EVGA P55 FTW 200 User manual

User’s Guide
EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard

EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard
Table of Contents
User’s Guide .................................................................................................................1
EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard.......................................................................................1
Before You Begin… ......................................................................................................7
Before You Begin… ......................................................................................................7
Parts NOT in the Kit................................................................................................. 7
EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard......................................................................................8
Motherboard Specifications...................................................................................... 8
Hardware Installation ..................................................................................................10
Safety Instructions.................................................................................................. 10
Preparing the Motherboard.................................................................................... 11
Installing the CPU .............................................................................................. 11
Installing the CPU Fan ....................................................................................... 12
Installing System Memory (DIMMs)................................................................... 13
Installing the Motherboard...................................................................................... 13
Installing the I/O Shield ...................................................................................... 14
Securing the Motherboard into a System Case ................................................. 15
Connecting Cables................................................................................................. 15
24-pin ATX Power (PW1)............................................................................... 16
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PW12) ....................................................................... 16
Connecting Serial ATA Cables........................................................................... 16
Connecting Internal Headers ............................................................................. 18
Front Panel Header........................................................................................ 18
IEEE1394a (Firewire)..................................................................................... 19

USB Headers ................................................................................................. 20
Audio.............................................................................................................. 21
Expansion Slots ................................................................................................. 22
PCI Slots ........................................................................................................ 22
PCI Express x1 Slots ..................................................................................... 22
PCI Express x16/x8/x4 Slots.......................................................................... 22
Onboard Buttons.................................................................................................... 23
Clear CMOS Button ....................................................................................... 23
RESET and POWER Button.......................................................................... 23
Post Port Debug LED and LED Status Indicators.................................................. 24
Post Port Debug LED..................................................................................... 24
LED Status Indicators .................................................................................... 24
Jumper Settings ..................................................................................................... 24
PCIE Disable Jumper..................................................................................... 24
Voltage Measure Point........................................................................................... 25
EVGA Control Panel (ECP).................................................................................... 26
Configuring the BIOS ..................................................................................................31
Enter BIOS Setup................................................................................................... 32
Main Menu.............................................................................................................. 32
Standard BIOS Features Menu.............................................................................. 34
System Time / System Date............................................................................... 35
Advanced BIOS Features ...................................................................................... 35
IDE Configuration............................................................................................... 36
Boot Settings Configuration ............................................................................... 36
AHCI Configuration ............................................................................................ 36
Intel VT-d Configuration ..................................................................................... 37
USB Configuration ............................................................................................. 37
Advanced Chipset Features................................................................................... 37
North Bridge Configuration................................................................................. 37
PCI Express Configuration................................................................................. 38

EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard
ME Subsystem Configuration............................................................................. 39
PCI/PNP Resource Management .......................................................................... 40
Clear NVRAM..................................................................................................... 40
Plug & Play O/S ................................................................................................. 40
PCI Latency Timer ............................................................................................. 40
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA ................................................................................... 41
Palette Snooping................................................................................................ 41
PCI IDE BusMaster............................................................................................ 41
OffBoard PCI/ISA IDE Card ............................................................................... 41
IRQ Settings....................................................................................................... 41
Boot Configuration Features.................................................................................. 42
Boot Device Priority............................................................................................ 42
Hard Disk Drives ................................................................................................ 42
CD/DVD Drives .................................................................................................. 43
Power Management Features................................................................................ 43
ACPI Configuration ............................................................................................ 43
SLP_S4# Min. Assertion Width.......................................................................... 44
Restore on AC Power Loss................................................................................ 44
Hardware Health Configure.................................................................................... 44
H/W Health Function.......................................................................................... 44
CPU Fan Mode Setting ...................................................................................... 45
Frequency/Voltage Control Menu .......................................................................... 45
Memory Configure.............................................................................................. 45
CPU Configuration ............................................................................................. 46
Installing Drivers and Software ..................................................................................47
Windows XP/Vista/7 Driver Installation.................................................................. 47
Appendix A. POST Codes for the EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard ..............................48

