User Guide XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard ii
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Table of Contents User Guide .....................................................................................................................i XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard.....................................................................i Before You Begin… ..................................................................................................... ix Inside the 780i 3-Way SLI Installation CD ...................................................
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ............................................................................ 13 8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)....................................................................... 14 Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ...................................................................... 14 Connecting Serial ATA Cables........................................................................... 15 Connecting Internal Headers ...........................
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Advanced BIOS Features ...................................................................................... 34 Removable Device Priority................................................................................. 35 Hard Disk Boot Priority....................................................................................... 35 Network Boot Priority ......................................................................................... 35 CPU Internal Cache ..
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard IDE Function Setup ............................................................................................ 53 RAID Config ....................................................................................................... 54 USB Config......................................................................................................... 54 MAC Config ........................................................................................................
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel .......................................... 68 Device Settings .................................................................................................. 69 Current Hardware Settings............................................................................. 70 Dynamic BIOS Access ....................................................................................... 76 View System Information ...................
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard List of Figures viii Figure 1. XFX nForce 780i SLI Motherboard Layout............................................. 5 Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors ............................................................. 6 Figure 3. Power Supply Connectors.................................................................... 12 Figure 4. PWR1 Motherboard Connector ............................................................ 13 Figure 5.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Before You Begin… Inside the 780i 3-Way SLI Installation CD The following tools and drivers are in the 780i 3-Way SLI Installation CD: Motherboard Drivers for: Windows XP Windows XP 64-bit Windows Vista Windows Vista 64-bit Onboard Audio Drivers Windows XP Windows XP 64-bit Windows Vista Windows Vista 64-bit Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Parts NOT in the Kit This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new XFX® nForce® 780i SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Intentions of the Kit This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary to install the motherboard into a PC cabinet. If you are building a PC, you will use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a motherboard, you will not need many of the cables. When replacing a motherboard in a PC cabinet, you will need to reinstall an operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard xii
XFX nForce 780i Motherboard Thank you for buying the XFX NFORCE 780i SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users’ demand. When combined with two or three SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you get innovative NVIDIA SLI Technology for enhanced system performance. Motherboard Specifications Size ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 2 Onboard Serial ATA II 300MBps data transfer rate Six Serial ATA II connectors NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing ) Onboard LAN Dual LAN interface built-in onboard Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet Onboard 1394 Support hot plug Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate of transmission at 400 Mbps Onboar
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions Unpacking The XFX nForce 780i SLI motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for adding a motherboard to a new chassis. If you are replacing a motherboard, you may not need many of these cables. Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing box. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your reseller. All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three) 1394 Cable Provides an additional 1394 ports to the back panels of the chassis. USB 2.0 4-Port Cable Provides four additional USB ports to the back panel of the chassis.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 22 22 23 23 24 27 26 25 23 21 20 28 29 19 18 17 1 13 13 2 16 3 15 4 14 13 11 12 10 9 8 6 5 7 1. CPU Socket 11. USB headers 2. NVIDIA SPP with Active fan 12. Motherboard battery 22. PCI slots 3. CPU fan connector 13. Fan connector 23. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI) 4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3 14. Serial connector 24. 1394a connector 5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector 15. Front panel connector 25. PCI Express x1 slot 6. IDE Connector 16.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 7 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 4 PS/2 Mouse Port PS/2 Keyboard Port 1394a (Firewire) Port USB 2.0 ports (SIX) SPDIF output Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange Center/Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Grey 7. LAN Port with LEDs to indicate status.
Hardware Installation This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The topics covered in this section are: Preparing the motherboard Installing the CPU Installing the CPU fan Installing the memory Installing the motherboard Connecting cables and setting switches Safety Instructions To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic safety precautions.
XFX nForce 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.
Hardware Installation 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Use the following procedure to install memory DIMMs. Note that there is only one gap near the center of the DIMM slot. This slot matches the slot on the memory DIMM to ensure the component is installed properly. 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.
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.
XFX nForce 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 5 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following procedure. Power Connections To support 3-way SLI, this motherboard has the following specific power supply requirements: Minimum 1000 W peak power Six 6-pin (3x2) PCI-E power connectors (see Figure 3): 6-pin (3x2) PCI-E connector Figure 3.
Hardware Installation 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 Card edge Figure 4. PWR1 Motherboard Connector Table 1.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2) PWR2, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated. Backpanel connector 5 1 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.
