Gigabyte GV-N96GMC-512H User manual

GV-N96GMC-512H
NVIDIA®GeForceTM 9600 GSO GraphicsAccelerator
User's Manual
Rev. 301
12MM-N96GM5H-301R
Copyright
©2009GIGABYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD
CopyrightbyGIGA-BYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD.("GBT").Nopartofthismanualmay bereproducedortransmitted
inany formwithout theexpressed, writtenpermission ofGBT.
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Notice
Pleasedo notremove any labels on this graphics card. Doing so may void the warranty of this card.
Duetorapidchangeintechnology,someofthespecificationsmightbeoutofdatebeforepublicationofthisthismanual.
Theauthorassumesnoresponsibilityforanyerrorsoromissionsthatmayappearinthisdocumentnordoestheauthor
makeacommitmenttoupdatetheinformationcontainedherein.
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VGA Card
GV-N96GMC-512H
Feb. 6, 2009
Feb. 6, 2009
VGA Card
GV-N96GMC-512H

- 3 -
Table of Contents
1.Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4
1.1.Features ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.MinimumSystemRequirements .................................................................................... 4
2.HardwareInstallation.................................................................................................. 5
2.1.BoardLayout ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.HardwareInstallation......................................................................................................7
3.SoftwareInstallation.................................................................................................... 9
3.1.DriverandUtilityInstallation........................................................................................... 9
3.1.1. Driver Installation ........................................................................................................... 9
3.1.2. GIGABYTE Gamer HUD Lite on Driver Disk ............................................................11
3.2. DisplayPropertiesPages ........................................................................................ 13
3.3. Accessing NVIDIA Control Panel............................................................................ 14
4.TroubleshootingTips................................................................................................ 22
5.Appendix ................................................................................................................. 23
5.1. How to Reflash the BIOS in MS-DOS Mode.............................................................. 23
5.2.ResolutionsandColorDepthTables ............................................................................. 24
5.3.RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 26

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1. Introduction
1.1. Features
•Powered by NVIDIA®GeForceTM 9600 GSO Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
•Supports PCI Express 2.0
•Integratedwith512 MBGDDR3memory
•SupportsDirectX10
•SupportsNVIDIA®SLITM (Scalable LinkInterface) technology(Note)
• Supports2DVI-Iconnectors
• SupportsHDMIconnector(byoptionaladapter)
• Supports2D-Subconnectors(byoptionaladapters)
• SupportsHDCP(High-BandwidthDigitalContentProtection)technology
1.2. Minimum System Requirements
•Hardware
- Intel®Pentium®/CoreTM 2orAMDAthlonTM/PhenomTM
- 128MB ofsystemmemory; 2GB or morefor bestperformance
- Opticaldrive forsoftwareinstallation (CD-ROMor DVD-ROMdrive)
- A550 Wattpowersupply orabove isamust
•OperatingSystem
- Windows®Vista
- Windows®XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
- Windows®XPProfessionalx64 Edition
•SLITM Configuration
If you are planning on using this graphics card as part of an SLI system, the following
arerequired:
- AnSLIcertifiedmotherboardwithtwoPCIExpressx16slotsandcorrectchipsetdriver
- Two GV-N96GMC-512H
- Apowersupplywith 550-wattor aboveis recommended
- AnSLIbridgeconnector
(Note) SLItechnologyrequiresaPCIExpressmotherboardwithtwox16physicalconnectors.Graphicscardsworkinginan
SLIconfigurationmustbewiththesamemodelname(e.g. GV-N96GMC-512H)andfromthesamevendor(e.g.
GIGABYTETECHNOLOGY).

