCP and is
SLI-ready.
I/O Shield
Installs in the chassis to block radio
frequency transmissions, protect internet
components from dust and foreign objects
and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable
Floppy Cable
Used to attach a floppy drive to the
motherboard.
2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three)
1394 Cable
Provides two additional 1394 ports to either
the front or back panels of the chassis.
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable
Provides four additional USB ports to either
the front or back panels of the chassis.
SATA Signal Cable (Qty Six)
Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and
each one connects a single drive to the
motherboard
Comm2 Bracket Cable
NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI
Motherboard
The NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI motherboard with the NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI
SPP and MCP processors is a PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard. Figure 1
shows the motherboard and Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.
6. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel
Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In
Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange Center/Subwoofer
Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Grey
7. Lan Port with LEDs to indicate status.
• Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity
• Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/link/Activity
This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The
topics covered in this section are:
q Preparing the motherboard
Ø Installing the CPU
Ø Installing the CPU fan
Ø Installing the memory
q Installing the motherboard
q Connecting cables and setting switches
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.
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
notches on the CPU
Preparing the Motherboard
The motherboard shipped in the box does not contain a CPU or memory. You
need to purchase these to complete this installation.
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Make sure not to bend or break any
pins on the back. Hold the processor only by the edges and do not touch the
bottom of the processor.
Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto
the motherboard.
1.Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and
away from the socket.
2. Lift the load plate. There is a protective socket
cover on the load plate to protect the socket when
there is no CPU installed.
3. Remove the protective socket cover from the load plate.
4. Remove the processor from its protective cover,
making sure you hold it only by the edges.
It is a good idea to save the cover so that
whenever you remove the CPU, you have a safe
place to store it.
5. Align the notches in the processor with the
notches on the socket.
6. Lower the processor straight down into the socket
with out tilting or sliding it into the socket
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level in the
socket.
Align notches with
Hardware Installation
Card-edge
7. Close the load plate over the CPU and press down while you close and
engage the socket lever.
Installing the CPU Fan
There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard.
Follow the instruction that came with you fan assembly. Be sure that the fan
orientation is correct for your chassis type and your fan assembly.
Installing Memory DIMMs
Your new motherboard has four 1.8V 240-pin slots for DDR2 memory. These
slots support 256 Mb, 512 Mb and 1 Gb DDR2 technologies for x8 and x16
devices. They also support dual channel DDR2 memory technology up to
10.7GB/s. 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 5 for the location of the memory slots.)
qOne DIMM: Install into slot 0. You can install the DIMM into any slot,
however, slot 0 is preferred.
qTwo DIMMs: Install into either slots 0 and 1 or 2 and 3. The idea is to not
have the DIMMs in adjacent slots.
qFour DIMMS: Install into slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.
DIMM Slot 0
DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 3
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Use the following procedure to install memory DIMMs. Note that there is only
one gap near the center of the DIMM slot. This slot matches the slot on the
memory DIMM to ensure the component is installed properly.
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.
2. Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module
vertically into the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at both sides of the DIMM
slot automatically lock the DIMM into the connector.
Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the
chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or
working with an empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the
connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then make all
the connections. It is normally easier to secure the motherboard first.
Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure the
motherboard into the chassis.
Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the chassis
covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also make sure the
CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the covers.
Installing the I/O Shield
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio
frequency transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign
objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.
Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the
chassis. Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it fits securely. If the
I/O shield does not fit into the chassis, you would need to obtain the proper
size from the chassis supplier.
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Hardware Installation
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis
Most computer chassis have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the
mother board to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If
there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is
recommended that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short
circuit. In most cases, it is recommended to secure the motherboard using a
minimum of nine (9) spacers.
1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the studs/spacers located inside the
chassis.
2. Align the mounting holes with the studs/spacers.
3. Align the connectors to the I/O shield.
4. Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to
the fan assembly instruction.
5. Secure the motherboard with a minimum of eight-to-ten screws.
Connecting Cables and
Setting Switches
This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary
on the motherboard. This will include:
q Power Connections
Ø 24-pin ATX power (PWR1)
Ø 8-pin ATX 12V power (PWR2)
q Internal Headers
Ø Front panel
Ø IEEE 1394a
Ø USB Headers
Ø Audio
Ø Speaker
Ø COM
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
q FDD
q IDE
q Serial ATA II
q Chassis Fans
q Rear panel USB 2.0 Adapter
q Expansion slots
q CMOS jumper settings
See Figure 1 on page 5 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the
following procedure.
