EVGA X79 Classified User manual

User Guide
EVGA X79
Motherboard

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Table of Contents
Motherboard...................................................................................................................................1
Before You Begin…......................................................................................................................5
Parts NOT in the Kit ....................................................................................................................6
Intentions of the Kit......................................................................................................................6
Motherboard...................................................................................................................................7
Motherboard Specifications .........................................................................................................7
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions.............................................................................................9
Unpacking .......................................................................................................................................9
Equipment.......................................................................................................................................9
Hardware Installation..................................................................................................................11
Safety Instructions .......................................................................................................................11
Preparing the Motherboard........................................................................................................12
Installing the CPU........................................................................................................................12
Installing the Cooling Device.....................................................................................................13
Installing System Memory (DIMMs)........................................................................................14
Installing the Motherboard.........................................................................................................15
Installing the I/O Shield.............................................................................................................15
Securing the Motherboard into a System Case .......................................................................16
Connecting Cables .......................................................................................................................16
24pin ATX Power (PW1) ...........................................................................................................17
8pin ATX 12V Power .................................................................................................................18
BIOS Select Switch (optional) ...................................................................................................18

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Connecting Internal Headers .....................................................................................................19
Front Panel Header .....................................................................................................................19
Firewire 1394a (1394b optional)................................................................................................20
USB Headers ................................................................................................................................21
Audio .............................................................................................................................................22
PCI-E x1 Slots..............................................................................................................................23
PCI-E x16/x8 Slots .....................................................................................................................23
Onboard Buttons.........................................................................................................................24
Clear CMOS Button ....................................................................................................................24
RESET and POWER Button ....................................................................................................24
Post Port Debug LED and LED Status Indicators ...............................................................25
Post Port Debug LED ................................................................................................................25
LED Status Indicators ................................................................................................................25
Installing Drivers and Software................................................................................................26
Windows 7/Vista/XP Driver Installation ...............................................................................26
POST Codes .................................................................................................................................27
EVGA Glossary of Terms .........................................................................................................32
Compliance Information ............................................................................................................35

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Before You Begin…
True next generation motherboards have arrived with the EVGA X79 motherboards!
This product packs in the latest technologies to give you an uncompromised experience:
Uncompromised Performance – Unparalleled memory bandwidth with true quad
channel DDR3 memory support, and Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 gives you
intelligent computing by optimizing performance on the fly! NVIDIA SLI and PhysX
give you the expansion you need to maximize your graphics performance.
Uncompromised Power – High performance PWM and POSCAP Capacitors deliver
clean, optimal power to your system for maximum overclocking. Also, with built in
EVGA EVBot support*, you can overclock on the fly from the palm 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 support, PCI-E 3.0** ports, E-SATA, a
true next generation board layout, and more!
*sold separately
**pending PCI Express 3.0 supported CPU

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Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA X79 Motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items
that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.
Intel Socket 2011 Processor
DDR3 System Memory
Socket 2011 CPU Cooling Device
PCI Express 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 CPUs on this
motherboard, please visit www.evga.com/support/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.
When replacing a motherboard in a PC case, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current storage drive may already have one
installed.

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EVGA X79
Motherboard
Motherboard Specifications
Size
ATX form factor of 12 inches x 9.6 inches
EATX form factor of 12 inches x 10.3 inches
Microprocessor support
Intel Socket 2011 Processor
Operating systems
Supports Windows 7 / Vista / XP
Contains Intel X79 chipset
System Memory support
Supports Dual channel DDR3-2133MHz+. Officially supports up to 32GBs
of DDR3 memory.
USB 2.0 Ports
Supports hot plug
Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to a 480 Mbps transmission rate
USB 3.0 Ports
Backwards compatible USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 support
Supports transfer speeds up to 5Gbps

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SATA Ports
SATA ports up to 3G (300 MB/s) data transfer rate
SATA ports up to 6G (600 MB/s) data transfer rate
Support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID5 and RAID 10
ESATA
Onboard LAN
Supports 10/100/1000 Mb/sec Ethernet
Onboard Firewire 1394a (1394b optional)
Supports hot plug
Onboard Audio
Realtek ALC898 High-Definition audio
Supports 8-channel audio
Supports Jack-Sensing function
Supports Optical Output
PCI-E Support
PCI-E 2.0 Slots (PCI-E 3.0 Ready**)
Low power consumption and power management features
Power Functions
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
PCI-E x1 slots
PCI-E x8/x16 slots

