User Guide
EVGA nForce 780i SLI
Motherboard
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
EVGA ii nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
Table of Contents
Before You Begin… ..................................................................................................... ix
Parts NOT in the Kit .................................................................................................ix
Intentions of the Kit ...................................................................................................x
EVGA nForce 780i Motherboard..................................................................................1
Motherboard Specifications...................................................................................... 1
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions...............................................................................4
Unpacking ................................................................................................................ 4
Equipment ................................................................................................................ 4
EVGA nForce 780i SLI Motherboard ....................................................................... 5
Hardware Installation ....................................................................................................9
Safety Instructions.................................................................................................... 9
Preparing the Motherboard .................................................................................... 10
Installing the CPU .............................................................................................. 10
Installing the CPU Fan ....................................................................................... 11
Installing Memory DIMMs................................................................................... 11
Installing the Motherboard...................................................................................... 12
Installing the I/O Shield ...................................................................................... 12
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis....................................................... 13
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches .............................................................. 13
Power Connections ............................................................................................ 14
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ............................................................................ 15
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)....................................................................... 16
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives...................................................................... 16
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Connecting Serial ATA Cables .......................................................................... 18
Connecting Internal Headers ............................................................................. 19
Front Panel Header........................................................................................ 19
IEEE 1394a .................................................................................................... 20
USB Headers ................................................................................................. 21
Audio .................................................................................................................. 22
Fan Connections ................................................................................................ 23
COM1 ................................................................................................................. 24
FDD Connector .................................................................................................. 25
Expansion Slots ................................................................................................. 25
PCI Slots ........................................................................................................ 25
PCI Express x1 Slot ....................................................................................... 26
PCI Express x16 Slots ................................................................................... 26
Jumper Settings ..................................................................................................... 27
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS.................................................................... 27
Configuring the BIOS ..................................................................................................29
Enter BIOS Setup................................................................................................... 30
Main Menu.............................................................................................................. 30
Standard CMOS Features Menu ........................................................................... 33
Date and Time.................................................................................................... 34
IDE Channel and SATA Channel....................................................................... 34
Drive A................................................................................................................ 37
Halt On ............................................................................................................... 37
Memory .............................................................................................................. 38
Advanced BIOS Features ...................................................................................... 39
Removable Device Priority................................................................................. 40
EVGA iv nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
Hard Disk Boot Priority....................................................................................... 40
Network Boot Priority ......................................................................................... 40
CPU Internal Cache ........................................................................................... 40
Quick Power On Self Test.................................................................................. 41
First/Second/Third Boot Device ......................................................................... 41
Boot Other Device.............................................................................................. 41
Boot Up NumLock Status................................................................................... 42
Security Option................................................................................................... 43
APIC Mode ......................................................................................................... 43
MPS Version Control For OS ............................................................................. 43
Full Screen LOGO Show.................................................................................... 43
Advanced Chipset Features................................................................................... 44
System Clocks ................................................................................................... 45
Frequency Settings ........................................................................................ 46
HT Multiplier ................................................................................................... 47
Spread Spectrum ........................................................................................... 47
FSB & Memory Config ....................................................................................... 48
CPU Configuration ............................................................................................. 53
System Voltages ................................................................................................ 55
NVMEM Memory Test........................................................................................ 57
Load Timing/Voltage Set.................................................................................... 57
Save Timing/Voltage Set.................................................................................... 58
System BIOS Cacheable ................................................................................... 58
HPET Function................................................................................................... 58
Integrated Peripherals Menu.................................................................................. 59
IDE Function Setup ............................................................................................ 60
RAID Config ....................................................................................................... 61
USB Config......................................................................................................... 61
MAC Config ........................................................................................................ 62
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
IEEE1394 controller ........................................................................................... 62
HD Audio ............................................................................................................ 62
IDE HDD Block Mode......................................................................................... 62
Onboard FDC Controller .................................................................................... 62
Onboard Serial Port 1 ........................................................................................ 63
Power Management Setup Menu .......................................................................... 63
ACPI Function .................................................................................................... 64
ACPI Suspend Type........................................................................................... 64
Soft-Off by PBNT ............................................................................................... 64
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off ................................................................................ 64
Power On by Alarm ............................................................................................ 64
POWER ON Function ........................................................................................ 65
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu ................................................................................. 66
Init Display First.................................................................................................. 67
Reset Configuration Data................................................................................... 67
Resources Controlled By ................................................................................... 67
IRQ Resources................................................................................................... 68
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop ..................................................................................... 68
Maximum Payload Size...................................................................................... 68
System Monitor Menu ............................................................................................ 69
Dynamic Fan Control ......................................................................................... 70
Installing Drivers and Software ..................................................................................72
Driver Installation ................................................................................................... 73
Using the NVIDIA Software........................................................................................74
NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel .......................................... 75
Device Settings .................................................................................................. 76
EVGA vi nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
Current Hardware Settings............................................................................. 77
Dynamic BIOS Access ....................................................................................... 84
View System Information ................................................................................... 85
Profile Policies.................................................................................................... 86
Manage Your System BIOS ............................................................................... 87
NVIDIA System Monitor ......................................................................................... 88
Appendix A. POST Codes for Tritium Platform...........................................................94
Appendix B. Configuring an SLI Configuration ........................................................ 104
SLI Connector ...................................................................................................... 104
ForceWare Driver................................................................................................. 105
Enabling 3-Way SLI ......................................................................................... 107
Verifying 3-way SLI is Active................................................................................ 109
Index......................................................................................................................... 110
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Chassis Backpanel Connectors ............................................................. 7
Figure 3.
Power Supply Connectors.................................................................... 14
Figure 4.
PWR1 Motherboard Connector ............................................................ 15
Figure 5.
BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu.................................................. 31
Figure 6.
Standard CMOS Features Menu.......................................................... 33
Figure 7.
Advanced BIOS Features Menu........................................................... 39
Figure 8.
Advanced Chipset Features ................................................................. 44
Figure 9.
System Clocks Menu............................................................................ 45
Figure 10.
FSB & Memory Config Menu................................................................ 48
Figure 11.
CPU Configuration Menu ..................................................................... 53
Figure 12.
System Voltages Menu ........................................................................ 55
Figure 13.
Integrated Peripherals Menu ................................................................ 59
Figure 14.
Power Management Setup Menu......................................................... 63
Figure 15.
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu ............................................................... 66
Figure 16.
System Monitor Menu .......................................................................... 69
Figure 31.
3-way NVIDIA SLI connector (600-10732-0000-000) ....................... 105
Figure 18.
Windows Vista Device Manager......................................................... 106
Figure 19.
NVIDIA Control Panel, Set SLI Configuration .................................... 107
Figure 20.
EVGA viii EVGA nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Layout.......................................... 7
SLI Visual Indicators Operating in 3DMark2006 ................................ 108
nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
Before You Begin…
Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA nForce® 780i SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional. Intel microprocessor:
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo Pentium EE,
Pentium D, Pentium
Cooling fan for the microprocessor
System memory support:
Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 1200 MHz SLI-Ready
Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory.
Graphics Card
This motherboard supports 3-way SLI with three x16 PCI Express slots.
Power Supply
The power supply requirement is dependent upon the power and the number of the GPUs you install. If you are going to SLI two graphics cards, you are going to require more power. As a rule, for one GPU you need a minimum of a 350 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.
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.
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 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 PC case, you will need to reinstall an operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.
EVGA x EVGA nForce 780i
Motherboard
Thank you for buying the EVGA 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.
