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.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
EVGA nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Layout.......................................... 7
Chassis Backpanel Connectors ............................................................. 7
Power Supply Connectors.................................................................... 14
PWR1 Motherboard Connector............................................................ 15
BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu.................................................. 31
Standard CMOS Features Menu.......................................................... 33
Advanced BIOS Features Menu........................................................... 39
Advanced Chipset Features................................................................. 44
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. SLI Visual Indicators Operating in 3DMark2006 ................................ 108
EVGA
viii
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
¾ Supports hot plug
¾ Ten USB 2.0 ports (six rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers)
¾ Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
¾ Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
1
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
‰ Onboard Serial ATA II
¾ 300MBps data transfer rate
¾ Six Serial ATA II connectors
¾ NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
¾ Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
‰ Onboard LAN
¾ Dual LAN interface built-in onboard
¾ Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet
‰ Onboard 1394
¾ Support hot plug
¾ Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate of
transmission at 400 Mbps
‰ Onboard Audio
¾ Azalia High-Definition audio
¾ Supports 8-channel audio
¾ Supports S/PDIF output
¾ Supports Jack-Sensing function
‰ Triple PCI Express x16 Support
¾ 2 x16 PCI Express 2.0
¾ 1 x16 PCI Express 1.0
¾ Supports 4 GB/sec (8 GB/sec concurrent) bandwidth
¾ Low power consumption and power management features
‰ Green Function
¾ Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
¾ Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
‰ Expansion Slots
¾ Two PCI slots
¾ One PCI Express x1 slot
¾ 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
26
27
22
25
23
23
23
24
21
20
28
29
19
18
17
13
13
16
2
3
15
4
14
13
11
9
5
6
10
12
8
7
1. CPU Socket
11. USB headers
21. SPDIF connector
22. PCI slots
2. NVIDIA SPP with Active fan
3. CPU fan connector
12. Motherboard battery
13. Fan connector
23. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)
24. 1394a connector
25. PCI Express x1 slot
4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3
14. Serial connector
15. Front panel connector
16. Jumper
5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector
6. IDE Connector
26. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2)
27. Heat dissipater
7. Serial-ATA (SATA) connectors
8. FDD connector
17. Power button
18. Reset Button
28. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector
29 MCP/SPP fan connector
9. NVIDIA MCP (passive heat sink)
19. Azalia HD Audio Header
EVGA
6
nForce 780i SLI Motherboard
10. Serial-ATA (SATA) connectors
20. FP Audio connector
Figure 1.
EVGA nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Layout
7
7
1
2
6
4
4
5
4
3
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
Blue
2-Channel
4-Channel
Line-In
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
6-Channel/8-Channel
Line-In
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
Line-In
Line-Out
Mic In
Green
Pink
Orange
Black
Grey
Center/Subwoofer
Rear Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
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
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
¾ Installing the CPU
¾ Installing the CPU fan
¾ 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. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and
away from the socket.
2. Lift the load plate. There is a protective socket
cover on the load plate to protect the socket when
there is no CPU installed.
3. Remove the protective socket cover from the load plate.
4. Remove the processor from its protective cover,
making sure you hold it only by the edges.
It is a good idea to save the cover so that
whenever you remove the CPU, you have a safe
place to store it.
5. Align the notches in the processor with the
notches on the socket.
Align notches with
notches on the CPU
6. Lower the processor straight down into the socket
with out tilting or sliding it into the socket
EVGA
10
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.
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
¾ 24-pin ATX power (PWR1)
¾ 8-pin ATX 12V power (PWR2)
‰ Internal Headers
¾ Front panel
¾ IEEE 1394a
¾ USB Headers
¾ Audio
¾ Speaker
¾ 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):
¾ Four 6-pin (3x2) and two 8-pin (4x2) PCI-E power connectors
or
¾ Six 6-pin (3x2) PCI-E power connectors
8-pin (4x2) PCT-E Connector
6-pin (3x2) PCI-E connector
Figure 3.
Power Supply Connectors
EVGA
14
Hardware Installation
Make sure you have enough power to cover all the expansion cards you will be
installing. To determine what you power requirements are for your specific
configuration or a certified power supply vendor, refer to www.slizone.com.
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1)
PWR1 is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the board
next to the DIMM slots. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are
properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power
supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.
PWR1 connector
Plug power cable from system
power supply to PWR1
Board edge
Figure 4.
Table 1.
PWR1 Motherboard Connector
PWR1 Pin Assignments
Connector
Pin Signal
Pin Signal
1
+3.3V
+3.3V
GND
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
+3.3V
-12V
GND
PS_ON
GND
GND
GND
RSVD
+5V
24
13
1
2
3
4
+5V
5
GND
12
6
+5V
7
GND
8
PWROK
+5V_AUX
+12V
+12V
+3.3V
9
10
11
12
+5V
+5V
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
1
5
GND
12V
8
4
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives
The IDE connector supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66 IDE hard disk drives.
1. Connect the blue connector (the cable end with a single connector) to the
motherboard.
2. Connect the black connector (the cable with the two closely spaced black
and gray connectors) to the Ultra ATA master device.
3. Connect the gray connector to a slave device.
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 6
SATA 4
SATA 5
GND
TX+
TX-
GND
RX+
TX-
GND
SATA 1 (bottom)
SATA 2 (top)
Connect the locking cable end to the motherboard connector.
Connect the end without the lock to the drive.
EVGA
18
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
Pin Signal
In/Out Description
HD_LED
PWRLED
RESET
1
3
2
4
5
HD_PWR
HDA#
HDR_BLNK_GRN Out
HDR_BLNK_YEL
GND
Out
Out
Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V
Hard disk active LED
Front panel green light
Front panel yellow light
Ground
Out
7
6
FP_RESET#
SWITCH_ON#
In
In
Reset switch
Power switch
PWRSW
8
9
GND
No Connect
Ground
No Connect
Empty
10
Empty
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
Pin
1
2
Signal
TPA+
TPA-
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
GND
GND
10
8
9
7
5
3
1
TPB+
TPB-
+12V
+12V
Empty
6
4
2
EVGA
20
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
Pin
Signal
USB 2.0 Header Connector
1
5V_DUAL
3
5
7
9
D-
10
8
6
4
2
9
7
5
3
1
D+
GND
Empty
Pin
Signal
2
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
Pin Signal
Front Audio Connector
1
PORT1_L
2
AUD_GND
2
4
6
8
1
3
5
7
9
3
PORT1_R
4
PRECENCE_J
PORT2_R
5
10
6
SENSE1_RETURN
SENSE_SEND
Empty
7
8
9
PORT2_L
10
SENSE2_RETURN
EVGA
22
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
nForce 780i SLI SPP/MCP fan connector.