List of Figures
Figure 1. PW1 Motherboard Connector ................................................................ 16
Figure 2. CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu ............................................................. 33
Figure 3. Standard BIOS Features Menu.............................................................. 34
Figure 4. Advanced BIOS Features ...................................................................... 36
Figure 5. Advanced Chipset Features................................................................... 37
Figure 6. PCI/PNP Resource Management .......................................................... 40
Figure 7. Boot Configuration Features.................................................................. 42
Figure 8. Power Management Features................................................................ 43
Figure 9. Hardware Health Configure.................................................................... 44
Figure 10. Frequency/Voltage Control ................................................................ 45

EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard
Before You Begin…
Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA P55 FTW Motherboard. However, it does not contain the following
items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.
Intel Socket 1156 Processor
DDR3 System Memory
Socket 1156 or Socket 775 Cooling fan
PCI Express or PCI Graphics Card
Power Supply
EVGA assumes you have purchased all the necessary parts needed to allow for
proper system functionality. For a full list of supported CPU’s on this
motherboard, please visit http://www.evga.com/support/motherboard/.
When replacing a motherboard in a system case, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current hard disk may already have an
operating system.

EVGA P55 FTW
Motherboard
Motherboard Specifications
Size
ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch
Processor support
Intel Socket 1156 CPU’s
Operating systems:
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit, Windows Vista 32bit/64bit, and
Windows 7 32bit/64bit
Intel P55 Express Chipset
System Memory support
Supports dual channel DDR3-1600+. Officially supports up to 16GBs of
DDR3 memory.
USB 2.0 Ports
Supports hot plug
Thirteen USB 2.0 ports (Seven rear panel ports, six onboard USB headers)
Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to a 480 Mbps transmission rate

Six(6) onboard Serial ATA II
300MBps data transfer rate
Six Serial ATA II connectors with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10,
and RAID 5
Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
Dual Onboard LAN’s
Integrated LAN port’s
Supports 10/100/1000 Mb/sec Ethernet
Onboard IEEE1394a (Firewire)
Support hot plug
Two IEEE1394a ports (One rear
panel port, one onboard 1394 header) with a rate transmission of 400 Mbps
Onboard Audio
Realtek High-Definition audio
Supports 8-channel audio
Supports S/PDIF output (Optical and COAX)
Supports Jack-Sensing function
Green Function
Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
Expansion Slots
Two PCI slots
One PCI Express x1 slot
Three PCI Express x4/x8/x16 slots
e-SATA
Two e-SATA ports at rear panel
300MBps data transfer rate

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
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shocks, and injury, always follow basic
safety precautions.
Remember to remove power off your computer by disconnecting the AC
main source before removing or installing any equipment from/to the
computer chassis.

Preparing the Motherboard
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Hold
the processor only by the edges and do not
touch the contacts on the motherboard or
CPU. Any physical damage to the
motherbard pins will void the warranty.
Use the following procedure to install the
CPU onto the motherboard:
Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and
away from the socket.
Pull the socket lever back and the load plate will
automatically lift. There is a protective
socket cover within the CPU socket to
protect the socket when there is no CPU
installed.
Remove the protective socket cover from the
CPU Socket in a straight up motion.
Note: It is a good idea to save the cover so that whenever you remove the CPU
you have a safe place to store it.

Align the notches in the processor with the
notches on the socket.
Lower the processor straight down into the
socket without tilting or sliding it into the
socket
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level.
Lower the load plate so it is resting on the
CPU.
Pull back the socket lever again to ensure the
load plate tip engages under the shoulder
screw cap.
Carefully close and latch the 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.
Please note that there are 2 sets of mounting holes, the holes surrounded in
white are to be used for Socket 1156 heatsinks and are labeled. The other holes
are to be used for Socket 775 heatsinks.
In most cases, the Socket 1156 mounting holes will be used.
Align notches with notches on the CPU
Load plate tip under screw cap