Motherboard Specifications
Size
ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch
Microprocessor support
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE,
Pentium D, Pentium
Operating systems:
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
Contains NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP and SPP
System Memory support
Supports dual channel JEDEC DDR2-800 and SLI-Ready memory up to
1200 MHz. Supports up to 8 GBs of DDR2 memory.
Ten USB 2.0 Ports
Supports hot plug
Ten USB 2.0 ports (six rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers)
Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
1
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Onboard Serial ATA II
300MBps data transfer rate
Six Serial ATA II connectors
NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
Onboard LAN
Dual LAN interface built-in onboard
Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet
Onboard 1394
Support hot plug
Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate of transmission at 400 Mbps
Onboard Audio
Azalia High-Definition audio
Supports 8-channel audio
Supports S/PDIF output
Supports Jack-Sensing function
Triple PCI Express x16 Support
2 x16 PCI Express 2.0
1 x16 PCI Express 1.0
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 x16 Graphics slots
EVGA
2
nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Unpacking
The EVGA 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.
Equipment
The following equipment is included in the EVGA nForce 780i SLI motherboard box. (Accessories may vary between models, see product package)
EVGA 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.
Floppy Cable
Used to attach a floppy drive to the motherboard. 4
nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three)
1394 Cable
Provides two additional 1394 ports to either the front or back panels of the chassis.
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable
Provides four additional USB ports to either the front or back panels of the chassis.
SATA Signal Cable (Qty Six)
Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and each one connects a single drive to the motherboard Comm2 Bracket Cable
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable
EVGA nForce 780i SLI
Motherboard
The EVGA 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.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
22
23
22
23
24
27
26
25
23
21
20
29
28
19
18
17
13
1
13
2
16
3
15
4
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
4
5
1. CPU Socket
11. USB headers
21. SPDIF connector
2. NVIDIA SPP with Active fan
12. Motherboard battery
22. PCI slots
3. CPU fan connector
13. Fan connector
23. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)
4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3
14. Serial connector
24. 1394a connector
5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector
15. Front panel connector
25. PCI Express x1 slot
6. IDE Connector
16. Jumper
26. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2)
7. Serial-ATA (SATA) connectors
17. Power button
27. Heat dissipater
8. FDD connector
18. Reset Button
28. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector
9. NVIDIA MCP (passive heat sink)
19. Azalia HD Audio Header
29 MCP/SPP fan connector
EVGA
6
nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
10. Serial-ATA (SATA) connectors
Figure 1.
20. FP Audio connector
EVGA nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Layout
7
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
4
PS/2 Mouse Port
PS/2 Keyboard Port
1394a (Firewire) Port
USB 2.0 ports (SIX)
SPDIF output
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
• Green/Light Up/Blink = 1000 Mbps/Link/Activity
Figure 2.
Chassis Backpanel Connectors
4
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
EVGA
8
Hardware Installation
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 and setting switches
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follows 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.
9
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
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.
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.
EVGA
10
Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and away from the socket.
Lower the processor straight down into the socket with out tilting or sliding it into the socket
Align notches with notches on the CPU
Hardware Installation
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level in the socket. 7.
Close the load plate over the CPU and press down while you close and engage the socket lever.
Installing the CPU Fan
There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard.
Follow the instruction that came with you fan assembly. Be sure that the fan orientation is correct for your chassis type and your fan assembly.
Installing Memory DIMMs
Your new motherboard has four 1.8V 240-pin slots for DDR2 memory. These slots support 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB DDR2 memory modules. 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 7 for the location of the memory slots.)
One DIMM: Install into slot 0. You can install the DIMM into any slot, however, slot 0 is preferred.
Two DIMMs: Install into either slots 0 and 1 or 2 and 3. The idea is to not have the DIMMs in adjacent slots.
Four DIMMS: Install into slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.
CPU side
DIMM Slot 0
DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 3
Card-edge
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.
EVGA
12
Hardware Installation
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis
Most computer chassis have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the mother board to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is recommended that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short circuit. In most cases, it is recommended to secure the motherboard using a minimum of nine (9) spacers.
1.
Carefully place the motherboard onto the studs/spacers located inside the chassis. 2.
Align the mounting holes with the studs/spacers.
3.
Align the connectors to the I/O shield.
4.
Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to the fan assembly instruction.
5.
Secure the motherboard with a minimum of eight-to-ten screws.
Connecting Cables and
Setting Switches
This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary on the motherboard. This will include:
Power Connections
24-pin ATX power (PWR1)
8-pin ATX 12V power (PWR2)
Internal Headers
Front panel
IEEE 1394a
USB Headers
Audio
Speaker
COM
FDD
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
IDE
Serial ATA II
Chassis Fans
Rear panel USB 2.0 Adapter
Expansion slots
CMOS jumper settings
See Figure 1 on page 7 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following procedure.
Power Connections
To support 3-way SLI, this motherboard has the following specific power supply requirements:
Minimum 1000 W peak power
Six PCI-E power connectors configured in either of the following configurations (see Figure 3):
Four 6-pin (3x2) and two 8-pin (4x2) PCI-E power connectors or Six 6-pin (3x2) PCI-E power connectors
8-pin (4x2) PCT-E Connector
Figure 3.
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14
6-pin (3x2) PCI-E connector
Power Supply Connectors
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) 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
PWR1 connector
Plug power cable from system power supply to PWR1
Board edge
Figure 4.
PWR1 Motherboard Connector
Table 1.
PWR1 Pin Assignments
Connector
1
+3.3V
13
+3.3V
2
+3.3V
14
-12V
GND
15
GND
4
12
Pin
3
13
Signal
1
24
Pin
Signal
+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
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)
PWR2,
the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the
CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated.
Backpanel connector
5
1
12V
GND
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. 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.
2.
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.
EVGA
16
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.
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 3
SATA 4
SATA 6
SATA 5
GND
GND
TX+
TX-
SATA 1 (bottom)
SATA 2 (top)
EVGA
18
GND
RX+
TX-
Connect the locking cable end to the motherboard connector.
Connect the end without the lock to the drive.
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
10
9
(see Table 2 for pin definitions):
Blank
No Connect
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.
PWRSW
RESET
PWRLED
+
HD_LED
+
2
1
Note: Some chassis do not have all four cables. Be sure to match the 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 power supply button.
HD_LED
Attach the hard disk drive indicator LED cable to these two pins. The HDD indicator LED indicates the activity status of the hard disks.
RESET
Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two pins. The system restarts when the RESET switch is pressed.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Table 2.
Front Panel Header Pins
No Connect
Pin
1
3
2
4
5
7
6
8
9
Signal
HD_PWR
HDA#
HDR_BLNK_GRN
HDR_BLNK_YEL
GND
FP_RESET#
SWITCH_ON#
GND
No Connect
Empty
10
Empty
HD_LED
PWRLED
RESET
PWRSW
In/Out
Out
Out
Out
Out
In
In
Description
Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V
Hard disk active LED
Front panel green light
Front panel yellow light
Ground
Reset switch
Power switch
Ground
IEEE 1394a
The IEEE 1394 expansion cable bracket is provided in the box but if you do not require the additional external connections, you do not need to install it.
1.
Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all chassis are equipped with the front panel option).
2.
Connect the two ends of the cables to the IEEE 1394 connectors on the motherboard. Table 3.