Fan Connector
Install the fan over the nForce 780i SLI SPP to
draw heat from the MCP. The fans plug into a 3-
pin connector.
3
2
GND
+12V
SENSE
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.
EVGA
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
1
2
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).
EVGA
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.
2. Return the jumper setting to normal (pins 2 and 3 together with the jumper
cap).
3. Turn the AC power supply back on.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
EVGA
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
options or press Enter to display the associated submenu. Use the ꢀꢁ arrow
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.
EVGA
30
Configuring the BIOS
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
` Standard CMOS Features
` System Monitor
Load Defaults
Set Password
` Advanced BIOS Features
` Advanced Chipset Features
` Integrated Peripherals
` Power Management Setup
` PnP/PCI Configurations
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
Esc : Quit
F10 : Save & Exit Setup
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ : 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.
EVGA
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 Helpcorresponds 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
Item Help
` IDE Channel (.) Master [None]
Main Level
`
` 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]
Change the day, month,
year and century
Drive A
Halt On
[1.44, 3.5 in.]
[All , But Keyboard]
Base Memory
640K
Extended Memory
Total Memory
1047552K
1048576K
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Figure 6.
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.
Press ENTER to display
IDE Channel sub-menu
` IDE Channel (.) Master [None]
` 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]
IDE HDD Auto-Detect
[Press Enter]
IDE Channel 0 Slave
Access Mode
[Manual}
[CHS]
Press ENTER to display
SATA Channel sub-
Capacity
0 MB
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
[
[
[
[
[
0]
0]
0]
0]
0]
EVGA
34
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 Modeto [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
0 MB
Press ENTER to display sub-
menu
Cylinder
Head
Precomp
Landing Zone
Sector
.....0
[
[
[
[
0]
0]
0]
0]
Cylinder
Min=
0
Max=65535
The BIOS supports the following HDD
Access Modes:
Key in a DEC number :
¾ CHS
For HDD less than 528 MB.
¾ LBA
ꢀꢁ:Move
ENTER:Accept
ESC:Abort
For HDD greater than 528 MB and
supporting LBA (Logical Block
Addressing).
¾ Large
For HDD greater than 528 MB but not supporting LBA.
EVGA
36
Configuring the BIOS
¾ Auto
Recommended mode.
Drive A
The Drive Aoption allows you to select the kind of FDD to install.
Options are:
Press ENTER to display sub-
Drive A
Halt On
[1.44, 3.5 in.]
[All , But Keyboard]
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.
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
through the options or press Enter to display
the sub-menu. Use the ꢀꢁ arrow keys to
ꢀꢁ:Move
ENTER:Accept
ESC:Abort
position the selector in the option you choose. Press Enter to accept the
changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features menu.
Halt On
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
options or press Enter to display the Halt On 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.
Drive A
Halt On
[1.44, 3.5 in.]
[All , But Keyboard]
Press ENTER to display sub-menu
Halt On
All Errors
No Errors
All , But Keyboard ..... [ ]
All , But Diskette ..... [ ]
All , But Disk/Key ..... [ ]
..... [ ]
..... [ ]
‰ All Errors
Whenever the BIOS detects a nonfatal
error, the system stops and prompts you.
ꢀꢁ: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
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.
EVGA
38
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
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Removable]
[CDROM]
Item Help
Main Level
`
Select Removable Boot
Device Priority
Second Boot Device
Third Boot Device
Boot Other Device
Boot Up NumLock Status
Security Option
[Hard Disk]
[Enabled]
[On]
[Setup]
APIC Mode
MPS Version Control For OS
Full Screen LOGO Show
[Enabled]
[1.4]
[Disabled]
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Figure 7.
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.
2. Bootable Add-in Cards
: ST3802110A
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 : <description of network>
2. Network 1 : <description of network>
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
EVGA
40
Configuring the BIOS
options in a sub-menu. Use the ꢀꢁ arrow keys to position the selector in the
option you choose.
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 Onto
activate the keyboard NumLock when the system is started. Select Offto disable
the NumLock key.
EVGA
42
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 Setupto require a password to gain
access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select Systemto 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 Featuresfrom 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
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Disable]
Item Help
` FSB & Memory Config
` CPU Configuration
` System Voltages
NVMEM memory test
Main Level
`
Voltage control
Load timing/voltage set
Save timing/voltage set
System BIOS Cacheable
HPET Function
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Disabled]
[Enable]
NVIDIA GPY Ex
[Enable]
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Figure 8.
Advanced Chipset Features
EVGA
44
Configuring the BIOS
System Clocks
Select System Clocksfrom 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 Valce
Item Help
2933.3
1066.7
[11 X]
2933.3
1066.7
11X
Main Level
`
CPU frequency
multiplier.
CPU core clock
= FSB Ref Clock/4 *
CPU Multiplier
PCIe x16_1, MHz
PCIe x16_3, MHz
PCIe x16_2, MHz
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
100
100
100
100
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz [Auto]
**HT Multiplier**
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP [5 x]
nForce SPP <-- nForce MCP [5 x]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum
HT Spread Spectrum
[UP Spread]
Disabled
PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP) [Auto]
PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP) Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum
Disabled
d
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values
F7:Defaults
Figure 9.
System Clocks 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
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 & Memory screen.
‰ CPU Multiplier
This value changes the CPU Frequency value depending on the value you
choose. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options.
The options are from 6 X through 60 X.
‰ PCIe x16_1, MHz
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 1 (the black slot closest to the CPU).
