EVGA X79 Classified User manual

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User Guide
EVGA X79 DARK
Motherboard

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Table of Contents
Before You Begin… ...................................................................................................................... 4
Parts NOT in the Kit .................................................................................................................... 5
Intentions of the Kit ...................................................................................................................... 5
Motherboard S ecifications ..................................................................................................... 6- 7
Un acking and Parts Descri tions .............................................................................................. 8
Equi ment................................................................................................................................... 8-9
Hardware Installation .................................................................................................................. 10
Safety Instructions .......................................................................................................................10
Intel X79 Chipset Motherboard………...…………………………………………………11-13
Pre aring the Motherboard ..................................................................................................... 11 4
Installing the CPU..................................................................................................................... 14 4
Installing the Cooling Device .................................................................................................. 15 5
Installing System Memory (DIMMs) ..................................................................................... 16 6
Installing the Motherboard .........................................................................................................17
Installing the I/O Shield .............................................................................................................17
Securing the Motherboard into a System Case ....................................................................... 1 8
Connecting Cables .......................................................................................................................18
24 in ATX Power (PW1) ...........................................................................................................19
8 in ATX 12V Power .............................................................................................................. 200
BIOS Select Switch (o tional) ...................................................................................................20
Connecting Internal Headers .....................................................................................................20
Front Panel Header .....................................................................................................................20
USB Headers ................................................................................................................................21
Audio .............................................................................................................................................23

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PCI-E x4 Slots ..............................................................................................................................24
PCI-E x16/x8 Slots .....................................................................................................................24
Onboard Buttons .........................................................................................................................25
Clear CMOS Button ....................................................................................................................25
RESET and POWER Button ....................................................................................................25
Post Port Debug LED and LED Status Indicators ...............................................................26
Installing Drivers and Software ................................................................................................. 27
Windows 7/Vista/XP Driver Installation ...............................................................................27
POST Codes ........................................................................................................................... 28-32
EVGA Glossary of Terms ................................................................................................... 32-34
Com liance Information ............................................................................................................ 34

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Before You Begin…
The true next generation motherboards have arrived with the EVGA X79
motherboards! This roduct acks in the latest technologies to give you an
uncom romised ex erience:
Uncompromised Performance – Un aralleled memory bandwidth with true quad
channel DDR3 memory su ort, and Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 gives you
intelligent com uting by o timizing erformance on the fly! NVIDIA SLI
®
and PhysX
give you the ex ansion you need to maximize your gra hics erformance.
Uncompromised Power – High erformance PWM and POSCAP Ca acitors deliver
clean, o timal ower to your system for maximum overclocking. Also, with built in
EVGA EVBot su ort*, you can overclock on the fly from the alm of your hand.
Uncompromised Features – This board is loaded with the latest technologies like a
full UEFI BIOS, USB 3.0 Ports, SATA III/6G su ort, PCI-E 3.0 orts, E-SATA, a
true next generation board layout, and more!
*sold se arately

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Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA X79 Dark Motherboard. However, it does not contain the following
items that must be urchased se arately to make the motherboard functional.
 Intel Socket 2011 Processor
 DDR3 System emory
 CPU Cooling Device
 PCI Express Graphics Card
 Power Supply
EVGA assumes you have urchased all the necessary arts needed to allow for
ro er system functionality. For a full list of su orted CPUs on this
motherboard, lease visit www.evga.com/su ort/motherboard
Intentions of the Kit
This kit rovides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary
to install the motherboard into a PC case.
When re lacing a motherboard in a PC case, you will need to reinstall an
o erating system even though the current storage drive may already have one
installed.

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EVGA X79
Motherboard
Motherboard Specifications
 Size:
EATX form factor of 12 inches x 10.3 inches
 Micro rocessor su ort:
Intel Socket 2011 Processor
 O erating systems:
Su orts Windows 8 / 7 / Vista / XP
 Contains Intel X79 chi set:
 System Memory su ort:
Su orts Quad channel DDR3-2400MHz+. Officially su orts u to 64GB
of DDR3 memory.
 USB 2.0 Ports:
10x from Intel X79 PCH
Su orts hot lug
Su orts wake-u from S1 and S3 mode
Su orts USB 2.0 rotocol u to a 480 Mb s transmission rate
 USB 3.0 Ports:
6 from Asmedia ASM1042
Backwards com atible USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 su ort
Su orts transfer s eeds u to 5Gb s