- 5 - Hardware Installation
2. Hardware Installation
2.1. Board Layout
SLI Connector
TV-Out
DVI-I Connector 1
DVI-I Connector 2
TV-Out
DVI-I
Connector 1
DVI-I
Connector 2
AnalogLCDMonitor AnalogMonitor
or DVI-I to D-Sub
Adapter (Optional)
HDTV
NTSC/PALTV Projector
NTSC/PALTV Projector
or
or
Pr
Pb/AV Output
S-Video Output
Digital LCD Monitor
DVI Output
DVI-I to HDMI Adapter (Optional)
D-Sub
Output
HDMI TV
Y
(Optional)

- 6 -GV-N96GMC-512H Graphics Accelerator
Expansion cards contain very delicate Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To
protectthemagainstdamagefromstaticelectricity,youshouldfollowsome
precautions whenever you work on your computer.
1. Turnoffyour computer and unplug power supply.
2. Useagroundedwriststrapbeforehandlingcomputercomponents.Ifyoudonot
haveone,touchbothofyourhandstoasafelygroundedobjectortoametalobject,
suchasthepowersupply case.
3. Placecomponentsonagroundedantistaticpadoronthebagthatcamewiththe
componentswheneverthecomponentsareseparatedfromthesystem.
Thecardcontainssensitiveelectriccomponents,whichcanbeeasilydamagedbystatic
electricity,sothecardshouldbeleftinitsoriginalpackinguntilitisinstalled.
Unpackingandinstallationshouldbedoneonagroundedanti-staticmat.Theoperator
shouldbewearingananti-staticwristband,groundedatthesamepointastheanti-static
mat.
Inspectthecardcartonforobviousdamage.Shippingandhandlingmaycausedamage
toyour card. Be sure thereareno shipping and handlingdamageson the card before
proceeding.
DO NOTAPPLY POWER TO YOUR SYSTEM IF THE GRAPHICS CARD IS
DAMAGED.
In order to ensure that your graphics card can work correctly, please use
official GIGABYTE BIOS only. Using non-official GIGABYTE BIOS might
cause problem(s) on the graphics card.

- 7 - Hardware Installation
2.2. Hardware Installation
Now that you have prepared your computer, you are ready to install your graphics card.
Step 1.
Locate the PCI Express x16 slot. If necessary, remove the
metal cover from this slot; then align your graphics card with
the PCI Express x16 slot, and press it in firmly until the card is
fully seated.
Step 2.
Replace the screw to fasten the card in place, and replace the
computer cover.
Makesurethatthegoldedgeconnectorofthegraphicscardissecurely
inserted.
Connectaflatpanel
Step 3.
Plug the display cable into your graphics card; then turn on the
computer and monitor. To connect a flat panel directly to your
graphics card, use the DVI-I connector. To connect a D-Sub
monitor to the DVI-I connector, plug the DVI-I to D-Sub adapter
into the DVI-I connector, then plug the monitor cable into the
adapter. Or use the DVI-I to HDMI adapter to connect an HDMI
monitor.
Connecta D-SubmonitorviaDVI-Ito D-Subadapter
To TV /VCR To Flat Panel Display
Connect a HDMI monitor via DVI-I to HDMI adapter
After installation, remember to connect the power cable to your graphics
card, or the system will not boot . Do not touch the card when it's
operating to prevent system instability.

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You are now ready to proceed with the installation of the graphics card driver. Please refer to next
chapter for detailed instructions.
Step 4.
To connect an HDMI TV, follow the steps below to enable the S/PDIF in function for the graphics card.
1.
Connect the provided S/PDIF cable to the graphics
card.
2.
Connect the S/PDIF cable to the motherboard.
(the red wire connects to the S/PDIF out pin and
the black to the Ground pin)
How NVIDIA®SLITM (Scalable Link Interface) technology works:
In an SLI configuration, two SLI-ready graphics cards of the same model and the same manufacturers
are connected together via SLI bridge connector in a system that provides two x16 PCI Express slots
to scale graphics performance. The picture below shows that two graphics cards are linked in parallel
in an SLI configuration.
SLI bridge connector
(provided by motherboard manufacturer)
TwoSLI-readygraphics cardsof
the same type.
(Example:GV-NX88X768H-RH)

- 9 - Software Installation
3. Software Installation
Notice the following guidelines before installing the drivers:
1. First make sure your system has installed DirectX 9 or later version.
2. Make sure your system has installed the appropriate motherboard drivers (for the motherboard
drivers, please contact the motherboard manufacturer.)
3.1. Driver and Utility Installation
3.1.1. Driver Installation
After installing the operating system, insert the driver disk into your optical drive. The driver Autorun
screen is automatically displayed which looks like that shown in the screen shot below. (If the driver
Autorun screen does not appear automatically, go to My Computer, double-click the optical drive and
execute the setup.exe program.)
For software MPEG support in Windows XP, you must install DirectX first. Users who run
Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or above do not need to install DirectX separately.
Step 1:
Click the Install Display Driver item.
Step 2:
Click the Next button.

