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XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI User Manual

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XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI
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Summary of Contents for XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI

  • Page 1 User Guide XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard...

  • Page 2: Xfx Nforce 780I 3-Way Sli Motherboard

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Table of Contents User Guide ........................i XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard..............i Before You Begin… ..................... ix Inside the 780i 3-Way SLI Installation CD ...............ix Parts NOT in the Kit ....................x Intentions of the Kit ....................xi XFX nForce 780i Motherboard..................1...
  • Page 4 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ................13 8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)............... 14 Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ..............14 Connecting Serial ATA Cables................15 Connecting Internal Headers ................16 Front Panel Header ..................16 IEEE 1394a ....................
  • Page 5 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Advanced BIOS Features ..................34 Removable Device Priority................. 35 Hard Disk Boot Priority..................35 Network Boot Priority ..................35 CPU Internal Cache ................... 35 Quick Power On Self Test.................. 36 First/Second/Third Boot Device ................. 36 Boot Other Device ....................
  • Page 6 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard IDE Function Setup .................... 53 RAID Config ....................... 54 USB Config......................54 MAC Config ......................55 IEEE1394 controller ................... 55 HD Audio ......................55 IDE HDD Block Mode..................55 Onboard FDC Controller ..................55 Onboard Serial Port 1 ..................
  • Page 7 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel .......... 68 Device Settings ....................69 Current Hardware Settings................70 Dynamic BIOS Access ..................76 View System Information ................... 77 Profile Policies....................78 Manage Your System BIOS ................79 NVIDIA System Monitor ..................
  • Page 8 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard List of Figures Figure 1. XFX nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Layout..........5 Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors ............. 6 Figure 3. Power Supply Connectors..............12 Figure 4. PWR1 Motherboard Connector ............13 Figure 5.

  • Page 9: Before You Begin

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Before You Begin… Inside the 780i 3-Way SLI Installation CD The following tools and drivers are in the 780i 3-Way SLI Installation CD: Motherboard Drivers for: Windows XP Windows XP 64-bit Windows Vista Windows Vista 64-bit...

  • Page 10: Parts Not In The Kit

    Parts NOT in the Kit This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new XFX® nForce® 780i SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.

  • Page 11: Intentions Of The Kit

    XFX nForce 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.
  • Page 12 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard...

  • Page 13: Xfx Nforce 780I Motherboard

    XFX nForce 780i Motherboard Thank you for buying the XFX 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.
  • Page 14 XFX nForce 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 )

  • Page 15: Unpacking And Parts Descriptions

    Unpacking and Parts Descriptions Unpacking The XFX 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.

  • Page 16: Xfx Nforce 780I Sli Motherboard

    XFX nForce 780i SLI Motherboard The XFX 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.

  • Page 17: Figure 1. Xfx Nforce 780I Sli Motherboard Layout

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.

  • Page 18: Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 1. PS/2 Mouse Port 2. PS/2 Keyboard Port 3. 1394a (Firewire) Port 4. USB 2.0 ports (SIX) 5. SPDIF output 6. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out...

  • Page 19: Hardware Installation

    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 follow basic safety precautions.

  • Page 20: Preparing The Motherboard

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Preparing the Motherboard The motherboard shipped in the box does 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.

  • Page 21: Installing The Cpu Fan

    Hardware Installation 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.

  • Page 22: Installing The Motherboard

    XFX nForce 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.

  • Page 23: Securing The Motherboard Into The Chassis

    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.

  • Page 24: Power Connections

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Serial ATA II Chassis Fans Rear panel USB 2.0 Adapter Expansion slots CMOS jumper settings See Figure 1 on page 5 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following procedure. Power Connections...

  • Page 25: 24-Pin Atx Power (Pwr1)

    Hardware Installation 24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the board PWR1 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.

  • Page 26: 8-Pin Atx 12V Power (Pwr2)

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 8-pin ATX 12V Power ( PWR2 , the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the PWR2 CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated. Backpanel connector Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives The IDE connector supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66 IDE hard disk drives.

  • Page 27: Connecting Serial Ata Cables

    Hardware Installation 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.

  • Page 28: Connecting Internal Headers

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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): Blank No Connect PWRLED Attach the front panel power LED...