Note that as you go higher in value, PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP) is
disabled and cannot be changed from this status.
‰ PCIe x16_3, MHz
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the blue slot in the middle).
‰ PCIe x16_2, MHz
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the black slot farthest from the
CPU).
‰ SPP<—>MCP Ref Clock, MHz
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency
options for the reference clock between the SPP chip and the MCP chip.
EVGA
46
Configuring the BIOS
HT Multiplier
‰ 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 <— — nForce SPP
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the HT multiplier
options and set the link speed from the MCP chip to the SPP chip. Values are
[1 x]through [5 x].
Spread Spectrum
‰ CPU Spread Spectrum
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread Spectrum
options for the CPU. Option values are [Disabled], [UP Spread], and
[Center Spread].
‰ HT Spread Spectrum
Disabled
‰ PCIe Spread Spectrum (SPP)
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread Spectrum
options for the SPP PCIe. Option values are [Disabled], [UP Spread], and
[Center Spread].This option reverts to Disabledand cannot be changed
when the value for PCIe x16_1 exceeds 100MHz.
‰ PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP)
Disabled
‰ SATA Spread Spectrum
Disabled
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
FSB & Memory Config
Select FSB & Memory Configfrom the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
press Enter to display the FSB & Memory Config menu. This menu provides
the means to set SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
FSB & Memory Config
Parameters
SLI-Ready Memory
Settings Current Value
[Disabled] Disabled
Item Help
CPU Freq, MHz
CPU Multiplier
2933.3
11X
2933.3
11X
Main Level
``
FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Auto]
“CPUOC MAX” realizes
the complete optimized
memory settings when
SLI-Ready memory is
installed
x FSB (QDR), MHz
Auto
1066.7
800.6
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz
1066.7
x MEM (DDR), MHz
Auto
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz
800.0
Optimized memory
` Memory Timing Setting
[Press Enter]
settings by allowing
X% CPU overclocking
CPU overclocking may
require manual
overvolting of the CPU
to improve system
stability
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Figure 10. FSB & Memory Config Menu
‰ SLI-Ready Memory
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the SLI-Ready
Memory options. The options are:
¾ Disabled
¾ CPUOC 0%
¾ CPUOC 1%
EVGA
48
Configuring the BIOS
¾ CPUOC 2%
¾ CPUOC 3%
¾ CPUOC 4%
¾ CPUOC 5%
¾ CPUOC MAX
When you select one of the CPUOC x%options, the FSB - Memory
Clock Modeis set to Unlinkedand cannot be changed until SLI-
Ready Memoryis set to Disable.
‰ FSB and Memory Clock Mode
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the FSB and
Memory Clock Mode options. The options are:
¾ Auto
This is the optimal setting since it sets the FSB and memory speeds
automatically.
¾ Linked
When Link is selected, FSB (QDR), MHz is changed to editable and
the FSB speed can be entered manually. As the FSB speed is changed,
CPU Freq, MHzchanges proportionally.
CPU Freq, MHz
CPU Multiplier
2933.3
11X
2933.3
11X
FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Linked]
FSB (QDR), MHz
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz
[1067]
1066.7
1066.7
800.6
x MEM (DDR), MHz
Auto
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz
800.0
¾ Unlinked
When Unlink is selected, FSB (QDR), MHz and MEM (DDR), MHz
are changed to editable and the FSB and memory speeds can be entered
manually. As the FSB speed is changed, CPU Freq, MHzchanges
proportionally.
FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Linked]
FSB (QDR), MHz
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz
MEM (DDR), MHz
[1067]
1066.7
[1067]
800.0
1066.7
800.6
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
‰ FSB (QDR), MHz
Use the + or – keys to scroll through new values for the CPU FSB frequency
or type in a new value. Note that the Actual FSB (QDR)reflects the actual
frequency that takes effect on a reboot.
‰ MEM (DDR), MHz
Use the + or – keys to scroll through new values for the memory frequency
or type in a new value. Note that the Actual MEM (DDR)reflects the actual
frequency that takes effect when the system reboots.
‰ Memory Timing Setting
Press Enter to display the Memory Timing Setting menu. Use this menu to
set optimal timings or to manually enter timings.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Memory Timing Setting
Item Help
Parameters
Settings Current Value
[Optimal]
Memory Timing Setting
Main Level
``
x tCL (CAS Latency)
x tRDC
x tRP
Auto(5)
Auto(7)
Auto(7)
Auto(23)
5
5
Select [Expert] to
enter timings manually
5
x tRAS
18
1T
x Command Per Clock (CDM) Auto(2T)
** Advanced Memory Settings **
x tRRD
x tRC
x tWR
x tWTR
x tREF
Auto(4)
Auto(28)
Auto(7)
Auto(10)
Auto
3
22
5
9
6.1uS
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help[
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
¾ Optimal
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select Optimal.Optimal
EVGA
50
Configuring the BIOS
prohibits you from manually setting any timing. All timing is set for
optimal performance.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
¾ Expert
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select Expert. When Expert is
selected, all timing categories are enabled for manual input. Note that you
should set the value to Optimal to use the manufacturers’ recommended
values.
Parameters
Settings Current Value
[Expert]
Memory Timing Setting
tCL (CAS Latency)
tRDC
tRP
[Auto(5)]
[Auto(7)]
[Auto(7)]
[Auto(23)]
5
5
5
18
1T
tRAS
Command Per Clock (CDM) [Auto(2T)]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD
tRC
tWR
tWTR
tREF
[Auto(4)]
[Auto(28)]
[Auto(7)]
[Auto(10)]
[Auto]
3
22
5
9
6.1uS
Š tCL: CAS# latency (options are 1 through 6).
Š tRDC: RAS#-to-CAS# Delay for Read/Write commands to the
same bank (options are 1 through 7).
Š tRP: Row Precharge time. This is the Precharge-to-Active or Auto-
to-Refresh of the same bank (options are 1 through 7).
Š tRAS: This is the minimum RAS# active time (options are 1 through
31).