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The system is installing the components.
Step 4:
Click the Finish button to restart the computer.
Then the driver installation is completed.
Step 3:
Click the Yes button.

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3.1.2. GIGABYTE Gamer HUD Lite on Driver Disk
Step 1:
Click the GIGABYTE Gamer HUD Lite item.
Step 2:
Choose the language for the installation and click the OK button.
Step 3:
Click the Next button. Step 4: Click the Install button.
The system is installing the components. Step 5:
Click the Finish button. Then the installation of
the GIGABYTE Gamer HUD Lite is completed.

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GIGABYTEGamerHUD Lite
The GIGABYTE Gamer HUD Lite allows you to adjust the the working frequency of the GPU, Shader
and video memory.
Clockadjustment(Note) Enablesmanualadjustment
ofthefrequency
Automatically
optimizesthe
frequency
Displaysthe
currentoperating
frequency
Hardware
Monitor
Helppage
(Note) This item is configurable only if 2D/3D Auto-Optimized is set to Disable.
Incorrectly doing overclock/overvoltage may result in damage to your system and reduce
the useful life of the system components.
Button Function
Default(Note) Allows you to load the default settings
Apply(Note) Allows you to save the values you adjust
Enable Lets the utility optimize the GPU/Shader/memory frequency settings
Disable Allows you to manually configure the GPU/Shader/Memory frequency
settings
Hardware Monitor Displays the GPU usage and temperature, the GPU usage/thermal curve,
and your graphics card information
? Opens Help page

- 13 - Software Installation
You can move the slider to change the resolution.
You can click the item to change the color quality.
Click the Advanced button for advanced settings.
3.2. Display Properties Pages
Display Settings (Resolutions and Color Quality for Windows)
To access Display Settings page, right-click on desktop and select Personalize, then the Personalization
windows will show up. Select Display Settings to adjust the screen resolution and color quality settings.

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Or you can right-click on the desktop and select Personalize, and then the Control Panel\Appearance
Personalization\Personalization window will show up. Select Display Settings. When the Display
Settings dialog box appears, click Advanced Settings.
After clicking the Advanced Settings button in Display Settings, you'll see the Generic PnP
Monitor and NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GSO 512 Properties dialog box. Click the GeForce 9600 GSO
512 tab to access the NVIDIA Control Panel.
3.3. Accessing NVIDIA Control Panel
After installation of the display driver, right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel. The
NVIDIA Control Panel is used to configure all your graphics card settings.
Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
On the GeForce 9600 GSO 512 tab page, click Start the
NVIDIA Control Panel to launch the NVIDIA Control Panel.

- 15 - Software Installation
Select the view of the NVIDIA Control Panel that is
most appropriate for you.
Standard Settings
Advanced Settings
The following pages provide details on configuring
advanced settings.
In the NVIDIA Control Panel, select a category to
alter specific NVIDIA display settings.
The categories are:
3D Settings
Display
Video & Television
In the NVIDIA Control Panel, change a view if you
want.
The supported modes are:
Standard
Advanced
Custom

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AdjustImage SettingswithPreview
If you are unfamiliar with 3D technology or not
an advanced graphics user, use the Adjust
Image Settings with Preview page to preview
any changes you make for improved image
quality and rendering.
Manage3DSettings(Note 1)
The Manage 3D Settings page enables you to
establish default 3D settings to use for all your
Direct3D or OpenGL applications and to estab-
lish a unique set of 3D settings for a particular
game or application.
SetSLIConfiguration(Note2)
SLI technology allows you to use two or more
GPUs together. This results in significant im-
provements in rendering performance and
image quality.
Note:
It is recommended that you set to Enable SLI
technology to enhance the graphics card's
performance.
(Note 1) This item is present only in Advanced view mode.
(Note 2) This item will show up when you install two graphics cards with the same model name and
from the same vendor.
3D Settings
Tasks in the 3D Settings pages allow you to do the following:
• Change the image and rendering settings of your 3D applications and games that utilize Direct3D and
OpenGL technology.
• Override the shipped clocked frequencies of your GPU and GPU memory to increase your GPU
performance.
• Assign specific 3D settings to a game so that these settings automatically load when a game is
launched.