  • Page 29: Ieee 1394A

    Hardware Installation Table 2. Front Panel Header Pins Signal In/Out Description HD_LED HD_PWR Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V HDA# Hard disk active LED PWRLED HDR_BLNK_GRN Front panel green light HDR_BLNK_YEL Front panel yellow light RESET Ground FP_RESET# Reset switch PWRSW SWITCH_ON# Power switch...

  • Page 30: Usb Headers

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.

  • Page 31: Audio

    Hardware Installation 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 and Internal SPDIF Connector Connector Signal Front Audio Connector Mic (Input) Ground (Mic.)

  • Page 32: Fan Connections

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Fan Connections There are five fan connections on the motherboard. The fan speed can be detected and viewed in the section of the CMOS Setup. The PC Health Status fans are automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 mode.

  • Page 33: Com1

    Hardware Installation 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 +12V SENSE Auxiliary fan connector System fan connector COM1 The motherboard kit provides an additional serial COM header for your machine.

  • Page 34: Fdd Connector

    (FDD). Expansion Slots The XFX 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.xfxforce.com...

  • Page 35: Pci Express X1 Slot

    Hardware Installation 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 bandwidth of the x16 slot is up to 4GB/sec (8GB/sec concurrent).

  • Page 36: Jumper Settings

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.

  • Page 37: Configuring The Bios

    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...

  • Page 38: Enter Bios Setup

    XFX nForce 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. Power on the computer.

  • Page 39: Figure 5. Bios Cmos Setup Utility Main Menu

    Configuring the BIOS Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Standard CMOS Features System Monitor Advanced BIOS Features Load Defaults Advanced Chipset Features Set Password Save & Exit Setup Integrated Peripherals Exit Without Saving Power Management Setup PnP/PCI Configurations Esc : Quit ...
  • Page 40 XFX nForce 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.

  • Page 41: Standard Cmos Features Menu

    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 keys to scroll through the options or press to display the Page Down Enter...

  • Page 42: Date And Time

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Date and Time Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use keys to scroll through dates and times. Note that Page Up Page Down the weekday (Sun through Sat) cannot be changed. This field changes to correspond to the date you enter.
  • Page 43 Configuring the BIOS Press to auto-detect IDE and SATA channels in the system. Once the Enter 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.

  • Page 44: Drive A

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Drive A option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install. Drive A Options are: Press ENTER to display sub- Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On [All , But Keyboard] None Drive A 360K, 5.25 in.

  • Page 45: Memory

    Configuring the BIOS 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.

  • Page 46: Advanced Bios Features

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Advanced BIOS Features Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup screen. Use the keys to scroll through the options or Page Up Page Down press to display the sub-menu. Use the...

  • Page 47: Removable Device Priority

    Configuring the BIOS 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 keys to move the device priority up –...

  • Page 48: Quick Power On Self Test

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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 Page Down keys to toggle between...

  • Page 49: Security Option

    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 to require a password to gain Setup access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select to require a password to System access the CMOS Setup screen and when the system boots.

  • Page 50: Advanced Chipset Features

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Advanced Chipset Features Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and Advanced Chipset Features press to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset Functions menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Chipset Features...

  • Page 51: System Clocks

    Configuring the BIOS System Clocks Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press System Clocks to display the System Clocks menu. From this menu, you are able to Enter specify frequency settings, HT multipliers, and Spread Spectrum settings. Note that in Figure 9, all of the options are listed.

  • Page 52: Frequency Settings

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Frequency Settings CPU Freq, MHz This value is set by the CPU Multiplier (value cannot be changed by the user). FSB Reference Clock. MHz This value is set by the system (value cannot be changed by the user). To change the SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing, go to the FSB &...

  • Page 53: Ht Multiplier

    Configuring the BIOS HT Multiplier nForce SPP — — > nForce MCP Use the keys to scroll through the HT multiplier Page Up Page Down options and set the link speed from the SPP chip to the MCP chip. Values are through [1 x] [5 x].

  • Page 54: Fsb & Memory Config

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard FSB & Memory Config Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and FSB & Memory Config press to display the FSB & Memory Config menu. This menu provides Enter the means to set SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing.
  • Page 55 Configuring the BIOS CPUOC 4% CPUOC 5% CPUOC MAX When you select one of the options, the CPUOC x% FSB - Memory is set to and cannot be changed until Clock Mode Unlinked SLI- is set to Ready Memory Disable FSB and Memory Clock Mode Use the keys to scroll through the FSB and...