Installing System Memory (DIMMs)
Your new motherboard has four 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory. These slots
support 1GB, 2GB, 4GB DDR3 technologies. There must be at least one
memory bank populated to ensure normal operation. Use the following the
recommendations for installing memory.
One DIMM: If using 1 DIMM (Single Channel), install into: DIMM slot 1.
Two DIMMs: If using 2 DIMMs (Dual Channel), install into: DIMM slots
1 and 3.
Four DIMMS: If using 4 DIMMs (Dual Channel), install into: DIMM
slots 2, 1, 4, and 3.
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 a system case depends on the
chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or
working with an empty system case. 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.
DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 4
DIMM Slot 3

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.

Securing the Motherboard into a System Case
Most system cases have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the
motherboard 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 and screws.
1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the stand offs located inside the
chassis.
2. Align the mounting holes with the stand offs.
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 recommended minimum of nine (9) screws.
Connecting Cables
This section takes you through all the necessary connections on the
motherboard. This will include:
Power Connections
24-pin ATX power (PW1)
8-pin ATX 12V power (PW12)
Internal Headers
Front panel
IEEE 1394a
USB Headers
Audio
Serial ATA II
USB 2.0
Expansion slots
CMOS Clear Button

24-pin ATX Power (PW1)
PW1 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.
Figure 1. PW1 Motherboard Connector
Table 1. PW1 Pin Assignments
Connector
Pin
Signal
Pin
Signal
1
+3.3V
13
+3.3V
2
+3.3V
14
-12V
3
GND
15
GND
4
+5V
16
PS_ON
5
GND
17
GND
6
+5V
18
GND
7
GND
19
GND
8
PWROK
20
RSVD
9
+5V_AUX
21
+5V
10
+12V
22
+5V
11
+12V
23
+5V
12
+3.3V
24
GND
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PW12)
PW12, 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.
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
PW1 connector
Plug power cable from system
power supply to PW1
1
12
13
24

primary storage devices. The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to
300MB/s data transfer rate.
There are six (6) internal serial ATA connectors on this motherboard. These
connections are designed to be angled to not interfere with any expansions
cards. These connection points support RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10
configurations.
SATA 4 (bottom)
SATA 5 (top)
SATA 2 (bottom)
SATA 3 (top)
SATA 0 (bottom)
SATA 1 (top)

Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used to connect
the following four cables.
(see Table 2 for pin definitions):
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
turned on, the LED is on. When the
system is turned off, the LED is off.
Note: Some system cases 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 onboard 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.
Table 2.Front Panel Header Pins
Pin
Signal
HD_LED
1
HD_PWR
3
HD Active
PWRLED
2
PWR LED
4
STBY LED
RESET
5
Ground
7
RST BTN
PWRSW
6
PWR BTN
8
Ground
No Connect
9
+5V
Empty
10
Empty

IEEE1394a (Firewire)
This motherboard has one IEEE 1394a onboard header. Alternatively, you can
also connect this to your system case (if applicable).
1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of the system case (not
all system cases are equipped with the front panel option).
Connect the end of the cable to the IEEE1394a header on the motherboard.
Table 3. IEEE 1394a Connector Pins
Connector
Pin
Signal
IEEE 1394a Connector
10
8
6
4
2
9
7
5
3
1
1
TPA+
2
TPA-
3
GND
4
GND
5
TPB+
6
TPB-
7
+12V
8
+12V
9
Empty
10
GND

USB Headers
This motherboard contains seven (7) USB 2.0
ports that are exposed on the rear panel of the chassis
(Figure 2). The motherboard also contains three (3) 10-
pin internal header connectors onboard that can be used
to connect an optional external bracket containing up to
six (6) 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 end of the cable(s) to the USB 2.0
header on the motherboard.
Table 4. USB 2.0 Header Pins
Connector
Pin
Signal
USB 2.0 Header Connector
1
5V_DUAL
3
D-
5
D+
7
GND
9
Empty
Pin
Signal
2
5V_DUAL
4
D-
6
D+
8
GND
10
No Connect