IEEE 1394a Connector Pins
Connector
IEEE 1394a Connector
10
8
6
4
2
EVGA
20
9
7
5
3
1
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Signal
TPA+
TPAGND
GND
TPB+
TPB+12V
+12V
Empty
Hardware Installation
10
GND
USB Headers
This motherboard contains six (6) USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear panel of the chassis
(Figure 2). The motherboard also contains two
10-pin internal header connectors onboard that can be used to connect an optional external bracket containing four (4) more
USB 2.0 ports.
1.
Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all chassis are equipped with the front panel option).
2.
Connect the two ends of the cables to the USB
2.0 headers on the motherboard.
Table 4. USB 2.0 Header Pins
Connector
USB 2.0 Header Connector
10
8
6
4
2
9
7
5
3
1
Pin
1
Signal
5V_DUAL
3
D-
5
D+
7
GND
9
Empty
Pin
2
Signal
5V_DUAL
4
D-
6
D+
8
GND
10
No Connect
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.
Table 5.
Front Audio Connector
Connector
Front Audio Connector
1
3
5
7
9
2
4
6
8
10
Pin
1
Signal
PORT1_L
2
AUD_GND
3
PORT1_R
4
PRECENCE_J
PORT2_R
6
SENSE1_RETURN
7
SENSE_SEND
8
Empty
9
PORT2_L
10
EVGA
22
5
SENSE2_RETURN
Hardware Installation
Fan Connections
There are five fan connections on the motherboard. The fan speed can be detected and viewed in the PC Health Status section of the CMOS Setup. The fans are automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 mode.
Note that the CPU fan cable can be either a 3-pin or a
4-pin connector. Connect a
3-pin connector to pins 1,
2, and 3 on the motherboard connector.
CPU Fan Connector
4
3
2
GND SENSE
PWR
CONTROL
Fan Connector
3
2
GND
+12V
SENSE
nForce 780i SLI SPP/MCP fan connector.
Install the fan over the nForce 780i SLI SPP to draw heat from the MCP. The fans plug into a 3pin connector.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
There are four more fan connectors on the motherboard. For this installation, these will not be used.
Auxiliary fan connector
Auxiliary fan connector Fan Connector
3
2
GND
+12V
SENSE
Auxiliary fan connector System fan connector COM1
The motherboard kit provides an additional serial COM header for your machine. Connect one side of a switching cable to the header and then attach the serial COM device to the other side of the cable.
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24
Hardware Installation
FDD Connector
The motherboard supports a standard 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44m, and a 2.88M floppy disk drive (FDD).
Expansion Slots
The EVGA nForce 780i SLI motherboard contains six expansion slots, four
PCI Express slots and two PCI slots. For a full list of PCI Express x16 graphics card supported by this motherboard, go to www.nvidia.com/estore.
1
2
1
2
3
2
1 – PCI slots
2 – PCIe x16 slots
(3-Way SLI)
3 – PCIe x1 slot
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. 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
PCI Express x1 Slot
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 slot provides
250 MB/sec bandwidth.
PCI Express x16 Slots
These three PCI Express x16 slots are reserved for graphics or video cards. The design of this motherboard supports three PCI-Express graphics cards using
NVIDIA’s SLI technology.
When installing a PCI Express x16 card, be sure the retention clip snaps and locks the card into place. If the card is not seated properly, it could cause a short across the pins. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with the screw used to hold the blank cover.
To configure for SLI, follow the instructions that come with the SLI kit (the kit is purchased separately from the motherboard).
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26
Hardware Installation
Jumper Settings
The motherboard contains a 3-pin BIOS configuration jumper that enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program.
The silk screen on the motherboard shows a ∆ next to pin 1.
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS
The motherboard uses the CMOS RAM to store all the set parameters. The
CMOS can be cleared by removing the CMOS jumper.
Use the following procedure to clear CMOS:
1.
Turn off the AC power supply and connect pins 1 and 2 together using the jumper cap.
Return the jumper setting to normal (pins 2 and 3 together with the jumper cap). 3. Turn the AC power supply back on.
2.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
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28
Configuring the BIOS
This section discusses how to change the system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
This section includes the following information:
Enter BIOS Setup
Main Menu
Standard CMOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Advanced Chipset Features
Integrated Peripherals
Power Management Setup
PnP/PCI Configurations
System Monitor
29
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Enter BIOS Setup
The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software.
Correctly setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance. Use the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings.
1.
Power on the computer.
2.
Press the Del key when the following message briefly displays at the bottom of the screen during the Power On Self Test (POST).
Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter Setup.
Pressing Del takes you to the Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.
Note: It is strongly recommended that you do not change the default BIOS settings.
Changing some settings could damage your computer.
Main Menu
The main menu allows you to select from the list of setup functions and two exit choices. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the arrow options or press Enter to display the associated submenu. Use the keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc.
Note: Note that on the BIOS screens all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable, data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.
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30
Configuring the BIOS
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Standard CMOS Features
System Monitor
Advanced BIOS Features
Load Defaults
Advanced Chipset Features
Set Password
Integrated Peripherals
Save & Exit Setup
Power Management Setup
Exit Without Saving
PnP/PCI Configurations
Esc : Quit
F10 : Save & Exit Setup
: Select Item
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type..,
SLI-Ready memory - Disabled
Figure 5.
BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu
Standard CMOS Features
Use this menu to set up the basic system configuration.
Advanced BIOS Features
Use this menu to set up the advanced system features and boot sequence.
Advanced Chipset Features
Use this menu to optimize system performance and configure clocks, voltages, memory timings, and more.
Integrated Peripherals
Use this menu to set up onboard peripherals such as IDE, RAID, USB, LAN, and MAC control.
Power Management Setup
Use this menu to configure power management, power on, and sleep features.
PnP/PCI Configurations
Use this menu to modify the system’s Plug-and-Play and PCI configurations.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
System Monitor
Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC, including temperature, voltages, and fan speed.
The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands rather than submenus:
Load Defaults
Load default system settings.
Set Password
Use this command to set, change, and disable the password used to access the
BIOS menu.
Save & Exit Setup
Use this command to save settings to CMOS and exit setup.
Exit Without Saving
Use this command to abandon all setting changes and exit setup.
SLI-Ready Memory is a status indicator displayed at the bottom of the BIOS screen. The three status indicators are:
Enabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected and enabled.
Disabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected but disabled.
Not Detected: SLI-Ready memory is not detected.
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32
Configuring the BIOS
Standard CMOS Features
Menu
The Standard CMOS Features menu is used to configure the standard CMOS information, such as the date, time, HDD model, and so on. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc.
The information shown in Item Help corresponds to the option highlighted.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Standard CMOS Features
Date (mm:dd:yy)
Time (hh:mm:ss)
Sat, Jul 01 2006
12 : 48: 23
IDE Channel (.) Master
IDE Channel (.) Slave
SATA Channel 1 Master
SATA Channel 2 Master
SATA Channel 3 Master
SATA Channel 4 Master
SATA Channel 5 Master
SATA Channel 6 Master
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
Drive A
Halt On
[1.44, 3.5 in.]
[All , But Keyboard]
Base Memory
Extended Memory
Total Memory
Item Help
640K
1047552K
1048576K
:Move
Figure 6.
Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value
F5: Previous Values
Main Level
Change the day, month, year and century
F10:Save ESC:Exit
F7:Defaults
F1:General Help
Standard CMOS Features Menu
Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable, data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection. 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Date and Time
Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through dates and times. Note that the weekday (Sun through Sat) cannot be changed. This field changes to correspond to the date you enter. Note that the hour value is shown in a
24-hour clock format. Time is represented as hour : minute : second.