Š Command Per Clock: This is the command timing setting on a per
clock unit basis (options are 1T and 2T).
Š tRRD: RAS#-to-RAS# delay of different banks (options are 1
through 15).
Š tRC: RAS#-to-RAS# or auto refresh time of the same bank (options
are 1 through 31).
Š tWR: The Write recovery time (options are 2 through 7).
Š tWTR: This is the minimum write-to-read delay with the same chip
selected (options are 1 through 10).
EVGA
52
Configuring the BIOS
Š tREF: This is the DRAM refresh rate (options are Auto, 7.8uS, and
3.9uS).
CPU Configuration
Select CPU Configurationfrom the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
press Enter to display the CPU Configuration menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
CPU Configuration
Limit CPUID MaxVal
[Disabled]
Item Help
x Intel SpeedStep
Disabled
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
CPU Thermal Control
C1E Enhanced Halt State
Execute Disable Bit
Main Level
``
Virtualization Technology [Enabled]
Set linit CPUID MaxVal
to 3, should be
“Disabled” for WinXP
CPU Core 0
CPU Core 1
Enabled
[Enabled]
x CPU Core 2
x CPU Core 3
Disabled
Disabled
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values
F7:Defaults
Figure 11. CPU Configuration Menu
‰ Limit CPUID MaxVal
Use this function to enable the set limit of the CPUID MaxVal to 3. Set to
Disable for Win XP.
‰ CPU Thermal Control
Use this function to enable or disable TM1 and TM2 support. Options are:
¾ Disable
Disable support for TM1 and TM2.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
¾ TM1 Only
The CPU is thermally throttled by cutting active processor clock cycles.
¾ TM2 Only
Thermal throttling is achieved by reducing the CPU multiplier and CPU
core voltage.
¾ 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. Idle occurs when the operating system issues a halt instruction.
‰ Execute Disable Bit
When this function is disabled, it forces the XD feature flag to always return
to zero (0).
‰ Virtualization Technology
When this function is enabled, it allows a VMM to utilize the additional
hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.
‰ CPU Core 1
This function allows you to enable or disable CPU Core.
EVGA
54
Configuring the BIOS
System Voltages
Select System Voltagesfrom the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press
Enter to display the System Voltages menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Voltages
Parameters
Settings Current Value
Item Help
CPU Core
CPU FSB
Memory
nForce SPP
nForce MCP
HT nForce SPP <-> MCP
nForce MCP Auxiliary
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
1.28
1.2V
Main Level
``
1.85V
1.30V
1.50V
1.20V
1.50V
Voltage level for CPU
Core (CPU VID)
GTLVREF Lane 0
GTLVREF Lane 1
GTLVREF Lane 2
GTLVREF Lane 3
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
+00mv
+00mv
+00mv
+00mv
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
F5: Previous Values
F7:Defaults
Figure 12. System Voltages Menu
‰ CPU Core
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or select
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU Core.
‰ CPU FSB
Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the voltages or select
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU FSB.
‰ Memory
This function defines the voltage level for the DRAM. Use the Page Up and
Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to automatically set the
voltage.
‰ nForce SPP
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce SPP
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
chip. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage (1.20V, 1.30V,
1.40V, 1.50V) or select [Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
‰ nForce MCP
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce MCP
chip. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
‰ HT nForce SPP <-> MCP
This function defines the voltage level for the NVIDIA HT nForce SPP <->
MCP Link. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select
[Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
‰ nForce MCP Auxiliary
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce MCP
Auxiliary voltage. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or
select [Auto]to automatically set the voltage.
‰ GTLVREF Lane 0
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 0. Use the Page
Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to automatically
set the voltage.
‰ GTLVREF Lane 1
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 1. Use the Page
Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to automatically
set the voltage.
‰ GTLVREF Lane 2
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 2. Use the Page
Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to automatically
set the voltage.
‰ GTLVREF Lane 3
This function defines the voltage level for GTLVREF Lane 3. Use the Page
Up and Page Down keys to select a voltage or select [Auto]to automatically
set the voltage.
EVGA
56
Configuring the BIOS
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. You can set up to four profile settings using the
Save timing/voltage setfunction.
There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is Auto
for all settings. Press Enter to see the options.
Load timing/voltage set
Press Enter to Exit ..... [ ]
Select Profile 1
Select Profile 2
Select Profile 3
..... [ ]
..... [ ]
..... [ ]
ꢀꢁ:Move
ENTER:Accept
ESC:Abort
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
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 Autofor all settings. Press Enter to see the options.
Save timing/voltage set
Press Enter to Exit ..... [ ]
Select Profile 1
Select Profile 2
Select Profile 3
..... [ ]
..... [ ]
..... [ ]
ꢀꢁ:Move
ENTER:Accept
ESC:Abort
System BIOS Cacheable
This function allows you to enable or disable caching the system BIOS.
HPET Function
This function allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Even Timer
(HPET). When Enabled, HPET is used as the timing hardware for multimedia
and other time-sensitive application. When HPET is Disabled, the APIC
timer is used.
EVGA
58
Configuring the BIOS
Integrated Peripherals Menu
Select Integrated Peripheralsfrom the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
press Enter to display the Integrated Peripherals menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Integrated Peripherals
` IDE Function Setup
` RAID Config
` USB Config
` MAC Config
IEEE1394 controller
HD Audio
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Press Enter]
[Auto]
Item Help
Main Level
`
[Auto]
IDE HDD Block Mode
Onboard FDC Controller
Onboard Serial Port 1
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[3FB/IRQ4]
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 13. Integrated Peripherals Menu
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
IDE Function Setup
Press Enter to display the IDE Function Setup menu.
OnChip IDE Channel0
[Enabled]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
Primary Master
Primary Slave
Primary Master
Primary Slave
PIO
PIO
UDMA
UDMA
IDE DMA transfer access
Serial-ATA Controller
IDE Prefetch Mode
[Enabled]
[All Enabled]
[Enabled]
‰ OnChip IDE Channel0
Use this function to enable
or disable the onchip IDE
Channel0. When disabled,
the Primary Master/Slave
functions are changed to
Autoand cannot be
OnChip IDE Channel0
x Primary Master PIO
PIO
[Disabled]
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
[Enabled]
[All Enabled]
[Enabled]
x Primary Slave
x Primary Master
x Primary Slave
UDMA
UDMA
IDE DMA transfer access
Serial-ATA Controller
IDE Prefetch Mode
changed.