- 17 - Software Installation
Display
A variety of display features enable you to further manipulate and configure your display settings to
optimize the use of your displays. Tasks in the Display pages allow you to do the following:
• Move CRT screen position
• Change resolution
• Adjust desktop color settings
• Rotate display
• Manage custom resolutions(Note)
• Set up multiple displays
(Note) This item is present only in Advanced view mode.
Move CRT Screen Position
You can use your mouse (by clicking on the
arrow keys on this page) or the arrow keys
on your keyboard to adjust the position of your
desktop to better fit your display. This is a
useful alternative to using the controls (buttons)
on your actual physical display.
ChangeResolution
Using the Change Resolution controls, you
can change the color setting, reduce screen
flickering, or adjust the amount of information
appearing on your display.

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AdjustDesktopColorSettings
Use this page to set the contrast, sharpness,
and color depth (Digital Vibrance) of the im-
ages on your desktop. These changes will
not affect any video playback. To change video
color settings, go to Adjust Video Color Set-
tings under the Video and TV section from the
Start page.
RotateDisplay
The NVIDIA Rotate features enable you to
changetheorientation ofyour desktopto portrait,
landscape, and inverted modes. This is use-
ful if you have rotated your physical display
and need to rotate the desktop to match the
orientation of your display.
ManageCustomResolutions(Note)
If you are an advanced user, you can create
custom timing modes with the width, height,
bit-color depth, and the refresh rate etc. The
Advanced Timing page enables you to adjust
timings for your graphics card in order to sup-
port a variety of different display timings for
ultimate flexibility for analog CRT and DVI
connections. You can use the advanced
Change Resolution Attributes page to view
custom display modes you have saved in
the Create Custom Resolutions page.
(Note) This item is present only in Advanced view mode.

- 19 - Software Installation
Set Up Multiple Displays
NVIDIA nView technology enables you to view
your desktop in one of several multi-display
modes to make the best use of the displays
(monitors) that are connected to your computer.
Dual-Monitor Setup
You can set the display to output from two monitors on the Set Up Multiple Displays page.
Select your preferred nView display modes here.
• Only use one display (Single)
• The same on both display (Clone)
• Configured independently from each other
(Dualview)
• As one large horizontal desktop (Horizontal span)(Note)
• As one large vertical desktop (Vertical span)(Note)
(1) The same on both display (Clone)
Clone mode indicates that both displays in the
display pair show images of the same desktop.
Clone Mode
(Note) This item is present only in Windows XP.
(2) Configured independently from each other
(Dualview)
Dualview mode indicates that both displays in the
display pair function as one virtual desktop. Unlike
Horizontal Span or Vertical Span mode, Dualview
treats each display as a separate device. This
means that the taskbar will not be stretched across
displays and 3D applications are not accelerated
as efficiently as when the application spans
displays.
Dualview Mode

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(4) As one large vertical desktop
(Vertical span)(Note 1)
Vertical Span mode indicates that both displays in
the display pair function as one tall virtual desktop.
The height of each display is half the height of the
total virtual desktop height.
Vertical Span Mode
(3) As one large horizontal desktop
(Horizontal span)(Note 1)
Horizontal Span mode indicates that both displays
in the display pair function as one wide virtual
desktop. The width of each display is half the
width of the total virtual desktop width.
Horizontal Span Mode
(Note 1) This item is present only in Windows XP.
(Note 2) By a DVI-to-D-Sub adapter (optional).
(Note 3) By a DVI-to-HDMI adapter (optional).
Display
Matrix Model GV-N96GMC-512H CRT(Note 2)+TV Yes
CRT(Note 2)+DVI Yes
DVI+TV Yes
DVI+TV+CRT(Note 2) No
DVI +DVI Yes
CRT(Note 2)+CRT(Note 2) Yes
HDMI (Note 3)+DVI Yes
HDMI (Note 3)+CRT(Note 2) Yes