Date (mm:dd:yy)
Time (hh:mm:ss)
Sat, Jul 01 2006
14 : 48: 43
IDE Channel and SATA Channel
Use these functions to detect and configure the individual IDE and SATA channels. Select a channel and press Enter to display the IDE/SATA sub-menu.
IDE Channel (.) Master
IDE Channel (.) Slave
SATA Channel 1 Master
SATA Channel 2 Master
SATA Channel 3 Master
SATA Channel 4 Master
SATA Channel 5 Master
SATA Channel 6 Master
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
[None]
Press ENTER to display
IDE Channel sub-menu
[Press Enter]
IDE Channel 0 Slave
Access Mode
Press ENTER to display
SATA Channel sub-
IDE HDD Auto-Detect
[Manual}
[CHS]
Capacity
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
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0 MB
[
[
[
[
[
0]
0]
0]
0]
0]
Configuring the BIOS
IDE Auto-Detect
[Press Enter]
Extended IDE Drive
Access Mode
[None}
Auto
Capacity
0 MB
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
0
0
0
0
0
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Press Enter to auto-detect IDE and SATA channels in the system. Once the channel is detected, the values for Capacity, Cylinder, Heads, Precomp, Landing
Zone, and Sector are automatically filled in.
None
There is no HDD installed or set.
Auto
The system can auto-detect the hard disk when booting up.
Manual
When you set the channel to [Manual] and change Access Mode to [CHS], you can then enter the number of cylinders, heads, Precomp, landing zone, and sector. You can manually enter the values or you can press Enter to display a window that tells you the min and max values.
IDE HDD Auto-Detect
[Press Enter]
IDE Channel 0 Slave
Access Mode
[Manual}
[CHS]
Capacity
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
0 MB
.....0
[
0]
[
0]
[
0]
[
0]
Press ENTER to display submenu t b ll Cylinder
Min=
0
Max=65535
The BIOS supports the following HDD
Access Modes:
Key in a DEC number :
CHS
For HDD less than 528 MB.
LBA
:Move
ENTER:Accept
For HDD greater than 528 MB and supporting LBA (Logical Block
Addressing).
Large
For HDD greater than 528 MB but not supporting LBA.
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ESC:Abort
Configuring the BIOS
Auto
Recommended mode.
Drive A
The Drive A option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install.
Options are:
Drive A
Halt On
[1.44, 3.5 in.]
[All , But Keyboard]
None
360K, 5.25 in.
1.2M, 5.25 in.
720K, 3.5 in.
1.44M, 3.5 in.
2.88M, 3.5 in.
Press ENTER to display sub-
Drive A
None
360K, 5.25 in.
1.2M, 5.25 in.
720K, 3.5 in.
1.44M, 3.5 in.
2.88M, 3.5 in.
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll
:Move
ENTER:Accept through the options or press Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. Press Enter to accept the changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features menu.
[
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
]
]
ESC:Abort
Halt On determines whether or not the computer stops if an error is detected during power on. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the arrow keys options or press Enter to display the Halt On sub-menu. Use the to position the selector in the option you choose. Press Enter to accept the changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features menu.
Halt On
Drive A
Halt On
[1.44, 3.5 in.]
[All , But Keyboard]
All Errors
Whenever the BIOS detects a nonfatal error, the system stops and prompts you.
Press ENTER to display sub-menu
Halt On
All Errors
No Errors
All , But Keyboard
All , But Diskette
All , But Disk/Key
:Move
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
ENTER:Accept
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
]
ESC:Abort
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
No Errors
System boot does not stop for any detected errors.
All, But Keyboard
System boot does not stop for keyboard errors, but does stop for all other errors. All, But Diskette
The system boot does not stop for a diskette error but will stop for all other errors. All, But Disk/Key
The system boot does not stop for a keyboard or disk error, but will stop for all other errors.
Memory
These settings are display-only values that are determined by the BIOS POST
(Power-On Self Test).
Base Memory
640K
Extended Memory
1047552K
Base Memory
Total Memory
1048576K
BIOS POST determines the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed in the system.
Extended Memory
BIOS determines how much extended memory is present during the POST.
Total Memory
This value represents the total memory of the system.
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Configuring the BIOS
Advanced BIOS Features
Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup screen. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc.
Note: The options that have associated sub-menus are designated by a , which precedes the option. Press Enter to display the sub-menus.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced BIOS Features
Removable Device Priority
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Network Boot Priority
CPU Internal Cache
Quick Power On Self Test
First Boot Device
Second Boot Device
Third Boot Device
Boot Other Device
Boot Up NumLock Status
Security Option
APIC Mode
MPS Version Control For OS
Full Screen LOGO Show
:Move
Figure 7.
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Removable]
[CDROM]
[Hard Disk]
[Enabled]
[On]
[Setup]
[Enabled]
[1.4]
[Disabled]
Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value
F5: Previous Values
Item Help
Main Level
Select Removable Boot
Device Priority
F10:Save ESC:Exit
F7:Defaults
F1:General Help
Advanced BIOS Features Menu
Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable, data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection. 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Removable Device Priority
Use this option to select the priority for removable device startup. Press Enter to see the list of removable devices in your system. Use the arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the + or – keys to move the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc.
1. Floppy Disks
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Use this option to select the priority for HDD startup. Press Enter to see the list of bootable devices in your system. Use the arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the + or – keys to move the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc.
1. Ch0.
:
ST3802110A
2. Bootable Add-in Cards
Use the + and – keys to move the priority of the device within
Network Boot Priority
Use this option to select the priority for network startup. Select Network Boot
Priority and press Enter to view available networks. Use the arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the + or – keys to move the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc.
1. Network 0 :
2. Network 1 :
CPU Internal Cache
Use this option to enable or disable the CPU internal cache. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the
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40
Configuring the BIOS
options in a sub-menu. Use the option you choose.
arrow keys to position the selector in the
Quick Power On Self Test
Enabling this option allows the system to skip certain test while booting, which reduces the time needed to boot the system. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to toggle between Enable and Disable.
First/Second/Third Boot Device
Use this option to set the priority sequence of the devices booted at power on.
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press
Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose.
First Boot Device
Removable
Hard Disk
CDROM
Network
Disabled
:Move
.....
.....
.....
.....
.....
ENTER:Accept
[
[
[
[
[
]
]
]
]
]
ESC:Abort
Boot Other Device
With the option set to Enable, the system boots from some other device if the first/second/third boot devices fail.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Boot Up NumLock Status
This option allows you to select the power-on state of NumLock. Select On to activate the keyboard NumLock when the system is started. Select Off to disable the NumLock key.
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Configuring the BIOS
Security Option
The Security Options allows you to require a password every time the system boots or only when you enter setup. Select Setup to require a password to gain access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select System to require a password to access the CMOS Setup screen and when the system boots.
APIC Mode
Use this function to enable or disable the Advanced Programmable Interrupt
Controller (APIC). If you disable this option, you also disable the MPS Version
Control for OS option.
MPS Version Control For OS
Use this function to select the Multi-Processor Specification (MPS) version that
BIOS passes to the operating system. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options.
Full Screen LOGO Show
This option allows you to enable or disable the display of the full-screen logo when the system boots. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to toggle between Enable and Disable
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Advanced Chipset Features
Select Advanced Chipset Features from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset Functions menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced Chipset Features
System Clocks
FSB & Memory Config
CPU Configuration
System Voltages
NVMEM memory test
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Disable]
Load timing/voltage set
Save timing/voltage set
System BIOS Cacheable
HPET Function
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Disabled]
[Enable]
NVIDIA GPY Ex
[Enable]
Item Help
Main Level
Voltage control
:Move
Figure 8.