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 SATA Ports:
Intel X79 PCH Controller
4x SATA 2 Ports u to 3G (300 MB/s) data transfer rate
2x SATA 3 Ports u to 6G (600 MB/s) data transfer rate
- Su ort for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, AND RAID 10
*If 6G orts are used in the same array as 3G orts, the SATA 3 6G
orts will adjust down to SATA 2 3G s eeds.
Marvell 9230
4x SATA 3 Ports u to 6G (600 MB/s) data transfer rate
Su ort for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, AND RAID 10
*Arrays cannot be created across Marvell and Intel controllers
Marvell 9172
2x eSATA ort on rear I/O anel
* Marvell controller drivers are not integrated into Windows 8 and older
o erating systems, and as such you will need to load drivers for this
device during the Windows installation if you intend to boot off of this
controller.
 Onboard LAN:
Intel 2x 82579/82574
Su orts 10/100/1000 Mb/sec Ethernet
Su orts teaming
 Onboard Audio:
Realtek ALC898 High-Definition audio
Su orts 8-channel audio
Su orts Jack-Sensing function
Su orts O tical Out ut
 PCI-E Su ort:
PCI-E 2.0 Slots (PCI-E 3.0 Ready**)
Low ower consum tion and ower management features
 Power Functions:
Su orts ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
Su orts S0 (normal), S1 ( ower on sus end), S3 (sus end to RAM), S4
(Sus end to disk - de ends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
 Ex ansion Slots:
PCI-E 16x/8x slots
PCI-E 4x slot
*Please see age 24 for a slot by slot breakdown

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Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Equipment
The following accessories are included with the EVGA X79 Dark Motherboard:
The EVGA X79 Dark Motherboard
This PCI-E motherboard contains the Intel X79 chipset and is
SLI
®
-ready.
Visual Guide
Helps to uickly and visually guide you through the hardware
installation of the motherboard.
I/O Shield
Installs in the system case to block radio fre uency
transmissions, protect internal components from dust, foreign
objects, and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.
2- ort SATA ower Cables
Allows a Molex power connector to adapt to a SATA power
connector.
4- ort USB 2.0 Bracket
Provides four additional USB ports to the back panel of the
chassis.
2- ort USB 3.0 Bracket
Allows addition of 2 USB 3.0 ports by Connecting to the
motherboard header.

SATA
3G
Used to support the
single drive to the motherboard.
4-
way SLI
Bridges four graphics cards together which allows for
4-
way SLI
3-
way SLI
Bridges three graphics cards together which allows for
3-
way SLI
2-
way SLI
Bridges
2-
way SLI
Optional 1366 Backplate
Allows use of a socket 1366 cooler. This backplate is optional.
I/O Cover
This optional cover attaches to the PCB and covers the I/O
area
Installation CD
Contains drivers and so
motherboard.
User Manual
The user manual you are reading right now!
3G
/6G Data Cables
Used to support the
SATA protocol and each one connects a
single drive to the motherboard.
way SLI
®
Bridge
Bridges four graphics cards together which allows for
way SLI
®
.
way SLI
®
Bridge
Bridges three graphics cards together which allows for
way SLI
®
.
way SLI
®
Bridge
Bridges
two graphics cards together which allows for
way SLI
®
.
Optional 1366 Backplate
Allows use of a socket 1366 cooler. This backplate is optional.
I/O Cover
This optional cover attaches to the PCB and covers the I/O
Installation CD
Contains drivers and so
ftware needed to setup the
motherboard.
User Manual
The user manual you are reading right now!
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Hardware Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The
to ics covered in this section are:
 Pre aring the motherboard
Installing the CPU
Installing the Cooling Device
Installing the memory
 Installing the motherboard
 Connecting cables
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury, always follow 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.

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Intel X79 Chipset Motherboard
The EVGA X79 Dark Motherboard with the Intel X79 and PCH Chi set is a SLI-ready
motherboard. Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figure 2 shows the back anel
connectors
FIGURE 1. X79 Dark otherboard Layout

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1. CPU Socket 2011 13. Debug LED 25. PCI-E Slot 4x
2. Intel X79 Sout bridge 14. USB 2.0 Headers 26. Front Panel Audio Connector
3. CPU Fan Header 15. USB 3.0 Headers 27. S/PDIF Out
4. DDR3 Memory DIMM Slots 1-8 16. CMOS Battery 28. EVGauge
5. 24-pin ATX power connector 17. Unused 29. Back Panel Connectors (Figure 2)
6. Fan Headers 18. CMOS Reset Button 30. 8 pin EPS Connector
7. PCI-E Disable Dipswitc es 19. Power Button 31. Supplemental PCI-E 6pin Power
8. Intel Sata 6G/3G Ports 20. Reset Button 32. Removable BIOS C ip
9. Intel Sata 3G Ports 21. PC Speaker 33. GPU Link
10. Marvell Sata 6G Ports 22. PCI-E Slot 16x/8x 34. Probe It Header
11. ECP Header 23. PCI-E Slot 8x 35 BIOS Selector Switc
12. Front Panel Connectors 24. PCI-E Slot 8x/4x