  • Page 56: Memory Timing Setting

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard or type in a new value. Note that the reflects the actual Actual FSB (QDR) frequency that takes effect on a reboot. MEM (DDR), MHz Use the keys to scroll through new values for the memory frequency –...
  • Page 57 Configuring the BIOS Expert Use the keys to select . When Expert is Page Up Page Down Expert selected, all timing categories are enabled for manual input. Note that you should set the value to Optimal to use the manufacturers’ recommended values.

  • Page 58: Cpu Configuration

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard CPU Configuration Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and CPU Configuration press to display the CPU Configuration menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility CPU Configuration Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled] Item Help...
  • Page 59 Configuring the BIOS TM2 Only Thermal throttling is achieved by reducing the CPU multiplier and CPU core voltage. TM1 & TM2 Enables support for both TM1 and TM2. C1E Enhanced Halt State Enabled, this function reduces the CPU power consumption when the CPU is idle.

  • Page 60: System Voltages

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard System Voltages Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press System Voltages to display the System Voltages menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility System Voltages Parameters Settings Current Value Item Help...
  • Page 61 Configuring the BIOS nForce SPP This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce SPP chip. Use the keys to select a voltage (1.20V, 1.30V, Page Up Page Down 1.40V, 1.50V) or select to automatically set the voltage. [Auto] nForce MCP This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce MCP...

  • Page 62: Nvmem Memory Test

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVMEM Memory Test This function defines whether you run the NVIDIA memory testing module during POST. The options are Fast, Medium, Slow, and Disable. Load Timing/Voltage Set This function loads the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu.

  • Page 63: Save Timing/Voltage Set

    Configuring the BIOS Save Timing/Voltage Set This function saves the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is for all settings. Press to see the options.

  • Page 64: Integrated Peripherals Menu

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Integrated Peripherals Menu Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and Integrated Peripherals press to display the Integrated Peripherals menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Integrated Peripherals IDE Function Setup [Press Enter]...

  • Page 65: Ide Function Setup

    Configuring the BIOS IDE Function Setup Press to display the IDE Function Setup menu. Enter OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Primary Master [Auto] Primary Slave [Auto] Primary Master UDMA [Auto] Primary Slave UDMA [Auto] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Serial-ATA Controller [All Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]...

  • Page 66: Raid Config

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard RAID Config Press to display the RAID Config menu. Enter RAID Enable [Enabled] SATA 0 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 0 Secondary RAID [Disabled] SATA 1 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 1 Secondary RAID [Disabled] SATA 2 Primary...

  • Page 67: Mac Config

    Configuring the BIOS MAC Config Press to display the MAC Config menu. Enter MAC0 LAN [Enabled] MAC1 LAN [Disabled] MACx LAN Use these functions to set the MAC0 and/or MAC1 LANs to Auto disable their functions. IEEE1394 controller This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the IEEE1394 (Firewire) interface.

  • Page 68: Onboard Serial Port 1

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Onboard Serial Port 1 This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to select the onboard serial port 1 function. Options are [3F8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] , and [3E8/IRQ4] [Auto] [Disabled]. Power Management Setup Menu...

  • Page 69: Acpi Function

    Configuring the BIOS ACPI Function This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable the ACPI function. ACPI Suspend Type This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to select an ACPI Suspend Type. Types to select from are , and [S1&S3] [S1(POS)]...

  • Page 70: Power On Function

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard POWER ON Function This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to define the power-on function. Options for this function are: BUTTON ONLY Keyboard 98 Password When is selected, the function is...

  • Page 71: Pnp/Pci Configuration Menu

    Configuring the BIOS PnP/PCI Configuration Menu Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press PnP/PCI Configuration to display the PnP/PCI Configuration menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility PnP/PCI Configuration Init Display First [PCI Slot] Item Help Reset Configuration Data [Disabled] Main Level Resources Controlled By...

  • Page 72: Reset Configuration Data

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Reset Configuration Data This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or disable the resetting of Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) when you exit Setup. Set this to if you have installed a new add-on and the...

  • Page 73: Irq Resources

    Configuring the BIOS IRQ Resources To enable this field for input, set Resources Controlled By . With this field enabled, press to see options. [Manual] Enter IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-9 assigned to [Reserved] IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-14 assigned to...

  • Page 74: System Monitor Menu

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard System Monitor Menu Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter System Monitor display the System Monitor menu. Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility System Monitor Dynamic Fan Control [Press Enter] Item Help 47ºC/ 117ºF...