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44
Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value
F5: Previous Values
F10:Save ESC:Exit
F7:Defaults
Advanced Chipset Features
F1:General Help
Configuring the BIOS
System Clocks
Select System Clocks from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press
Enter to display the System Clocks menu. From this menu, you are able to specify frequency settings, HT multipliers, and Spread Spectrum settings. Note that in Figure 9, all of the options are listed. On the actual BIOS screen, you will need to scroll down to see all the options.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Clocks
Parameters
**Frequency Settings**
CPU Freq, MHz
FSB Reference Clock, MHz
CPU Multiplier
Settings Current Val e
2933.3
1066.7
[11 X]
2933.3
1066.7
11X
Main Level
PCIe x16_1, MHz
PCIe x16_3, MHz
PCIe x16_2, MHz
SPPMCP Ref Clock, MHz
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
100
100
100
100
CPU frequency multiplier. CPU core clock
= FSB Ref Clock/4 *
CPU Multiplier
**HT Multiplier** nForce SPP --> nForce MCP [5 nForce SPP nForce MCP
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the HT multiplier options and set the link speed from the SPP chip to the MCP chip. Values are
[1 x] through [5 x]. nForce MCP 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100%
If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed
0%
Manual Fan Speed, %
100
AUX Fan Speed Control, % [100] nForce Fan Speed Control, % [100]
Chassis Fan Speed Control, % [100]
Use this menu to control the speed of the various fans on the motherboard. Set
CPU fan speed to [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 Aux, nForce, and Chassis fans from 0% to 100%.
The system defaults to 100%.
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Configuring the BIOS
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 drivers and additional NVIDIA software. The CD that has been shipped with your EVGA motherboard contains the following software and drivers:
NVIDIA nForce motherboard drivers
Audio drivers
RAID drivers
Adobe Acrobat Reader
User’s Manual
72
Configuring the BIOS
Driver Installation
Insert the EVGA nForce 780i SLI installation CD for the motherboard included in the kit.
4. The CD will autorun, install the drivers and utilities listed on the install screen. 3.
If the CD does not run, go to My Computer and click on the CD to open.
Using the
NVIDIA Software
Built upon the foundation of NVIDIA’s core motherboard and GPU technologies, NVIDIA System Monitor and Performance Server software utilities bring consolidated reporting and control to the desktop in seamless fashion. Traditionally, users have been forced to endure a sequence of trial and error attempts within the BIOS in order to customize the operation and performance of the system to their needs. As settings are attempted, the user must start and restart Windows several times. Fortunately, NVIDIA’s new
System Monitor and Performance Group utilities bring the same rich functionality found in the BIOS to the user’s desktop. From a single convenient interface, the user can adjust settings to minimize noise, optimize performance, and maximize system stability. In addition, a wealth of system information is readily available in a lush 3D presentation which is customizable to suit the user.
74
Using NVIDIA Software
NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel
You can start the NVIDIA Performance Group several ways:
Double-click the NVIDIA Performance Group icon on the desktop
Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel
From the Windows Control Panel, double-click the NVIDIA Control Panel
NVIDIA Performance Server menus are located under the Performance group in the left column.
Note
All changes made within NVIDIA Performance Group are dynamically applied, and will only remain active for the current Windows session. You can save these settings as a profile by using the Profile menu item.
CAUTION: Increasing the voltage or the clock speed of a component may void its warranty due to exceeding recommended specifications. NVIDIA and the board manufacturer are not responsible for damage that may occur when component tolerances are exceeded.
Historically, NVIDIA’s Control Panel has contained a wealth of settings and adjustments for NVIDIA GPU’s. In similar fashion, the new NVIDIA
Performance Group applies the same depth of control to the rest of the components within a system. Without ever leaving Windows or entering the
BIOS, users can optimize and adjust nearly every system component.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Device Settings
Device Settings has two tabs, Current Hardware Settings and Hardware
Profiles. Under the Current Hardware Settings tab there are settings for the
CPU, Motherboard, Memory, and GPU.
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Using NVIDIA Software
Current Hardware Settings
CPU
This option deals with CPU parameters and information. Here, the user has the ability to dynamically change FSB speeds, CPU Voltages, and CPU fan speeds.
At all times, real-time values for CPU frequency and appropriate CPU multiplier are reported.
CAUTION: Increasing the voltage or the clock speed of a component may void its warranty due to exceeding recommended specifications. NVIDIA and the board manufacturer are not responsible for damage that may occur when component tolerances are exceeded.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Motherboard
The Motherboard option showcases a wide variety of motherboard and system-wide options and settings. The controls located in the Adjust Motherboard Timings screen allow the bus speeds to be adjusted manually to increase performance for gaming, or lower performance to conserve power and create a quieter user environment. The number to the right of the slider is the new bus speed that will be applied. Adjustments can be made by using the mouse to drag the slider. All changes will take effect immediately after selecting Apply; however, these setting will only remain active for the current Windows session. This will allow a user to safely return to Windows in the event of a crash, without any possibility of boot issues since the changes are not made directly to the BIOS settings.
Note: All changes on Adjust Motherboard Settings are dynamically made when you apply them, and only remain active for the current Windows session. You can save these settings as a profile for use later by using the Profile menu item. If a setting does not allow a change, it probably requires a reboot and should be changed in the BIOS or from the Dynamic BIOS Access page (if available). EVGA
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Using NVIDIA Software
Memory
Memory is one of the most critical components in terms of determining overall system stability and overclocking success, a wealth of information and options for memory modules is available. Both timings and voltage are dynamically adjustable, with real-time values for memory frequency, FSB frequency, and more being viewable to help dictate which settings are most appropriate.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Row Address Strobe
Adjusts the minimum RAS active time. This is the amount of time between a row being activated by Precharge and deactivated. A row cannot be deactivated until tRAS has completed. The lower this value, the faster the performance. However, if it is set too low it can cause data corruption by deactivating the row to soon. Adjustable from 1 to 63.
Write Recovery Time
Memory timing that determines the delay between a write command and a
Precharge command is set to the same bank of memory. Adjustable from 1 to
15.
W to R Termination Turnaround
The Write-to-Read time is the number of clock cycles between the last write
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Using NVIDIA Software
data pair and the subsequent READ command to the same physical block.
Adjustable from 1 to 15.
RAS to CAS access
The RAS-to-CAS access (tRCD) is the amount of time in cycles for issuing an active command and the read/write commands. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
RAS to RAS Delay
The RAS-to-RAS delay (tRRD) is the is the amount of cycles it takes to activate the next bank of memory (this is the opposite of tRAS). The lower the timing the better the system performance. However, this scenario can cause instability. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
Refresh Rate
This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.
Memory bank switch
The row Precharge time (tRP) is the minimum time between active commands and the read/writes of the next bank on the memory module.
Adjustable from 1 to 15.
R to W Turnaround
The Read-to-Write turnaround (tRWT) is a the amount of cycles for the command to be executed when a Write command is received. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
R to R Timing the Read-to-Read time (tRDRD) is the number of clock cycles between the last read and the subsequent READ command to the same physical bank.
Adjustable from 1 to 15.