Hardware Installation Connecting Serial ATA Cables The Serial ATA II connector is used to connect the Serial ATA II device to the motherboard. These connectors support the thin Serial ATA II cables for primary storage devices. The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to 300MB/s data transfer rate. There are six serial ATA connectors on the motherboard that support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1 and JBOD configurations.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Connecting Internal Headers Front Panel Header The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used to connect the following four cables 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.
Hardware Installation Table 2.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard USB Headers This motherboard contains six (6) USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear panel of the chassis (Figure 2). The motherboard also contains two 10-pin internal header connectors onboard that can be used to connect an optional external bracket containing four (4) more USB 2.0 ports. 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.
Hardware Installation Audio The audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of audio output choices: the Front Audio, the Rear Audio. The front Audio supports re-tasking function. Table 5. Connector Front Audio Connector 1 3 5 7 9 2 4 6 8 10 Connector SPDIF Connector 1 3 5 2 4 6 Front Audio and Internal SPDIF Connector Pin 1 Signal Mic (Input) 2 Ground (Mic.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Fan Connections There are five fan connections on the motherboard. The fan speed can be detected and viewed in the 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.
Hardware Installation There are four more fan connectors on the motherboard. For this installation, these will not be used. Auxiliary fan connector Auxiliary fan connector Fan Connector 3 2 1 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard FDD Connector The motherboard supports a standard 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44m, and a 2.88M floppy disk drive (FDD). Expansion Slots The XFX nForce 780i SLI motherboard contains six expansion slots, four PCI Express slots and two PCI slots. For a full list of PCI Express x16 graphics card supported by this motherboard, go to www.xfxforce.com.
Hardware Installation PCI Express x1 Slot There is one PCI Express x1 slot that is designed to accommodate less bandwidth-intensive cards, such as a modem or LAN card. The x1 slot provides 250 MB/sec bandwidth. PCI Express x16 Slots These three PCI Express x16 slots are reserved for graphics or video cards. The bandwidth of the x16 slot is up to 4GB/sec (8GB/sec concurrent). The design of this motherboard supports three PCI-Express graphics cards using NVIDIA’s SLI technology with multiple displays.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Jumper Settings The motherboard contains a 3-pin BIOS configuration jumper that enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program. The silk screen on the motherboard shows a ∆ next to pin 1. 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.
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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Enter BIOS Setup The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software. Correctly setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance. Use the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings. 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.
Configuring the BIOS Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Standard CMOS Features System Monitor Advanced BIOS Features Load Defaults Advanced Chipset Features Set Password Integrated Peripherals Save & Exit Setup Power Management Setup Exit Without Saving PnP/PCI Configurations Esc : Quit F10 : Save & Exit Setup : Select Item Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.., SLI-Ready memory - Disabled Figure 5.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard System Monitor Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC, including temperature, voltages, and fan speed. The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands rather than submenus: Load Defaults Load default system settings. 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.
Configuring the BIOS Standard CMOS Features Menu The Standard CMOS Features menu is used to configure the standard CMOS information, such as the date, time, HDD model, and so on. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press Esc. The information shown in Item Help corresponds to the option highlighted.
XFX nForce 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.
Configuring the BIOS Press Enter to auto-detect IDE and SATA channels in the system. Once the channel is detected, the values for Capacity, Cylinder, Heads, Precomp, Landing Zone, and Sector are automatically filled in. None There is no HDD installed or set. Auto The system can auto-detect the hard disk when booting up. Manual When you set the channel to [Manual] and change Access Mode to [CHS], you can then enter the number of cylinders, heads, Precomp, landing zone, and sector.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Drive A The Drive A option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install. Options are: Drive A Halt On [1.44, 3.5 in.] [All , But Keyboard] None 360K, 5.25 in. 1.2M, 5.25 in. 720K, 3.5 in. 1.44M, 3.5 in. 2.88M, 3.5 in. Press ENTER to display sub- Drive A None 360K, 5.25 in. 1.2M, 5.25 in. 720K, 3.5 in. 1.44M, 3.5 in. 2.88M, 3.5 in. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
Configuring the BIOS All, But Keyboard System boot does not stop for keyboard errors, but does stop for all other errors. All, But Diskette The system boot does not stop for a diskette error but will stop for all other errors. 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).
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.
Configuring the BIOS Removable Device Priority Use this option to select the priority for removable device startup. Press Enter to see the list of removable devices in your system. Use the arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the + 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Quick Power On Self Test Enabling this option allows the system to skip certain test while booting, which reduces the time needed to boot the system. Use the Page Up 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.