  • Page 75: Dynamic Fan Control

    Configuring the BIOS Dynamic Fan Control Press to display the Dynamic Fan Control menu. Enter CPU Fan Speed Control [SmartFan] If temp > 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100% If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed Manual Fan Speed, % AUX Fan Speed Control, % [100] nForce Fan Speed Control, % [100]...
  • Page 76 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard...

  • Page 77: Installing Drivers And Software

    Windows XP 32bit and 64bit and is Vista-capable. The kit comes with a CD that contains utility drivers and additional NVIDIA software. The CD that has been shipped with your XFX motherboard contains the following software and drivers: NVIDIA nForce drivers RealTek Audio drivers Microsoft DirectX 9.0C...

  • Page 78: Drivers Installation

    When installing the graphics drivers, the resolution defaults to the lowest setting (typically 800 x 600), making your display very large. Adjust accordingly. Insert the XFX nForce 780i SLI installation CD for the graphics drivers included in the kit. Note: If you have multiple graphics cards installed, you will be asked multiple times for all events once the drivers are installed.

  • Page 79: Using The Nvidia Software

    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.

  • Page 80: Nvidia Performance Group Of Nvidia Control Panel

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel You can start the NVIDIA Performance Group several ways: Double-click the icon on the desktop NVIDIA Performance Group Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel...

  • Page 81: Device Settings

    Using NVIDIA Software Device Settings Device Settings has two tabs, Current Hardware Settings Hardware . Under the tab there are settings for the Profiles Current Hardware Settings CPU, Motherboard, Memory, and GPU.

  • Page 82: Current Hardware Settings

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Current Hardware Settings 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.
  • Page 83 Using NVIDIA Software Motherboard 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.
  • Page 84 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.
  • Page 85 Using NVIDIA Software 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 W to R Termination Turnaround The Write-to-Read time is the number of clock cycles between the last write data pair and the subsequent READ command to the same physical block.
  • Page 86 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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 the last write and the subsequent Write command to the same physical bank.
  • Page 87 Using NVIDIA Software The graphics processing unit (GPU) located on your video card(s) can be adjusted using interface. You can override the shipped clock Device Setting frequencies of your GPU and GPU memory, and you can set the GPU fan speed.

  • Page 88: Dynamic Bios Access

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Dynamic BIOS Access 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.

  • Page 89: View System Information

    Using NVIDIA Software View System Information 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.

  • Page 90: Profile Policies

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.

  • Page 91: Manage Your System Bios

    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.

  • Page 92: Nvidia System Monitor

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVIDIA System Monitor You can open the NVIDIA System Monitor several ways: Double-click the icon on the desktop NVIDIA System Monitor Click , then click Start All Programs NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA System Monitor The NVIDIA System Monitor is a unique 3D presentation of core component values.
  • Page 93 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.
  • Page 94 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.
  • Page 95 Using NVIDIA Software 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.
  • Page 96 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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 Monitor according to their own personal preferences.

  • Page 97: Appendix A. Post Codes For Tritium Platform

    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 Name Description Reserved Jumps to E000 Execution of POST routines in E000...
  • Page 98 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Award POST Codes Name Description Test CMOS Test and Reset CMOS Reserved Load Chipset Load Chipset Defaults Reserved Init Clock Initialize onboard clock generator Reserved Init CPU CPU ID and initialize L1/L2 cache Reserved...
  • Page 99 Post Codes Award POST Codes Name Description Reserved Test Video Memory and display Logos Video memory test Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Reserved Early keyboard Early Keyboard Reset reset Reserved Test DMA Test DMA channel 0 Controller 0 Reserved Test DMA channel 1 Test DMA Controller 1 Reserved...
  • Page 100 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Award POST Codes Name Description Interrupt mask register is on. Test 8259 Force an interrupt and verify the interrupt occurred. Reserved Reinit serial port Reinitialize Preboot agent serial port Reserved EISA Test If EISA non-volatile memory checksum is good, execute EISA initialization.
  • Page 101 Post Codes Award POST Codes Name Description Awdflash Load If required, will auto load Awdflash.exe in POST Reserved Onboard I/O Init Initializing onboard superIO Reserved Reserved Setup enable Display setup message and enable setup functions Reserved Reserved Initialize Mouse Detect if mouse is present, initialize mouse, install interrupt vectors.
  • Page 102 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Award POST Codes Name Description Reserved Detect serial ports Initialize serial ports. Reserved Reserved Detect parallel Initialize parallel ports. ports Reserved HDD Write Protect HDD check for write protection Reserved Reserved POST error check...
  • Page 103 Post Codes Award POST Codes Name Description IRQ12 Enable Enable IRQ12 if mouse present Reserved Reserved Reserved Boot Medium Detect and store boot partition head and cylinders Read values in RAM Final Init Final init for last micro details before boot NumLock Set NumLock status according to Setup Boot Attempt...
  • Page 104 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.
  • Page 105 Post Codes NVMM POST Codes Code Name Description 044h Late SLAM table 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...
  • Page 106 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard...