Row Cycle Time
The Row Cycle Time is the minimum time in cycles it take a row to complete a full cycle. This can be determined by tRC=tRAS+tRP. If this value is set too short, it can cause corruption of data. If this value is set too high, it causes a loss in performance but an increase in stability. Adjustable from 1 to 63 cycles W to R Command Delay
The Write-to-Read (tWRD) command delay is the amount of cycles required between a valid write command and the next read command. A lower cycle time results in better performance but is can instability. Adjustable from 0 to
6 cycles.
W to W Timing
The Write-to-Write (tWRWR) timing is the number of clock cycles between
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
the last write and the subsequent Write command to the same physical bank.
Adjustable from 2 to 15 cycles.
CAS Latency
The CAS Latency (tCL) is the time (in number of clock cycles) that elapses after the memory controller sends a request to read a memory location and before the data is sent to the module's output pins. The value shown cannot be changed.
Clock Drive Strength
This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.
Command Per Clock
The Command Per Clock (tCPC) sets the Command Rate for the memory controller. The value shown cannot be changed
Async Latency
This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.
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Using NVIDIA Software
GPU
The graphics processing unit (GPU) located on your video card(s) can be adjusted using Device Setting interface. You can override the shipped clock frequencies of your GPU and GPU memory, and you can set the GPU fan speed. Increasing the clock speeds will increase your GPU performance but may necessitate improved cooling to maintain the same level of reliability.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Dynamic BIOS Access
The Dynamic BIOS Access page allows you to change your system BIOS settings.
The changes do not go into effect until after you reboot your system. Since these changes are made to actual BIOS settings in the CMOS, the settings remain active until you change them again or restore the CMOS to the default settings.
Click the Available BIOS Pages list arrow and select the BIOS page that you want to edit. The BIOS page chosen determines which items on the page are available for changing. To edit an item, select the corresponding list arrow and then select one of the values from the list. When finished making your changes, click the OK or Apply.
EVGA
84
Using NVIDIA Software
Note
This feature is available only with BIOS support from the motherboard manufacturer. Available screen and features will vary between different makes and models of motherboards.
View System Information
The View System Information menu is a high-level view where all the critical values of the system are consolidated and presented within a single view. At a glance, the user can clearly see the current status of their components and receives a clear depiction of overall system performance.
Within the View System
Information section, the user can also double-click values for both memory modules and processors to receive even more-detailed
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
information regarding those components.
Profile Policies
Easily one of the most powerful aspects of NVIDIA Performance Server is the ability to create custom profiles and rules. Essentially, NVIDIA Performance
Server allows the user to offer a custom set of settings and alerts which can be tailored from a global setting all the way to something as granular as a particular game. In short, you can effortlessly customize your system to run as silent as possible when performing less-demanding tasks such as browsing the web.
When loading a game however, system settings adjust to extract the highest possible performance from every system component and ensure you have the ultimate gaming experience with your current hardware.
EVGA
86
Using NVIDIA Software
Manage Your System BIOS
Thanks to the power and flexibility of NVIDIA’s Performance Server software, users can even backup or update their system BIOS from within Windows. In addition to displaying a complete collection of information regarding the current BIOS version being used, the user also has the option of saving a backup version of the BIOS being used. This is especially useful when updating the current BIOS because you have a known good BIOS to revert to should the other version have issues with system stability or performance.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
NVIDIA System Monitor
You can open the NVIDIA System Monitor several ways:
Double-click the NVIDIA System Monitor icon on the desktop
Click Start, then click All Programs NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA
System Monitor.
The NVIDIA System Monitor is a unique 3D presentation of core component values. For every supported device, a wide range of information ranging from temperature, frequency, and voltage are reported. Given the fact that the
NVIDIA System Monitor is based around an OpenGL foundation, there is nearly zero performance overhead associated with running the utility.
Users can effortlessly navigate through NVIDIA System Monitor by selecting a particular component in order to view that hardware’s appropriate information.
The selected component comes to the foreground and all supported information is presented. Should the user prefer an overhead view of the components in the system, they can utilize the mouse-wheel to control the angle of the display.
EVGA
88
Using NVIDIA Software
In this example, we can see that the motherboard is selected. As a result, a wide array of related settings and status information is displayed in real-time. In addition to fan speeds and temperatures, we also find critical voltage values for core components. By moving the slider on the bottom of the screen, the user also can control the translucency of the screen allowing them to view the desktop if desired.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Specific information fields that the user wants to always have on display can be selected by doubleclicking the appropriate information box. The box will be moved to the top of the screen where it will remain regardless of which component is selected from that point on.
By pressing Ctrl+Alt+C or by clicking the arrow icon in the top-right of the screen, the user can switch modes and bring all selected component fields to the desktop. From here, the component fields can be oriented and moved anywhere on the desktop.
Furthermore, component fields can be removed from this view by clicking the small button in the top right of the icon’s box.
EVGA
90
Using NVIDIA Software
By clicking on the Global Settings image in the bottom left of the screen, the user can customize the way nV Monitor looks and behaves. The first series of options the user is presented with deals with the application’s appearance. The user can control everything from temperature units to overall translucency of the application, and can manipulate a number of other settings to tailor the program to one’s liking.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
The second series of options the user can alter deals with Event Logging. Here, one can easily select which system components to track and can specify the name of the resulting output file. All fields within the application will be logged and written to this file to aid in troubleshooting issues and tracking overall system behavior.
EVGA
92
Using NVIDIA Software
The final series of options the user can change handles the specific hotkeys used to control various application actions. In this screen, the user simply enters their desired hotkey configuration and they are able to control every aspect of functionality for nV
Monitor according to their own personal preferences.
Appendix A.
POST Codes for Tritium Platform
This section provides the Award POST Codes (Table 6) and the NVMM POST
Codes (Table 7) for Tritium platforms during system boot up.
Table 6.
Award POST Code
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
01
Reserved
02
Jumps to E000 segment Execution of POST routines in E000
03
Early SuperIO
Init Early Initialized the super IO
04
Reserved
05
Blank video
06
Reserved
07
Init KBC
Keyboard controller init
08
KB test
Test the Keyboard
09
Reserved
0A
Mouse Init
0B
Reserved
0C
Reserved
0D
Reserved
0E
CheckSum Check
0F
Reserved
10
Autodetect
EEPROM
11
Reserved
Reset Video controller
Initialized the mouse
Check the integrity of the ROM,BIOS and message
Check Flash type and copy flash write/erase routines
94
Post Codes
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
12
Test CMOS
Test and Reset CMOS
13
Reserved
14
Load Chipset
15
Reserved
16
Init Clock
17
Reserved
18
Init CPU
19
Reserved
1A
Reserved
1B
Setup Interrupt
Vector Table
Initialize first 120 interrupt vectors with
SPURIOUS_INT_HDLR and initialize INT 00h-1Fh according to INT_TBL
1C
CMOS Battery
Check
Test CMOS and check Battery Fail
1D
Early PM
Early PM initialization
1E
Reserved
1F
Re-initial KB
20
Reserved
21
HPM init
22
Reserved
23
Program chipset
Early Programming of chipset registers
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
CPU Speed detect
2A
Init video
2C
Reserved
CPU ID and initialize L1/L2 cache
Load keyboard matrix
Init Heuristic Power Management (HPM)
Reserved
2B
Initialize onboard clock generator
Reserved
29
Load Chipset Defaults
Chipset programming and CPU Speed detect
Initialize Video
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Description
2D
Video memory test Test Video Memory and display Logos
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
3D
Reserved
3E
Test 8259-1 Mask
3F
Reserved
40
Test 8259-2 Mask
41
EVGA
96
Name
Reserved
Early Keyboard Reset
Test DMA channel 0
Test DMA channel 1
Test DMA Page Registers
Test 8254 Timer 0 Counter 2.