Configuring the BIOS Security Option The Security Options allows you to require a password every time the system boots or only when you enter setup. Select Setup to require a password to gain access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select System to require a password to access the CMOS Setup screen and when the system boots. APIC Mode Use this function to enable or disable the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). If you disable this option, you also disable the MPS Version Control for OS option.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Advanced Chipset Features Select Advanced Chipset Features from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset Functions menu.
Configuring the BIOS System Clocks Select System Clocks from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press Enter to display the System Clocks menu. From this menu, you are able to specify frequency settings, HT multipliers, and Spread Spectrum settings. Note that in Figure 9, all of the options are listed. On the actual BIOS screen, you will need to scroll down to see all the options.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Frequency Settings 40 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.
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].
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard FSB & Memory Config Select FSB & Memory Config from 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 CPU Freq, MHz 2933.
Configuring the BIOS CPUOC 4% CPUOC 5% CPUOC MAX When you select one of the CPUOC x% options, the FSB - Memory Clock Mode is set to Unlinked and cannot be changed until SLIReady Memory is 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: Auto This is the optimal setting since it sets the FSB and memory speeds automatically.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.
Configuring the BIOS 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard CPU Configuration Select CPU Configuration from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press Enter to display the CPU Configuration menu.
Configuring the BIOS TM2 Only Thermal throttling is achieved by reducing the CPU multiplier and CPU core voltage. TM1 & TM2 Enables support for both TM1 and TM2. C1E Enhanced Halt State Enabled, this function reduces the CPU power consumption when the CPU is idle. 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).
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard System Voltages Select System Voltages from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press Enter to display the System Voltages menu. Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility System Voltages Parameters CPU Core CPU FSB Memory nForce SPP nForce MCP HT nForce SPP <-> MCP nForce MCP Auxiliary GTLVREF GTLVREF GTLVREF GTLVREF :Move Figure 12. Lane Lane Lane Lane 0 1 2 3 Settings Current Value [Auto] 1.28 [Auto] 1.2V [Auto] 1.85V [Auto] 1.30V [Auto] 1.50V [Auto] 1.
Configuring the BIOS nForce SPP This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce SPP 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVMEM Memory Test This function defines whether you run the NVIDIA memory testing module during POST. The options are Fast, Medium, Slow, and Disable. Load Timing/Voltage Set This function loads the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. You can set up to four profile settings using the Save timing/voltage set function. There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is Auto for all settings.
Configuring the BIOS Save Timing/Voltage Set This function saves the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is Auto for all settings. Press Enter to see the options. Save timing/voltage set Press Enter to Select Profile Select Profile Select Profile :Move Exit 1 2 3 ..... ..... ..... .....
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Integrated Peripherals Menu Select Integrated Peripherals from 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 IDE HDD Block Mode Onboard FDC Controller Onboard Serial Port 1 :Move Figure 13.
Configuring the BIOS IDE Function Setup Press Enter to display the IDE Function Setup menu. OnChip IDE Channel0 Primary Master PIO Primary Slave PIO Primary Master UDMA Primary Slave UDMA IDE DMA transfer access Serial-ATA Controller IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Enabled] [All Enabled] [Enabled] OnChip IDE Channel0 OnChip IDE Channel0 [Disabled] Use this function to enable x Primary Master PIO Auto or disable the onchip IDE x Primary Slave PIO Auto Channel0.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard RAID Config Press Enter to display the RAID Config menu. RAID SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA Enable 0 Primary 0 Secondary 1 Primary 1 Secondary 2 Primary 2 Secondary RAID RAID RAID RAID RAID RAID [Enabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] RAID Enable RAID Enable [Disabled] x SATA 0 Primary RAID Disabled Use this function to enable or x SATA 0 Secondary RAID Disabled disable RAID.
Configuring the BIOS 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 Auto or 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 hard disk audio function.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Onboard Serial Port 1 This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to select the onboard serial port 1 function. Options are [3F8/IRQ4], [2E8/IRQ3], [3E8/IRQ4], [Auto], and [Disabled]. Power Management Setup Menu Select Power Management Setup from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter to display the Power Management Setup menu.
Configuring the BIOS ACPI Function This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable the ACPI function. ACPI Suspend Type This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to select an ACPI Suspend Type. Types to select from are [S1&S3], [S1(POS)], and [S3(STR)]. Soft-Off by PBNT This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to set SoftOff by PBNT to [Instant-Off] or [Delay 4 Sec].