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Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Unpacking
The EVGA X79 Motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for adding a
motherboard to a system case. If replacing a motherboard, you may not need
many of these cables.
Equipment
The following accessories are included with the EVGA X79 Motherboard:
The EVGA X79 Motherboard
This PCI-E motherboard contains the Intel X79 chipset and is
SLI-ready.
Visual Guide
Helps to quickly and visually guide you through the hardware
installation of the motherboard.
I/O Shield
Installs in the system case to block radio frequency
transmissions, protect internal components from dust, foreign
objects, and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.
2-Port SATA Power Cables
Allows a Molex power connector to adapt to a SATA power
connector.

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2-Port USB 2.0 / 1394a Firewire Bracket
Provides two additional USB ports and 1 additional 1394a
Firewire port to the back panel of the chassis.
2-Port USB 3.0 Bracket (Optional)
Allows addition of 2 USB 3.0 ports by Connecting to the
motherboard header.
SATA 3G/6G Data Cables
Used to support the SATA protocol and each one connects a
single drive to the motherboard.
2-way SLI Bridge
Bridges two graphics cards together which allows for
2-way SLI.
Installation CD
Contains drivers and software 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
topics covered in this section are:
Preparing 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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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 bottom
of the processor.
Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto the
motherboard:
Unhook the left socket lever by pushing down
and away from the socket.
Unhook the right socket lever by pushing down
and away from the socket.
Gently press the left socket lever and the load
plate will lift from the socket.
Open the load plate and make sure not to damage
any of the pins 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 processor straight down into the
socket.
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level
in the socket.
Lower the load plate so it is resting on the CPU.
Press the right socket lever down to lock into
place.
Carefully lock the lever back into place.
Installing the Cooling Device
There are many different cooling devices that can be used with this
motherboard. Follow the instructions that came with your cooling assembly.

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Installing System Memory (DIMMs)
Your new motherboard has four 240-pin slots for DDR3 memory. These slots
support 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB DDR3 DIMMs. There must be at least one
memory slot populated to ensure normal operation.
The Intel X79 chipset supports quad channel
memory; you can choose any slots to insert the
DIMMs.
Use the following procedure to install DIMMs.
Note that there is only one gap near the center of
the DIMM slot. This slot matches the slot on the
DIMM to ensure the component is installed
properly.
Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.
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.

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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.
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
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.

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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.
Carefully place 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.
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
24pin ATX power (PW1)
8pin ATX 12V power
Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
IEEE 1394a Header (IEEE 1394b Optional)
USB Headers
Audio Header
SATA II
SATA III
USB 3.0/2.0
Expansion slots
CMOS Clear Button

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24pin ATX Power (PW1)
PW1 is the main power supply connector located along the right edge of the
board. 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.
The 24pin Power Connector may be standard or right angled depending on
your motherboard model.
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
Right Angled 24pin Power Connector
Standard 24pin Power Connector
24
13
12
1

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8-pin ATX 12V Power (PW12-1 & PW12-2)
PW12-1 & PW12-2 (optional), the 8-pin ATX 12V power connections, are
used to provide power to the CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press
firmly until seated. If your motherboard has two 8-pin connectors, the
secondary is optional for improved overclocking.
BIOS Select Switch (Optional)
The BIOS Select Switch is featured on select motherboards and located directly
on the bottom edge of the motherboard. This jumper controls which of
physical BIOS chips are to be used when the system is powered on.
GND
+12V

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Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is one
connector used to connect the following four cables.
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
powered on, the LED will be on.
Note: Some system cases may 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.
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

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Firewire 1394a (1394b Optional)
The IEEE 1394a 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.
Select motherboards have a Firewire 1394b header. 1394a or 1394b devices can
be used on it.
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(s) to the IEEE 1394a/b header(s) on the
motherboard.
Firewire 1394a Connector
Firewire 1394b Connector