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.
Post Codes
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
42
Reserved
43
Test Stuck
Interrupt
44
Reserved
45
Reinit serial port
46
EISA Test
48
Size Memory
4A
Reserved
4B
Reserved
4C
Reserved
4D
Reserved
4E
Init APIC
4F
Reserved
50
USB init
51
Reserved
52
Memory Test
53
Reserved
54
Reserved
55
CPU display
56
Reserved
57
PnP Init Display
58
Reserved
59
Setup Virus
Reinitialize Preboot agent serial port
Reserved
49
Turn off interrupts then verify no 8259's interrupt mask register is on. Test 8259 Force an interrupt and verify the interrupt occurred.
Reserved
47
Description
If EISA non-volatile memory checksum is good, execute EISA initialization. If not, execute ISA tests and clear EISA mode flag.
Size base memory from 256K to 640K and extended memory above 1MB.
Initialize APIC and set MTRR
Initialize USB controller
Test all memory of memory above 1MB using Virtual
8086 mode, page mode and clear the memory
Detect CPU speed and display CPU vendor specific version string and turn on all necessary CPU features
PnP logo and PnP early init
Setup virus protect according to Protect Setup
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
5A
Reserved
5B
Awdflash Load
5C
Reserved
5D
Onboard I/O
5E
Reserved
5F
Reserved
60
Setup enable
61
Reserved
62
Reserved
63
Initialize Mouse
64
Reserved
65
PS2 Mouse special
66
Reserved
67
ACPI init
68
Reserved
69
Init Cache
6A
Reserved
6B
Initialize Floppy
6E
FDD install
70
Initialize Hard
Special treatment to PS2 Mouse port
ACPI sub-system initializing
Initialize cache controller
Reserved
73
Detect if mouse is present, initialize mouse, install interrupt vectors.
Reserved
72
Display setup message and enable setup functions
Reserved
71
Init Initializing onboard superIO
Reserved
6F
If required, will auto load Awdflash.exe in POST
Reserved
6D
EVGA
98
Setup
6C
Description
Enter setup check and autoconfiguration check up
Initialize floppy disk drive
Install FDD and setup BIOS data area parameters
Initialize hard drive controller
Post Codes
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
Drive
74
Reserved
75
Detect HDD
76
Reserved
77
Detect serial 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
IDE device detection
Initialize serial ports.
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
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
Check
8E
Reserved
8F
IRQ12 Enable
90
Reserved
91
Reserved
Enable IRQ12 if mouse present
92
Boot Medium
Read
Detect and store boot partition head and cylinders values in RAM
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
Base memory detect
C2
Early Memory
Board Initialization
C3
Extend Memory
Turn on extended memory, cache initialization
C4
Special Display
First display initialization
C5
Early Shadow
Early shadow enable for fast boot
C6
Cache presence
External cache size detection
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
NMI, F2 reboot.
BF
Program MCP
To program chipset from defaults values
E1EF
Setup Pages
E1- Page 1, E2 - Page 2, etc.
FF
EVGA
100
Reserved
93
Boot
Post Codes
Table 7.
NVMM POST Codes
NVMM POST Codes
Code
Name
Description
0F0h
Identify HW in the system
0F1h
Register the slam tables
0F2h
Early SLAM table
0F3h
COM port initialization
000h
Initialize the hardware devices
001h
Override input parameters, etc. before QUERY
004h
Query the hardware devices
008h
Read SPD & fill in arrays
00Ch
ROM table pointer
010h
Initialize the Memory Controller
011h
Program the PLLs
012h
Query after memory PLL has been set
013h
Set Dynamic SPD values
014h
Load MemInfoStruct
015h
Load the DIMM geometry (using SPD)
016h
Prepare MRS variables
017h
Probe memory geometry
018h
PROD_C: PROD f/ Calculated ref manuals
019h
PROD_D: PROD w/ Discrete assembly programming 01Ah
PROD_E: PROD w/ Expandable criteria
01Bh
Send MRS/EMRS configuration cycles
01Ch
Overvoltage handling
01Dh
PROD_F: PROD Final - after MRS/EMRS
020h
PCI Express Initialization
030h
Load Spread Spectrum tables
040h
Set Top-Of-Memory registers
044h
Late SLAM table
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
NVMM POST Codes
Code
Name
Description
048h
Previous Power State SLAM table
04Ch
Hardware Workarounds
050h
Restore, and exit NVMM
054h
Memory Test
0FEh
ERROR handler
0FFh
End of Table
0FFh
Invalid APIC ID
0FEh
CPU Identify/Init failed
0FDh
North Bridge not supported
0FCh
South Bridge not supported
0FBh
No DIMMs present
0FAh
Invalid DIMM types, SDR/DDR
0F9h
Invalid REFRESH Rate
0F7h
Invalide memory geometry
0F6h
Slam Engine error
0F5h
Memory Test Error
0F4h
EVGA
102
Different voltage levels
0F8h
Link Training timeout
Post Codes
Appendix B.
Configuring an SLI Configuration
NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is a revolutionary technology that allows two NVIDIA SLI graphics cards to work together to deliver incredible 3D graphics performance.
Your new motherboard can support up to three PCI Express graphics cards linked using SLI. Currently 3-way NVIDIA SLI is approved and operating on the following graphics cards:
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra
SLI Connector
NVIDIA 3-way SLI platform will also require a new SLI connector that connects the SLI headers on the GeForce GPUs (Figure 31).
104
Figure 17.
3-way NVIDIA SLI connector
(600-10732-0000-000)
ForceWare Driver
The 3-way SLI platform uses the NVIDIA ForceWare Windows Vista driver.
To install the driver, run the setup.exe file to launch thee InstallShield. The
InstallShield runs three installs, one for each GPU. Reboot your PC when the install is complete.
After reboot, the Windows Vista Device Manager shows three GPUs under
(Figure 18).
Display adapters
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Three GPUs are represented under Display adapters
Figure 18.
EVGA
106
Windows Vista Device Manager
Enabling 3-Way SLI
3-way NVIDIA SLI is enabled from the NVIDIA Control Panel. Right mouse click on the Windows desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel. Go to 3D
Settings Set SLI configuration (Figure 19) and select Enable SLI technology
(recommended). After selecting this option, you will be prompted to verify the settings have been successfully configured.
Note: Selecting Do not use SLI Technology sets the configuration into single GPU mode. Figure 19.
NVIDIA Control Panel, Set SLI Configuration
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Before closing the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to the top menu option labeled
3D Settings and select
Show SLI Visual Indicators.
This option overlays a text label of
SLI x3 and green SLI scaling bars in fullscreen 3D applications, as seen in
Figure 20.
Figure 20.
EVGA
108
SLI Visual Indicators Operating in 3DMark2006
Verifying 3-way SLI is Active
You can verify 3-way SLI is active and functional by launching a fullscreen 3D application and checking for the SLI Visual indicators.
If these visual indicators are visible and there is no flickering or flashing, 3-way
NVIDIA SLI is operational on your platform.
If these visual indicators are not visible, please check previous steps to ensure you have enable the indictors, your connector is firmly in place, and that you have enable SLI technology.