‰ Primary Master/Slave PIO
When OnChip IDE Channel0is set to [Enabled], you can select a
mode for the primary Master and Slave PIO. Select from Auto, or Mode1
through Mode 4.
‰ Primary Master/Slave UDMA
When OnChip IDE Channel0is set to [Enabled], you can disable the
primary Master and Slave UDMA or set it to [Auto].
‰ IDE DMA transfer access
Use this function to enable or disable IDE DMA transfer access.
‰ Serial-ATA Controller
This function allows you to enable specific SATA controllers, enable all
controllers, or disable all controllers. The options available are [SATA-0],
[SATA-0+1], [Enable All], and [Disabled].
‰ IDE Prefetch Mode
Use this function to enable or disable the IDE Prefetch mode.
EVGA
60
Configuring the BIOS
RAID Config
Press Enter to display the RAID Config menu.
RAID Enable
[Enabled]
RAID [Disabled]
RAID [Disabled]
RAID [Disabled]
RAID [Disabled]
RAID [Disabled]
RAID [Disabled]
SATA 0 Primary
SATA 0 Secondary
SATA 1 Primary
SATA 1 Secondary
SATA 2 Primary
SATA 2 Secondary
‰ RAID Enable
RAID Enable
[Disabled]
x SATA 0 Primary
x SATA 0 Secondary
x SATA 1 Primary
x SATA 1 Secondary
x SATA 2 Primary
x SATA 2 Secondary
RAID
RAID
RAID
RAID
RAID
RAID
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Use this function to enable or
disable RAID. When RAID is set
to [Disabled], all SATA
functions are changed to
Disabledand cannot be changed.
‰ SATA x Primary/Secondary
When RAID Enableis set to [Enabled], you can enable or disable the
various SATA functions.
USB Config
Press Enter to display the USB Config menu.
OnChip USB
USB Keyboard Support
USB Mouse Support
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
‰ OnChip USB
Use this function to enable specific versions of the USB or disable the onchip
USB. When the onchip USB is set to [Disabled], the keyboard and mouse
support functions are set to Enabledand cannot be changed. Versions that
can be selected are
OnChip USB
x USB Keyboard Support
x USB Mouse Support
[Disabled]
Enabled
Enabled
[V1.1+V2.0]or [V1.1].
‰ USB Keyboard/Mouse
Support
Use these function to enable or disable the onchip WSB support of the
keyboard and/or mouse.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
MAC Config
Press Enter to display the MAC Config menu.
MAC0 LAN
MAC1 LAN
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
‰ MACx LAN
Use these functions to set the MAC0 and/or MAC1 LANs to Autoor
disable their functions.
IEEE1394 controller
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or
disable the IEEE1394 (Firewire) interface.
HD Audio
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or
disable the integrated high definition audio.
IDE HDD Block Mode
Using this function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows your IDE hard
drive needs to support block mode. Select [Enabled]to automatically detect
the optimal number of block read/writes per sector the drive can support.
Select [Disabled]if your drive does not support block mode.
Onboard FDC Controller
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or
disable the onboard Floppy Disk Controller function.
EVGA
62
Configuring the BIOS
Onboard Serial Port 1
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to select the
onboard serial port 1 function. Options are [3F8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3],
[3E8/IRQ4], [Auto], and [Disabled].
Power Management Setup
Menu
Select Power Management Setupfrom the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
press Enter to display the Power Management Setup menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Power Management Setup
ACPI function
[Enabled]
[S1&S3]
[Instant-Off]
[Disabled]
Item Help
APCI Suspend Type
Soft-Off by PBTN
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off
Main Level
`
Power-on by Alarm
x Day of Month Alarm
x Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm
[Disabled]
0
0 : 0 : 0
POWER ON Function
x KB Power ON Password
x Hot Key Power On
[BUTTON ONLY]
Enter
Ctrl-F1
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 14. Power Management Setup Menu
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
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 [S1&S3], [S1(POS)], and
[S3(STR)].
Soft-Off by PBNT
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to set Soft-
Off by PBNT to [Instant-Off]or [Delay 4 Sec].
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or
disable WOL(PMW#) from soft-off.
Power On by Alarm
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or
disable the Power-on by alarm function. Set to [Disable]to prevent power-
on by alarm. When set to [Enable], you can manually put in the day of the
month and the time of the alarm.
Power-on by Alarm
Day of Month Alarm
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm
[Disabled]
[ 0]
[0 : 0 : 0]
To enter a day or time, use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through
numbers or enter the number using the keyboard number or the + and – keys.
EVGA
64
Configuring the BIOS
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 [Password] is selected, the KB Power ON Passwordfunction is
enabled so that you must enter a password.
POWER ON Function
KB Power ON Password
x Hot Key Power On
[Password]
[Enter]
Ctrl-F1
‰ Hot Key Power On
When [Hot Key]is selected, the Hot key Power On functionis
enabled so that you must select a keyboard key as the hot key. To select a hot
key use Ctrl+F1 though Ctrl+F12
POWER ON Function
x KB Power ON Password
Hot Key Power On
[Hot key]
Enter
[Ctrl-F1]
‰ Mouse Left
‰ Mouse Right
‰ Any Key
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu
Select PnP/PCI Configurationfrom the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press
Enter to display the PnP/PCI Configuration menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
PnP/PCI Configuration
Init Display First
Reset Configuration Data
[PCI Slot]
[Disabled]
Item Help
Main Level
`
Resources Controlled By
x IRQ Resources
[Auto(ESCD)]
Press Enter
** PCI Express relative items **
Maximum Payload Size [4096]
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 15. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu
EVGA
66
Configuring the BIOS
Init Display First
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to define if the
initial display is in the PCI slot or in the PCI Express slot. Options are
[PCI Slot]and [PCIEx].