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard POWER ON Function This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to define the power-on function. Options for this function are: BUTTON ONLY Keyboard 98 Password When [Password] is selected, the KB Power ON Password function is enabled so that you must enter a password.
Configuring the BIOS PnP/PCI Configuration Menu Select PnP/PCI Configuration from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter to display the PnP/PCI Configuration menu. Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility PnP/PCI Configuration x Init Display First Reset Configuration Data [PCI Slot] [Disabled] Resources Controlled By IRQ Resources [Auto(ESCD)] Press Enter Item Help Main Level ** PCI Express relative items ** Maximum Payload Size [4096] :Move Figure 15.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Reset Configuration Data This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or disable the resetting of Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) when you exit Setup. Set this to [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].
Configuring the BIOS IRQ Resources To enable this field for input, set Resources Controlled By to [Manual]. With this field enabled, press Enter to see options. IRQ-5 IRQ-9 IRQ-10 IRQ-11 IRQ-14 IRQ-15 assigned assigned assigned assigned assigned assigned to to to to to 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard System Monitor Menu Select System Monitor from 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 CPU Core CPU FSB Memory +3.3V +3.3V Dual +12V +5V +Vbat 1.28V 1.19V 1.81V 3.16V 3/16V 11.92V 4.99V 3.00V CPU Fan Speed Aux Fan Speed nForce Fan Speed Chassis Fan Speed Chassis Fan2 Speed :Move Figure 16.
Configuring the BIOS Dynamic Fan Control Press Enter to display the Dynamic Fan Control menu. x CPU Fan Speed Control [SmartFan] If temp > 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100% If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 0% Manual Fan Speed, % 100 AUX Fan Speed Control, % [100] nForce Fan Speed Control, % [100] Chassis Fan Speed Control, % [100] Use this menu to control the speed of the various fans on the motherboard.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 64
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 utility drivers and additional NVIDIA software. The CD that has been shipped with your XFX motherboard contains the following software and drivers: NVIDIA nForce drivers RealTek Audio drivers Microsoft DirectX 9.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Drivers Installation Note: When installing the graphics drivers, the resolution defaults to the lowest setting (typically 800 x 600), making your display very large. Adjust accordingly. 3. Insert the XFX nForce 780i SLI installation CD for the graphics drivers included in the kit. Note: If you have multiple graphics cards installed, you will be asked multiple times for all events once the drivers are installed. 4. Run setup.exe.
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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVIDIA Performance Group of NVIDIA Control Panel You can start the NVIDIA Performance Group several ways: Double-click the 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.
Using NVIDIA Software Device Settings Device Settings has two tabs, Current Hardware Settings and Hardware Under the Current Hardware Settings tab there are settings for the CPU, Motherboard, Memory, and GPU. Profiles.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 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.
Using NVIDIA Software 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Memory Memory is one of the most critical components in terms of determining overall system stability and overclocking success, a wealth of information and options for memory modules is available. Both timings and voltage are dynamically adjustable, with real-time values for memory frequency, FSB frequency, and more being viewable to help dictate which settings are most appropriate. 72 Row Address Strobe Adjusts the minimum RAS active time.
Using NVIDIA Software Write Recovery Time Memory timing that determines the delay between a write command and a Precharge command is set to the same bank of memory. Adjustable from 1 to 15. W to R Termination Turnaround The Write-to-Read time is the number of clock cycles between the last write data pair and the subsequent READ command to the same physical block. Adjustable from 1 to 15.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard 74 between a valid write command and the next read command. A lower cycle time results in better performance but is can instability. Adjustable from 0 to 6 cycles. W to W Timing The Write-to-Write (tWRWR) timing is the number of clock cycles between the last write and the subsequent Write command to the same physical bank. Adjustable from 2 to 15 cycles.
Using NVIDIA Software GPU The graphics processing unit (GPU) located on your video card(s) can be adjusted using Device Setting interface. You can override the shipped clock frequencies of your GPU and GPU memory, and you can set the GPU fan speed. Increasing the clock speeds will increase your GPU performance but may necessitate improved cooling to maintain the same level of reliability.
XFX nForce 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.
Using NVIDIA Software 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Profile Policies Easily one of the most powerful aspects of NVIDIA Performance Server is the ability to create custom profiles and rules. Essentially, NVIDIA Performance Server allows the user to offer a custom set of settings and alerts which can be tailored from a global setting all the way to something as granular as a particular game.