  • Page 107: Appendix B. Configuring An Sli Configuration

    Configuring an SLI Configuration NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is a revolutionary technology that allows two XFX 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.

  • Page 108: Forceware Driver

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Figure 17. 3-way NVIDIA SLI connector 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 . The InstallShield runs three installs, one for each GPU. Reboot your PC when the InstallShield install is complete.

  • Page 109: Figure 18. Windows Vista Device Manager

    Configuring 3-Way SLI Three GPUs are represented under Display adapters Figure 18. Windows Vista Device Manager...

  • Page 110: Enabling 3-Way Sli

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Enabling 3-Way SLI 3-way NVIDIA SLI is enabled from the . Right mouse NVIDIA Control Panel click on the Windows desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel. Go to (Figure 19) and select Settings Set SLI configuration Enable SLI technology .

  • Page 111: Figure 20. Sli Visual Indicators Operating In 3Dmark2006

    Configuring 3-Way SLI Before closing the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to the top menu option labeled and select 3D Settings 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.

  • Page 112: Verifying 3-Way Sli Is Active

    XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.

  • Page 113: Index

    Index CPU Configuration, 46 1394 Cable, 4 FSB & Memory Config, 42 2-Port SATA Power Cable, 4 ACPI function, 57 Integrated Peripherals, 52 ACPI Suspend Type, 57 Main Menu, 26 Adjust Motherboard Timings screen, Memory Timing Setting, 44 PnP/PCI Configuration, 59 Advanced BIOS Features, 34 Power Management Setup, 56 Advanced Chipset Functions menu, 38...
  • Page 114 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard configure IDE and SATA channels, Current Hardware Settings, 69 BIOS, 30 date and time, setting in BIOS, 30 configuring the BIOS, 25 DDR2 memory, 9 connectors Device Settings, 69 COM1, 21 drivers, shipped in kit, 65...
  • Page 115 Configuring 3-Way SLI set IDE functions in BIOS, 53 GPU, setting parameters, 75 set memory parameters, 72 Halt On sub-menu, 32 hard disk audio function, 55 set motherboard parameters, 71 Hard Disk Boot Priority, 35 set network boot priority, 35 hard disk drive indicator LED, 16 set power management functions in BIOS, 56...
  • Page 116 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Intel microprocessor, x NumLock status, 36 internal headers, 16 NVIDIA EX support, 51 PWRHD_LED, 16 NVIDIA memory testing module, 50 PWRLED, 16 NVIDIA nForce 780i SE Motherboard, PWRSW, 16 NVIDIA nForce 780i SE Motherboard...
  • Page 117 Configuring 3-Way SLI power button cable, 16 Scalable Link Interface, 95 Power Management Setup menu, 56 Security Options, 37 power supply requirement, x Serial ATA II connector, 15 Power-on by alarm function, 57 Serial-ATA Controller, 53 power-on function, 58 How to, 39 Primary Master/Slave PIO, 53 Soft-Off by PBNT, 57 Primary Master/Slave UDMA, 53...
  • Page 118 XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard tWRWR, 74 USB Keyboard/Mouse Support, 54 tWTR, 45 View System Information menu, unpacking the kit, 3 Virtualization Technology, 47 USB 2.0 4-Port Cable, 4 W to R Termination Turnaround, 73 USB 2.0 ports, 18...
  • Page 119 Notice ALL NVIDIA DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS, REFERENCE BOARDS, FILES, DRAWINGS, DIAGNOSTICS, LISTS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS (TOGETHER AND SEPARATELY, “MATERIALS”) ARE BEING PROVIDED “AS IS.” NVIDIA MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE MATERIALS, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NONINFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

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