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 [Enabled]if you have installed a new add-on and the
system reconfiguration has caused a serious conflict that prevents the OS from
booting. The default setting is [Disabled].
Resources Controlled By
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to define if the
BIOS can automatically configure all the boot and plug-and-play compatible
devices or if you can manually select IRQ, DMA, and memory base address
fields. Select [Auto(ESCD)]if you want the BIOS to automatically populate
these fields. If you select [Manual]so you can assign the resources, IRQ
Resourcesis enabled for input.
Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]
x IRQ Resources
Press Enter
Resources Controlled By [Manual)]
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
IRQ Resources
To enable this field for input, set Resources Controlled Byto
[Manual]. With this field enabled, press Enter to see options.
IRQ-5 assigned to
IRQ-9 assigned to
IRQ-10 assigned to
IRQ-11 assigned to
IRQ-14 assigned to
IRQ-15 assigned to
[PCI Device]
[Reserved]
[PCI Device]
[PCI Device]
[PCI Device]
[PCI Device]
Use Legacy ISA for devices compliant with the original PC AT Bus
specification. Use PCI/ISA PnP for devices compliant with the plug-and-play
standard, whether designed for PCI or ISA Bus architecture.
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or
disable the Palette Snoop function.
Maximum Payload Size
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to set the
maximum TLP payload size (in bytes) for the PCI Express devices. Use the
Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through sizes or enter the number using
the keyboard numbers or use the + and – keys to go up and down the list of
sizes.
EVGA
68
Configuring the BIOS
System Monitor Menu
Select System Monitorfrom the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter to
display the System Monitor menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Monitor
` Dynamic Fan Control
CPU
[Press Enter]
47ºC/ 117ºF
Item Help
CPU Core
CPU FSB
Memory
+3.3V
+3.3V Dual
+12V
1.28V
1.19V
1.81V
3.16V
3/16V
11.92V
4.99V
3.00V
Main Level
`
+5V
+Vbat
CPU Fan Speed
Aux Fan Speed
nForce Fan Speed
Chassis Fan Speed
Chassis Fan2 Speed
4272 RPM
4891 RPM
0 RPM
0 RPM
0 RPM
ꢀꢁꢂꢃ:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 16. System Monitor Menu
All of the values shown in Blueare dynamic and change as the speed and
voltages of the various components change with system usage.
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Dynamic Fan Control
Press Enter to display the Dynamic Fan Control menu.
CPU Fan Speed Control
If temp > 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100%
If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 0%
[SmartFan]
x 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%.
EVGA
70
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
3. 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.
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.
EVGA
76
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
78
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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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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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.
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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.
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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 Programs¼NVIDIA Corporation¼NVIDIA
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.
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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 double-
clicking 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.
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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.
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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
02
Reserved
Jumps to E000
segment
Execution of POST routines in E000
Init Early Initialized the super IO
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F
10
Early SuperIO
Reserved
Blank video
Reserved
Reset Video controller
Init KBC
Keyboard controller init
Test the Keyboard
KB test
Reserved
Mouse Init
Reserved
Initialized the mouse
Reserved
Reserved
CheckSum Check
Reserved
Check the integrity of the ROM,BIOS and message
Check Flash type and copy flash write/erase routines
Autodetect
EEPROM
11
Reserved
94
Post Codes
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
Test CMOS
Reserved
Load Chipset
Reserved
Init Clock
Reserved
Init CPU
Test and Reset CMOS
Load Chipset Defaults
Initialize onboard clock generator
CPU ID and initialize L1/L2 cache
Reserved
Reserved
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
1E
1F
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
2A
2B
2C
Early PM
Early PM initialization
Reserved
Re-initial KB
Reserved
Load keyboard matrix
HPM init
Init Heuristic Power Management (HPM)
Reserved
Program chipset
Init PNP
Early Programming of chipset registers
Init PNP
Shadow VBIOS
Clock Gen
Setup BDA
Reserved
Shadow system/video BIOS
Init onboard clock generator and sensor
Setup BIOS DATA AREA (BDA)
CPU Speed detect
Reserved
Chipset programming and CPU Speed detect
Initialize Video
Init video
Reserved
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
2D
Video memory
test
Test Video Memory and display Logos
2E
2F
30
31
32
33
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Early keyboard
reset
Early Keyboard Reset
Test DMA channel 0
Test DMA channel 1
Test DMA Page Registers
34
35
Reserved
Test DMA
Controller 0
36
37
Reserved
Test DMA
Controller 1
38
39
Reserved
Test DMA Page
Registers
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
Reserved
Reserved
Test Timer
Reserved
Test 8254 Timer 0 Counter 2.
Test 8259-1 Mask
Verify 8259 Channel 1 masked interrupts by
alternately turning off and on the interrupt lines.
3F
40
Reserved
Test 8259-2 Mask
Verify 8259 Channel 2 masked interrupts by
alternately turning off and on the interrupt lines.
41
Reserved
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Post Codes
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
42
43
Reserved
Test Stuck
Interrupt
Turn off interrupts then verify no 8259's interrupt
mask register is on. Test 8259 Force an interrupt and
verify the interrupt occurred.
44
45
46
47
Reserved
Reinit serial port
Reserved
Reinitialize Preboot agent serial port
EISA Test
If EISA non-volatile memory checksum is good,
execute EISA initialization. If not, execute ISA tests
and clear EISA mode flag.
48
49
Reserved
Size Memory
Size base memory from 256K to 640K and extended
memory above 1MB.
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
50
51
52
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Init APIC
Reserved
USB init
Initialize APIC and set MTRR
Initialize USB controller
Reserved
Memory Test
Test all memory of memory above 1MB using Virtual
8086 mode, page mode and clear the memory
53
54
55
Reserved
Reserved
CPU display
Detect CPU speed and display CPU vendor specific
version string and turn on all necessary CPU features
56
57
58
59
Reserved
PnP Init Display
Reserved
PnP logo and PnP early init
Setup Virus
Setup virus protect according to Protect Setup
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
5A
5B
5C
5D
5E
5F
60
61
62
63
Reserved
Awdflash Load
Reserved
If required, will auto load Awdflash.exe in POST
Init Initializing onboard superIO
Onboard I/O
Reserved
Reserved
Setup enable
Reserved
Display setup message and enable setup functions
Reserved
Initialize Mouse
Detect if mouse is present, initialize mouse, install
interrupt vectors.