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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard NVIDIA System Monitor You can open the NVIDIA System Monitor several ways: Double-click the NVIDIA System Monitor icon on the desktop Click Start, then click All Programs NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA System Monitor. The NVIDIA System Monitor is a unique 3D presentation of core component values. For every supported device, a wide range of information ranging from temperature, frequency, and voltage are reported.
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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard by clicking the arrow icon in the top-right of the screen, the user can switch modes and bring all selected component fields to the desktop. From here, the component fields can be oriented and moved anywhere on the desktop. Furthermore, component fields can be removed from this view by clicking the small button in the top right of the icon’s box.
Using NVIDIA Software The second series of options the user can alter deals with Event Logging. Here, one can easily select which system components to track and can specify the name of the resulting output file. All fields within the application will be logged and written to this file to aid in troubleshooting issues and tracking overall system behavior.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard The final series of options the user can change handles the specific hotkeys used to control various application actions. In this screen, the user simply enters their desired hotkey configuration and they are able to control every aspect of functionality for 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Award POST Codes 86 Co de 12 Name Description Test CMOS Test and Reset CMOS 13 Reserved 14 Load Chipset 15 Reserved 16 Init Clock 17 Reserved 18 Init CPU 19 Reserved 1A Reserved 1B Setup Interrupt Vector Table Initialize first 120 interrupt vectors with SPURIOUS_INT_HDLR and initialize INT 00h-1Fh according to INT_TBL 1C CMOS Battery Check Test CMOS and check Battery Fail 1D Early PM Early PM initialization 1E Reserved 1F Re-initial K
Post Codes Award POST Codes Co de 2C Name 2D Video memory test 2E Reserved 2F Reserved 30 Reserved 31 Reserved 32 Reserved 33 Early keyboard reset 34 Reserved 35 Test DMA Controller 0 36 Reserved 37 Test DMA Controller 1 38 Reserved 39 Test DMA Page Registers 3A Reserved 3B Reserved Description Reserved 3C Test Timer 3D Reserved 3E Test 8259-1 Mask 3F Reserved 40 Test 8259-2 Mask 41 Reserved 42 Reserved 43 Test Stuck Test Video Memory and display Logos Ear
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Award POST Codes Co de 88 Name Description Interrupt mask register is on. Test 8259 Force an interrupt and verify the interrupt occurred.
Post Codes Award POST Codes Co de 5B Name Description Awdflash Load If required, will auto load Awdflash.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Award POST Codes 90 Co de 76 Name Description 77 Detect serial ports 78 Reserved 79 Reserved 7A Detect parallel ports 7B Reserved 7C HDD Write Protect 7D Reserved 7E Reserved 7F POST error check 80 Reserved 81 Reserved 82 Security Check Ask password security. 83 Write CMOS Write all CMOS values back to RAM and clear screen.
Post Codes Award POST Codes Co de 8F Name Description IRQ12 Enable Enable IRQ12 if mouse present 90 Reserved 91 Reserved 92 Reserved 93 Boot Medium Read Detect and store boot partition head and cylinders values in RAM 94 Final Init Final init for last micro details before boot 95 NumLock Set NumLock status according to Setup 96 Boot Attempt Set low stack Boot via INT 19h.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Table 7. NVMM POST Codes NVMM POST Codes Code 92 Name Description 0F0h Identify HW in the system 0F1h Register the slam tables 0F2h Early SLAM table 0F3h COM port initialization 000h Initialize the hardware devices 001h Override input parameters, etc.
Post Codes NVMM POST Codes Code Name Description 044h Late SLAM table 048h Previous Power State SLAM table 04Ch Hardware Workarounds 050h Restore, and exit NVMM 054h Memory Test 0FEh ERROR handler 0FFh End of Table 0FFh Invalid APIC ID 0FEh CPU Identify/Init failed 0FDh North Bridge not supported 0FCh South Bridge not supported 0FBh No DIMMs present 0FAh Invalid DIMM types, SDR/DDR 0F9h Different voltage levels 0F8h Invalid REFRESH Rate 0F7h Invalide memory geometry 0F6h
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Appendix B. Configuring an SLI Configuration NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is a revolutionary technology that allows two XFX SLI graphics cards to work together to deliver incredible 3D graphics performance. Your new motherboard can support up to three PCI Express graphics cards linked using SLI.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Figure 17. 3-way NVIDIA SLI connector ForceWare Driver The 3-way SLI platform uses the NVIDIA ForceWare Windows Vista driver. To install the driver, run the setup.exe file to launch thee InstallShield. The InstallShield runs three installs, one for each GPU. Reboot your PC when the install is complete. After reboot, the Windows Vista Device Manager shows three GPUs under (Figure 18).