Figure 2. Chassis Rear Panel Connectors
1. Bluetoot
4. CMOS Reset Switc
2. USB 2.0
5. Optical S/DIF Out
3. USB 3.0
6. EVBot
Analog Audio Port Breakdown
2/2.1
Channel
Blue Line in
Green Line Out/
Speaker Out
Pink Mic In
Black
Orange
* Only used in 7.1 and is c anged via Realtek
Software from wit in Windows.
Figure 2. Chassis Rear Panel Connectors
4. CMOS Reset Switc
7. eSata Ports
5. Optical S/DIF Out
8. NIC
6. EVBot
Connecter
9. Analog Audio Output Jacks
4.0/4.1 Channel 5.1 (6 Channel) 7.1 ( Channel)
Line In Line in * Side c annel
Speaker Out
Front Speaker/
Speaker+Sub
Out
Front Speaker/
Speaker+Sub Out
Front Speaker/
Speaker+Sub Out
Mic In Mic In Mic In
Rear Speaker
Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Center/Voice c annel
Center/Voice c annel
Software from wit in Windows.
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9. Analog Audio Output Jacks
Center/Voice c annel

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Preparing the Motherboard
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Hold the
rocessor only by the edges and do not touch the bottom
of the rocessor.
Use the following rocedure to install the CPU onto the
motherboard:
 Unhook the left socket lever by ushing down
and away from the socket.
 Unhook the right socket lever by ushing down
and away from the socket.
 Gently ress the left socket lever and the load
late will lift from the socket.
 O en the load late and make sure not to
damage any of the ins inside of the socket.
Note: After removing the CPU socket cover, it is recommended to store it in
case you ever need to transport your motherboard. If you ever remove the
CPU, it is highly recommended to reinstall the socket cover.

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 Align the notches on the CPU to the notches in
the socket.
 Lower the rocessor straight down into the
socket.
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level
in the socket.
 Lower the load late so it is resting on the CPU.
 Press the right socket lever down to lock into
lace.
 Carefully lock the lever back into lace.
Installing the Cooling Device
There are many different cooling devices that can be used with this
motherboard. Follow the instructions that come with your cooling assembly.

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Installing System Memory (DIMMs)
Your new motherboard has eight 240- in slots for DDR3 memory. These slots
su ort 2GB, 4GB and 8GB DDR3 DIMMs. There must be at least one
memory slot o ulated to ensure normal
o eration.
The Intel X79 chi set su orts quad channel
memory; it is required to o ulate slots 1,3,5,7
first. Board will not boot if slots 2,4,6,8
o ulated without 1,3,5,7.
Use the following rocedure to install DIMMs.
Note that there is only one ga near the center of the DIMM slots. This slot
matches the slot on the DIMM to ensure the com onent is installed ro erly.
 Unlock a DIMM slot by ressing the module cli outward.
 Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module
vertically into the DIMM slot. The lastic cli s at to side of the
DIMM slot automatically lock the DIMM into the connector.

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Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into a system case de ends on the
chassis you are using and if you are re lacing an existing motherboard or
working with an em ty system case. Determine if it would be easier to make all
the connections rior to this ste or to secure the motherboard and then make
all the connections. It is normally easier to secure the motherboard first.
Use the following rocedure 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 system
case 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. This will
depend on the system case being used.
Installing the I/O Shield/Cover
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block internal
com onents from dust and foreign objects, and romotes 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 lace and make sure it fits securely.
Also included is an I/O cover. This I/O cover adds a unique a earance to the
I/O area of the motherboard and is com letely o tional. If you wish to use the
cover, lease lace it over the I/O area, and install the chassis screws. The
chassis screws are intended to hold the I/O cover down.

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Securing the Motherboard into a System Case
Most system cases have a base with mounting holes you thread standoffs onto to
allow the motherboard to be secured to the chassis and hel to revent short
circuits. If there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the
motherboard, it is recommended that you remove that standoff to revent the
ossibility of a short circuit.
 Carefully lace the motherboard onto the stand offs located inside the
chassis.
 Align the mounting holes with the stand offs.
 Align the connectors to the I/O shield and/or I/O cover.
 Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to
the fan assembly instruction.
 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 in ATX ower ( W1 )
8 in ATX 12V ower
 Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
USB Headers
Audio Header
 SATA II
 SATA III
 USB 3.0/2.0

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24pin ATX Power (PW1)
W1 is the main ower su ly connector located along the right edge of the
board. Make sure that the ower su ly cable and ins are ro erly aligned with
the connector on the motherboard. Firmly lug the ower su ly cable into the
connector and make sure it is secure.
The 24 in Power Connector may be standard or right angled de ending on
your motherboard model.
Connector in Signal in 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
Right Angled 24pin ower Connector
24
13
12
1

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8-pin ATX 12V Power ( PW12-1 & PW12-2 )
W12-1 & W12-2 , the 8- in ATX 12V ower connections, are used to
rovide ower to the CPU. Align the ins to the connector and ress firmly
until seated. The secondary is o tional for im roved overclocking.
BIOS Select Switch
The BIOS Select Switch is located directly on the bottom edge of the
motherboard. This jum er controls which of hysical BIOS chi s are to be
used when the system is owered on.
Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front anel header on this motherboard is used to
connect the following four cables.
WRLED
Attach the front anel ower LED
cable to these two ins of the connector. The Power
GND
+12V