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
70
71
72
73
Reserved
PS2 Mouse special Special treatment to PS2 Mouse port
Reserved
ACPI init
ACPI sub-system initializing
Reserved
Init Cache
Reserved
Setup
Initialize cache controller
Enter setup check and autoconfiguration check up
Initialize floppy disk drive
Reserved
Initialize Floppy
Reserved
FDD install
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Initialize Hard
Install FDD and setup BIOS data area parameters
Initialize hard drive controller
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Post Codes
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
Drive
74
75
76
77
78
79
7A
Reserved
Detect HDD
Reserved
IDE device detection
Detect serial ports Initialize serial ports.
Reserved
Reserved
Detect parallel
ports
Initialize parallel ports.
7B
7C
7D
7E
7F
Reserved
HDD Write Protect HDD check for write protection
Reserved
Reserved
POST error check
Check POST error and display them and ask for user
intervention
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
8A
8B
Reserved
Reserved
Security Check
Write CMOS
Display PNP
USB Final Init
Reserved
Ask password security.
Write all CMOS values back to RAM and clear screen.
Display PNP devices
Final USB initialization
Reserved
Reserved
Setup ACPI tables
Reserved
Setup ACPI tables
Option ROM
Detect
Scan for Option ROMs
8C
8D
Reserved
Enable Parity
Enable Parity Check
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Award POST Codes
Co
de
Name
Description
Check
8E
8F
90
91
92
93
Reserved
IRQ12 Enable
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Enable IRQ12 if mouse present
Boot Medium
Read
Detect and store boot partition head and cylinders
values in RAM
94
95
96
C0
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
CF
B0
B1
Final Init
Final init for last micro details before boot
Set NumLock status according to Setup
Set low stack Boot via INT 19h.
Read/Write CPU registers
NumLock
Boot Attempt
Base CPU test
Memory Presence
Early Memory
Extend Memory
Special Display
Early Shadow
Cache presence
CMOS Check
Spurious
Base memory detect
Board Initialization
Turn on extended memory, cache initialization
First display initialization
Early shadow enable for fast boot
External cache size detection
CMOS checkup
If interrupt occurs in protected mode.
Unclaimed NMI
If unmasked NMI occurs, display Press F1 to disable
NMI, F2 reboot.
BF
Program MCP
Setup Pages
To program chipset from defaults values
E1- Page 1, E2 - Page 2, etc.
E1-
EF
FF
Boot
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Post Codes
Table 7.
NVMM POST Codes
NVMM POST Codes
Code Name
Description
0F0h
Identify HW in the system
0F1h
0F2h
0F3h
000h
001h
004h
008h
00Ch
010h
011h
012h
013h
014h
015h
016h
017h
018h
019h
Register the slam tables
Early SLAM table
COM port initialization
Initialize the hardware devices
Override input parameters, etc. before QUERY
Query the hardware devices
Read SPD & fill in arrays
ROM table pointer
Initialize the Memory Controller
Program the PLLs
Query after memory PLL has been set
Set Dynamic SPD values
Load MemInfoStruct
Load the DIMM geometry (using SPD)
Prepare MRS variables
Probe memory geometry
PROD_C: PROD f/ Calculated ref manuals
PROD_D: PROD w/ Discrete assembly
programming
01Ah
01Bh
01Ch
01Dh
020h
030h
040h
044h
PROD_E: PROD w/ Expandable criteria
Send MRS/EMRS configuration cycles
Overvoltage handling
PROD_F: PROD Final - after MRS/EMRS
PCI Express Initialization
Load Spread Spectrum tables
Set Top-Of-Memory registers
Late SLAM table
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
NVMM POST Codes
Code Name
Description
048h
Previous Power State SLAM table
04Ch
050h
054h
0FEh
0FFh
Hardware Workarounds
Restore, and exit NVMM
Memory Test
ERROR handler
End of Table
0FFh
0FEh
0FDh
0FCh
0FBh
0FAh
0F9h
0F8h
0F7h
0F6h
0F5h
0F4h
Invalid APIC ID
CPU Identify/Init failed
North Bridge not supported
South Bridge not supported
No DIMMs present
Invalid DIMM types, SDR/DDR
Different voltage levels
Invalid REFRESH Rate
Invalide memory geometry
Slam Engine error
Memory Test Error
Link Training timeout
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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
Display adapters (Figure 18).