Configuring 3-Way SLI Three GPUs are represented under Display adapters Figure 18.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Enabling 3-Way SLI 3-way NVIDIA SLI is enabled from the NVIDIA Control Panel. Right mouse click on the Windows desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel. Go to 3D Settings Set SLI configuration (Figure 19) and select Enable SLI technology (recommended). After selecting this option, you will be prompted to verify the settings have been successfully configured. Note: Selecting Do not use SLI Technology sets the configuration into single GPU mode. Figure 19.
Configuring 3-Way SLI 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.
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Verifying 3-way SLI is Active You can verify 3-way SLI is active and functional by launching a fullscreen 3D application and checking for the SLI Visual indicators. If these visual indicators are visible and there is no flickering or flashing, 3-way NVIDIA SLI is operational on your platform.
Index 1394 Cable, 4 CPU Configuration, 46 2-Port SATA Power Cable, 4 FSB & Memory Config, 42 ACPI function, 57 Integrated Peripherals, 52 ACPI Suspend Type, 57 Main Menu, 26 Adjust Motherboard Timings screen, 71 Memory Timing Setting, 44 Advanced BIOS Features, 34 Advanced Chipset Functions menu, 38 Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller, 37 PnP/PCI Configuration, 59 Power Management Setup, 56 Standard CMOS Features, 29 System Clocks, 39 APIC, 37 System Monitor menu, 62 Async Latency, 74
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard configure IDE and SATA channels, BIOS, 30 configuring the BIOS, 25 connectors COM1, 21 CPU fan, 20 FDD, 22 102 Current Hardware Settings, 69 date and time, setting in BIOS, 30 DDR2 memory, 9 Device Settings, 69 drivers, shipped in kit, 65 dual channel DDR2, 9 Dynamic BIOS Access page, 76 front audio, 19 Dynamic Fan Control menu, 63 IDE, 14 equipment list, 3 PWR1, 13 ESCD, 60 PWR2, 14 Event Logging, 83 SATA, 15 Execute Disable Bit, 47 system fan, 20 expan
Configuring 3-Way SLI GPU, setting parameters, 75 set IDE functions in BIOS, 53 Halt On sub-menu, 32 set memory parameters, 72 hard disk audio function, 55 set motherboard parameters, 71 Hard Disk Boot Priority, 35 set network boot priority, 35 hard disk drive indicator LED, 16 HD_LED, 16 set power management functions in BIOS, 56 High Precision Even Timer, 51 set system voltages in BIOS, 48 hot key power on, 58 view system information, 77 hotkey settings, 84 HPET, 51 How to HT Multiplier,
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard Intel microprocessor, x NumLock status, 36 internal headers, 16 NVIDIA EX support, 51 PWRHD_LED, 16 NVIDIA memory testing module, 50 PWRLED, 16 NVIDIA nForce 780i SE Motherboard, 3 PWRSW, 16 IRQ Resources, 61 LBA, 31 Legacy ISA, 61 Limit CPUID MaxVal, 46 LI-Ready Memory, 42 load plate, 8 MAC Config menu, 55 MEM (DDR), 44 Memory bank switch, 73 memory support, x Memory Timing Setting, 44 memory, setting parameters, 72 microprocessor, x motherboard install proce
Configuring 3-Way SLI power button cable, 16 Scalable Link Interface, 95 Power Management Setup menu, 56 Security Options, 37 power supply requirement, x Serial ATA II connector, 15 Power-on by alarm function, 57 Serial-ATA Controller, 53 power-on function, 58 How to, 39 Primary Master/Slave PIO, 53 Soft-Off by PBNT, 57 Primary Master/Slave UDMA, 53 software installation instructions, 65 PWR1 connector, 13 Spread Spectrum, 41 PWR1 pin assignments, 13 Standard CMOS Features menu, 29 PWR2 c
XFX nForce 780i 3-Way SLI Motherboard tWRWR, 74 USB Keyboard/Mouse Support, 54 tWTR, 45 View System Information menu, 77 unpacking the kit, 3 USB 2.0 4-Port Cable, 4 USB 2.
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