Index
1394 Cable, 4
CPU Configuration, 48
2-Port SATA Power Cable, 4
FSB & Memory Config, 44
ACPI function, 59
Integrated Peripherals, 54
ACPI Suspend Type, 59
Main Menu, 28
Adjust Motherboard Timings screen,
73
Memory Timing Setting, 46
Advanced BIOS Features, 36
Advanced Chipset Functions menu, 40
Advanced Programmable Interrupt
Controller, 39
APIC, 39
Async Latency, 76
ATX form factor, 1 audio connector, 20 auto-detect IDE and SATA channels,
33
PnP/PCI Configuration, 61
Power Management Setup, 58
Standard CMOS Features, 31
System Clocks, 41
System Monitor menu, 64
System Voltages, 50
BIOS, backup and update, 81
BIOS, configuring, 27 block mode, IDE HDD, 57 boot device priority, 38
Available BIOS Pages, 78
C1E Enhanced Halt State, 49
Award POST Codes, 87
CAS Latency, 76
Base Memory, 35
Chassis Backpanel Connectors, 6
BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu,
29
CHS, 33
BIOS menus
Advanced BIOS Features menu, 36
Advanced Chipset Features, 40
Clock Drive Strength, 76
CMOS RAM jumper, 25
Comm2 Bracket Cable, 4
Command Per Clock, 47, 76
CMOS Setup Utility menu, 29
110
configure IDE and SATA channels,
BIOS, 32 configuring the BIOS, 27 connectors COM1, 22
CPU fan, 21
FDD, 23 front audio, 20
IDE, 14
PWR1, 13
PWR2, 14
SATA, 16 system fan, 21
Cooling fan for CPU, ix
CPU Configuration menu, 48
CPU cooling fan, ix
CPU Core 1, 49
CPU fan, 9, 21
CPU Freq, 42
CPU internal cache, 37
CPU Multiplier, 42
CPU parameters and information, 72
CPU Spread Spectrum, 43
CPU Thermal Control, 48
CPU, installing, 8
CPU, setting parameters, 72 create custom profiles and rules, 80
Current Hardware Settings, 71
date and time, setting in BIOS, 32
DDR2 memory, 9
Device Settings, 71 drivers, shipped in kit, 67 dual channel DDR2, 9
Dynamic BIOS Access page, 78
Dynamic Fan Control menu, 65 equipment list, 3
ESCD, 62
Event Logging, 85
Execute Disable Bit, 49 expansion slots, 23
Extended Memory, 35
FDC controller function, 57
Floppy Cable, 4
Frequency Settings, 42
Front Audio, 20 front panel header, 17
Front Panel Header Pins, 18 front panel power LED, 17
FSB & Memory Config menu, 44
FSB (QDR), 46
FSB and Memory Clock Mode, 45
FSB Reference Clock, 42 full-screen logo, 39
Global Settings, 84
GPU, setting parameters, 77
Halt On sub-menu, 34
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
hard disk audio function, 57
set IDE functions in BIOS, 55
Hard Disk Boot Priority, 37
set memory parameters, 74
hard disk drive indicator LED, 17
set motherboard parameters, 73
HD_LED, 17
set network boot priority, 37
High Precision Even Timer, 53
set power management functions in
BIOS, 58
hot key power on, 60 hotkey settings, 86
How to backup and update system BIOS,
81
set system voltages in BIOS, 50 view system information, 79
HPET, 53
HT Multiplier, 43
change system BIOS settings, 78
HT Spread Spectrum, 43
configure CPU in BIOS, 48
I/O shield, 10
configure RAID in BIOS, 56
I/O Shield, 3
configure USB in BIOS, 56
IDE connector, 14
connect IDE drives, 14
IDE DMA transfer access, 55
connect power to motherboard, 13
IDE Function Setup menu, 55
create custom profiles, 80
IDE Prefetch Mode, 55
install CPU, 8
IDE/SATA sub-menu, 32
install DIMMs, 9
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable, 4
set CMOS jumper, 25
IEEE 1394 expansion cable, 18
set CPU parameters, 72
IEEE 1934a Connector Pins, 18
set date and time, 32
installing
set disk priority, 37 set fan speeds in BIOS, 64
I/O shield, 10
set fan speeds with BIOS, 66
memory DIMMs, 9
set GPU parameters, 77
EVGA
112
CPU, 8
motherboard, 10
installing software, 67
Network Boot Priority, 37
Integrated Peripherals menu, 54
NumLock status, 38
Intel microprocessor, ix
NVIDIA EX support, 53
internal headers, 17
NVIDIA memory testing module, 52
PWRHD_LED, 17
EVGA nForce 780i Motherboard, 3
PWRLED, 17
EVGA nForce 780i Motherboard
Layout, 5
PWRSW, 17
IRQ Resources, 63
LBA, 33
NVIDIA Performance Group, 70
NVIDIA System Monitor, 82
Limit CPUID MaxVal, 48
NVIDIA System Monitor and
Performance Server software utilities, 69
LI-Ready Memory, 44
NVMM POST Codes, 94
load plate, 8
onboard serial port 1 function, 58
MAC Config menu, 57
OnChip IDE Channel0, 55
MEM (DDR), 46
OnChip USB, 56
Memory bank switch, 75
Palette Snoop function, 63
memory support, ix
paring the motherboard, 8
Memory Timing Setting, 46
PCI Express x1 slot, 24
memory, setting parameters, 74
PCI Express x16 slots, 24
microprocessor, ix
PCI slots, 23
motherboard
PCIe Spread Spectrum, 43
Legacy ISA, 63
install procedure, 10
PCIe x16, 42
motherboard specifications, 1
Performance Group, 70
motherboard, realtime settings and status information, 83
PnP/PCI Configuration menu, 61
motherboard, setting parameters, 73
MPS, 39
Multi-Processor Specification, 39
POST Codes
Award, 87
NVMM, 94 power button cable, 17
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Power Management Setup menu, 58
SATA Signal Cable, 4
power supply requirement, ix
SATA Spread Spectrum, 43
Power-on by alarm function, 59
Scalable Link Interface, 97
power-on function, 60
Security Options, 39
Primary Master/Slave PIO, 55
Serial ATA II connector, 16
Primary Master/Slave UDMA, 55
Serial-ATA Controller, 55
PWR1 connector, 13
How to, 41
PWR1 pin assignments, 13
Soft-Off by PBNT, 59
PWR2 connector, 14
software installation instructions, 67
PWRLED, 17
Spread Spectrum, 43
PWRSW, 17
Standard CMOS Features menu, 31
Quick Power On Self Test, 38
System Clocks menu, 41
R to W Turnaround, 75
System Monitor menu, 64
RAID Config menu, 56
system voltages and timing settings,
53
RAS to CAS access, 75
RAS to RAS Delay, 75
Read-to-Read time, 75
Ref Clock, SPP MCP, 42
Refresh Rate, 75 removable device startup priority, 37
RESET, 17
Reset switch cable, 17
Row Address Strobe, 74
Row Cycle Time, 75 safety instructions, 7
EVGA
114
System Voltages menu, 50 tCL, 47, 76 tCPC, 76
TLP payload size, 63
Total Memory, 35 tRAS, 47, 74 tRC, 47 tRDC, 47 tRDRD, 75 tREF, 47 tRP, 47
tRRD, 47
USB Config menu, 56
tWR, 47
USB Keyboard/Mouse Support, 56
tWRD, 76
View System Information menu,
79
tWRWR, 76 tWTR, 47 unpacking the kit, 3
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable, 4
USB 2.0 ports, 19
Virtualization Technology, 49
W to R Termination Turnaround, 75
Write Recovery Time, 75
Write-to-Write timing, 76 