Power Connections
To support 3-way SLI, this motherboard has the following specific power
supply requirements:
q Minimum 1000 W peak power
q Six PCI-E power connectors configured in either of the following
configurations (see Figure 3):
Ø Four 6-pin (3x2) and two 8-pin (4x2) PCI-E power connectors
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Hardware Installation
Make sure you have enough power to cover all the expansion cards you will be
installing. To determine what you power requirements are for your specific
configuration or a certified power supply vendor, refer to www.slizone.com.
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1)
PWR1 is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the board
next to the DIMM slots. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are
properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power
supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.
PWR1 connector
Plug power cable from system
power supply to PWR1
PWR2, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the
CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated.
Backpanel connector
12 +3.3V 24 GND
5
1
12V
8 4
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives
The IDE connector supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66 IDE hard disk drives.
1. Connect the blue connector (the cable end with a single connector) to the
motherboard.
2. Connect the black connector (the cable with the two closely spaced black
and gray connectors) to the Ultra ATA master device.
3. Connect the gray connector to a slave device.
GND
If you install two hard disk drives, you must configure the second drive as a
slave device by setting its jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk
documentation for the jumper settings.
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Hardware Installation
Note: If an ATA-66/100 disk drive and a disk drive using any other IDE transfer
protocol are attached to the same cable, the maximum transfer rate between
the drives may be reduced to that of the slowest drive.
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Connecting Serial ATA Cables
The Serial ATA II connector is used to connect the Serial ATA II device to the
motherboard. These connectors support the thin Serial ATA II cables for
primary storage devices. The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to
300MB/s data transfer rate.
There are six serial ATA connectors on the motherboard that support RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1 and JBOD configurations.
SATA 1 (bottom)
SATA 2 (top)
Connect the locking cable end to the motherboard connector.
Connect the end without the lock to the drive.
SATA 3 SATA 4
SATA 6SATA 5
GND GND GND
TX+ RX+
TX- TX-
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Hardware Installation
Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used
to connect the following four cables
(see Table 2 for pin definitions):
q PWRLED
Attach the front panel power LED
cable to these two pins of the connector.
The Power LED indicates the system’s
status. When the system is in S0 status,
the LED is on. When the system is in S1,
S3, S4, S5 status, the LED is off.
Note: Some chassis do not have all four cables. Be sure to match the name on the
connectors to the corresponding pins.
PWRSW
-
PWRLED
+
910
RESET
HD_LED
+
12
No ConnectBlank
q PWRSW
Attach the power button cable from the case to these two pins. Pressing the
power button on the front panel turns the system on and off rather than
using the power supply button.
q 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.
q RESET
Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two
pins. The system restarts when the RESET switch is pressed.
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Table 2. Front Panel Header Pins
Pin Signal In/Out Description
1 HD_PWR Out Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V HD_LED
3 HDA# Out Hard disk active LED
2 HDR_BLNK_GRN Out Front panel green light PWRLED
4 HDR_BLNK_YEL Out Front panel yellow light
5 GND Ground RESET
7 FP_RESET# In Reset switch
6 SWITCH_ON# In Power switch PWRSW
8 GND Ground
No Connect 9 No Connect
Empty 10 Empty
IEEE 1394a
Partner
Update this
section with
the type of
bracket you
are going to
ship with your
kit.
The IEEE 1394 expansion cable bracket is provided in the box but if you do
not require the additional external connections, you do not need to install it.
1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all
chassis are equipped with the front panel option).
2. Connect the two ends of the cables to the IEEE 2394 connectors on the
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Hardware Installation
USB Headers
This motherboard contains six (6) USB 2.0 ports
that are exposed on the rear panel of the chassis
(Figure 2). The motherboard also contains two
10-pin internal header connectors onboard that
can be used to connect an optional external bracket containing four (4) more
USB 2.0 ports.
1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear
panel of your chassis (not all chassis are
equipped with the front panel option).
2. Connect the two ends of the cables to the USB
2.0 headers on the motherboard.
Table 4. USB 2.0 Header Pins
Connector Pin Signal
USB 2.0 Header Connector
10
8
6
4
2
9
7
5
3
1
1 5V_DUAL
3 D5 D+
7 GND
9 Empty
Pin Signal
2 5V_DUAL
4 D6 D+
8 GND
10 No Connect
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780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
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.