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Three GPUs are represented
under Display adapters
Figure 18. Windows Vista Device Manager
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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
Settings¼Set 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. SLI Visual Indicators Operating in 3DMark2006
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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
ACPI function, 59
FSB & Memory Config, 44
Integrated Peripherals, 54
Main Menu, 28
ACPI Suspend Type, 59
Adjust Motherboard Timings screen,
73
Memory Timing Setting, 46
PnP/PCI Configuration, 61
Power Management Setup, 58
Standard CMOS Features, 31
System Clocks, 41
Advanced BIOS Features, 36
Advanced Chipset Functions menu, 40
Advanced Programmable Interrupt
Controller, 39
System Monitor menu, 64
System Voltages, 50
APIC, 39
Async Latency, 76
ATX form factor, 1
audio connector, 20
BIOS, backup and update, 81
BIOS, configuring, 27
block mode, IDE HDD, 57
boot device priority, 38
C1E Enhanced Halt State, 49
CAS Latency, 76
auto-detect IDE and SATA channels,
33
Available BIOS Pages, 78
Award POST Codes, 87
Base Memory, 35
Chassis Backpanel Connectors, 6
CHS, 33
BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu,
29
Clock Drive Strength, 76
CMOS RAM jumper, 25
Comm2 Bracket Cable, 4
Command Per Clock, 47, 76
BIOS menus
Advanced BIOS Features menu, 36
Advanced Chipset Features, 40
CMOS Setup Utility menu, 29
110
configure IDE and SATA channels,
BIOS, 32
date and time, setting in BIOS, 32
DDR2 memory, 9
configuring the BIOS, 27
connectors
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
COM1, 22
CPU fan, 21
FDD, 23
front audio, 20
IDE, 14
ESCD, 62
PWR1, 13
Event Logging, 85
PWR2, 14
Execute Disable Bit, 49
expansion slots, 23
SATA, 16
system fan, 21
Extended Memory, 35
FDC controller function, 57
Floppy Cable, 4
Cooling fan for CPU, ix
CPU Configuration menu, 48
CPU cooling fan, ix
CPU Core 1, 49
Frequency Settings, 42
Front Audio, 20
CPU fan, 9, 21
front panel header, 17
Front Panel Header Pins, 18
front panel power LED, 17
FSB & Memory Config menu, 44
FSB (QDR), 46
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
FSB and Memory Clock Mode, 45
FSB Reference Clock, 42
full-screen logo, 39
CPU, setting parameters, 72
create custom profiles and rules, 80
Current Hardware Settings, 71
Global Settings, 84
GPU, setting parameters, 77
Halt On sub-menu, 34
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
hard disk audio function, 57
Hard Disk Boot Priority, 37
hard disk drive indicator LED, 17
HD_LED, 17
set IDE functions in BIOS, 55
set memory parameters, 74
set motherboard parameters, 73
set network boot priority, 37
High Precision Even Timer, 53
hot key power on, 60
hotkey settings, 86
set power management functions in
BIOS, 58
set system voltages in BIOS, 50
view system information, 79
How to
HPET, 53
backup and update system BIOS,
81
HT Multiplier, 43
change system BIOS settings, 78
configure CPU in BIOS, 48
configure RAID in BIOS, 56
configure USB in BIOS, 56
connect IDE drives, 14
connect power to motherboard, 13
create custom profiles, 80
install CPU, 8
HT Spread Spectrum, 43
I/O shield, 10
I/O Shield, 3
IDE connector, 14
IDE DMA transfer access, 55
IDE Function Setup menu, 55
IDE Prefetch Mode, 55
IDE/SATA sub-menu, 32
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable, 4
IEEE 1394 expansion cable, 18
IEEE 1934a Connector Pins, 18
installing
install DIMMs, 9
set CMOS jumper, 25
set CPU parameters, 72
set date and time, 32
set disk priority, 37
CPU, 8
set fan speeds in BIOS, 64
set fan speeds with BIOS, 66
set GPU parameters, 77
I/O shield, 10
memory DIMMs, 9
motherboard, 10
EVGA
112
installing software, 67
Integrated Peripherals menu, 54
Intel microprocessor, ix
internal headers, 17
PWRHD_LED, 17
Network Boot Priority, 37
NumLock status, 38
NVIDIA EX support, 53
NVIDIA memory testing module, 52
EVGA nForce 780i Motherboard, 3
PWRLED, 17
EVGA nForce 780i Motherboard
Layout, 5
PWRSW, 17
NVIDIA Performance Group, 70
NVIDIA System Monitor, 82
IRQ Resources, 63
LBA, 33
NVIDIA System Monitor and
Performance Server software
utilities, 69
Legacy ISA, 63
Limit CPUID MaxVal, 48
LI-Ready Memory, 44
load plate, 8
NVMM POST Codes, 94
onboard serial port 1 function, 58
OnChip IDE Channel0, 55
OnChip USB, 56
MAC Config menu, 57
MEM (DDR), 46
Memory bank switch, 75
memory support, ix
Memory Timing Setting, 46
memory, setting parameters, 74
microprocessor, ix
Palette Snoop function, 63
paring the motherboard, 8
PCI Express x1 slot, 24
PCI Express x16 slots, 24
PCI slots, 23
motherboard
PCIe Spread Spectrum, 43
PCIe x16, 42
install procedure, 10
motherboard specifications, 1
Performance Group, 70
PnP/PCI Configuration menu, 61
POST Codes
motherboard, realtime settings and
status information, 83
motherboard, setting parameters, 73
MPS, 39
Award, 87
NVMM, 94
Multi-Processor Specification, 39
power button cable, 17
780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
Power Management Setup menu, 58
power supply requirement, ix
Power-on by alarm function, 59
power-on function, 60
Primary Master/Slave PIO, 55
Primary Master/Slave UDMA, 55
PWR1 connector, 13
SATA Signal Cable, 4
SATA Spread Spectrum, 43
Scalable Link Interface, 97
Security Options, 39
Serial ATA II connector, 16
Serial-ATA Controller, 55
How to, 41
PWR1 pin assignments, 13
PWR2 connector, 14
Soft-Off by PBNT, 59
software installation instructions, 67
Spread Spectrum, 43
PWRLED, 17
PWRSW, 17
Standard CMOS Features menu, 31
System Clocks menu, 41
System Monitor menu, 64
Quick Power On Self Test, 38
R to W Turnaround, 75
RAID Config menu, 56
RAS to CAS access, 75
RAS to RAS Delay, 75
system voltages and timing settings,
53
System Voltages menu, 50
tCL, 47, 76
Read-to-Read time, 75
Ref Clock, SPPꢄ MCP, 42
Refresh Rate, 75
tCPC, 76
TLP payload size, 63
Total Memory, 35
tRAS, 47, 74
tRC, 47
removable device startup priority, 37
RESET, 17
Reset switch cable, 17
Row Address Strobe, 74
Row Cycle Time, 75
tRDC, 47
tRDRD, 75
tREF, 47
safety instructions, 7
tRP, 47
EVGA
114
tRRD, 47
USB Config menu, 56
tWR, 47
USB Keyboard/Mouse Support, 56
tWRD, 76
View System Information menu,
79
tWRWR, 76
Virtualization Technology, 49
W to R Termination Turnaround, 75
Write Recovery Time, 75
tWTR, 47
unpacking the kit, 3
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable, 4
USB 2.0 ports, 19
Write-to-Write timing, 76
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