Gigabyte GV-N98XPZL-1GH User manual

GV-N98XPZL-1GH
NVIDIAGeForceTM 9800 GTX+ GraphicsAccelerator
User's Manual
Rev. 101
12MM-N98XPZGH-101R
Copyright
©2008GIGABYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD
CopyrightbyGIGA-BYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD.("GBT").Nopartofthismanualmay bereproducedortransmitted
inany formwithout theexpressed, writtenpermission ofGBT.
Trademarks
Third-partybrandsandnamesarethepropertiesoftheirrespectiveowners.
Notice
Pleasedo notremove any labels on this graphics card. Doing so may void the warranty of this card.
Duetorapidchangeintechnology,someofthespecificationsmightbeoutofdatebeforepublicationofthisthismanual.
Theauthorassumesnoresponsibilityforanyerrorsoromissionsthatmayappearinthisdocumentnordoestheauthor
makeacommitmenttoupdatetheinformationcontainedherein.
Macrovision corporation product notice:
ThisproductincorporatescopyrightprotectiontechnologythatisprotectedbyU.S.patentsandotherintellectualproperty
rights.UseofthiscopyrightprotectiontechnologymustbeauthorizedbyMacrovision,andisintendedforhomeandother
limitedviewingusesonlyunlessotherwiseauthorizedbyMacrovision.Reverseengineeringordisassemblyisprohibited.

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VGA Card
GV-N98XPZL-1GH
Sept. 19, 2008
VGA Card
GV-N98XPZL-1GH
Sept. 19, 2008

- 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...................................................................................................11
3.1.WindowsXPDriver andUtilities Installation .................................................................11
3.1.1. Operating System Requirements ...............................................................................11
3.1.2. DirectX Installation........................................................................................................ 12
3.1.3. Driver Installation ......................................................................................................... 13
3.1.4. GIGABYTE Gamer HUD on Driver CD..................................................................... 15
3.1.5. Taskbar Icon................................................................................................................. 17
3.1.6. Display Properties Pages........................................................................................... 18
3.1.7. nView Properties Pages (Note) ...................................................................................... 29
4.TroubleshootingTips................................................................................................ 34
5.Appendix ................................................................................................................. 35
5.1. How to Reflash the BIOS in MS-DOS Mode.............................................................. 35
5.2.ResolutionsandColorDepthTable(InWindows XP)................................................... 36
5.3.RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 38
(Note) This item will show up when you connect two monitors.

- 4 -GV-N98XPZL-1GH Graphics Accelerator
1. Introduction
1.1. Features
• Powered by NVIDIA®GeForceTM 9800 GTX+ Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Supports PCI Express 2.0
• Integratedwith 1GBGDDR3 memory
• SupportsDirectX10
• SupportsNVIDIA®SLITM (ScalableLink Interface)technology(Note1)
• Supports2DVI-Iconnectors
•SupportsHDTVoutput (byoptionaladapter)
• SupportsHDMIconnector(byoptionaladapter)
• Supports2D-Subconnectors(byadapter)
• SupportsHDCP(High-BandwidthDigitalContentProtection)technology
1.2. Minimum System Requirements
•Hardware
- Intel®Pentium®/CoreTM 2orAMDAthlonTM/PhenomTM
- 512MB ofsystemmemory; 2GB or morefor bestperformance
- Opticaldrive forsoftwareinstallation (CD-ROMor DVD-ROMdrive)
- 450-wattpowersupplyorgreaterwithminimum12V currentratingof24A.(Note 2)
•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
- TwoGV-N98XPZL-1GH
- Apowersupplywith 750-wattor aboveis recommended
- AnSLIbridgeconnector
(Note 1) SLI technology requires a PCI Express motherboard with two x16 physical connectors.
Graphics cards working in an SLI configuration must be with the same model name
(e.g. GV-N98XPZL-1GH) and from the same vendor (e.g. GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY).
(Note 2) The minimum system power requirement recommended here is based on a PC configured
with an Intel Core 2 Extreme processor (QX6700).

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

- 6 -GV-N98XPZL-1GH 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 thereare no shipping and handlingdamages on 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.
Makesurethatthegoldedgeconnectorofthegraphicscardissecurely
inserted.
Step 2.
Replace the screw to fasten the card in place, and replace the
computer cover.
Step 3.
This graphics card provides two DVI-I digital connectors. You
can connect a monitor that supports DVI-I function or use the
DVI-I to D-Sub adapter to connect a 15-pin D-Sub monitor. Or
use the DVI-I to HDMI adapter to connect an HDMI monitor.
To TV/ VCR To Flat Panel Display
Connectaflatpanel
ConnectaD-SubmonitorviaDVI-ItoD-Subadapter
ConnectaHDMImonitorviaDVI-ItoHDMIadapter
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.
B-1.
ConnecttheGIGABYTEvideoadaptertotheTV-
Outportonthegraphicscard
B-2.
Connectthe SPDIFcoaxial cable (optional)
tothevideoadapterandmotherboard
Step 4.
To connect an HDMI TV, use either Method A or Method B below (depending on your motherboard
design) to enable the S/PDIF in function for the graphics card. It is recommended Method A be used on
motherboards that have a free S/PDIF header.
Method A (via the S/PDIF out header):
Connect the provided S/PDIF cable to the graphics card and the S/PDIF out header on your motherboard
(the red wire connects to the S/PDIF out pin and the black to the Ground pin).
Method B (via the coaxial S/PDIF out jack):
Connect the GIGABYTE video adapter to the TV-Out port on the graphics card. Insert one end of the
SPDIF coaxial cable (optional) into the S/PDIF in jack on the adapter and the other end into the coaxial
S/PDIF out jack on your motheboard.
A-1.
ConnecttheS/PDIFcabletothegraphicscard A-2. ConnecttheS/PDIFcabletothemotherboard.

- 9 - Hardware Installation
GIGABYTE Video Adapter (Optional)
(1) Connecting HDTV
Connect your HDTV cables to the video adapter according to
the corresponding color.
(Y= Green, Pr= Red, Pb= Blue)
(2) Connecting S-Video
If your TV has a S-Video connection, connect the S-Video
cable from your TV to the S-Video Out port on the adapter.
(3) Connecting AV Output
If your TV has a Composite video connection, you can connect
the RCA cable from your TV to the AV Out port on the adapter.
Connect to the TV-Out port on
the graphics card.
S-Video Out HDTV Component
(Y+Pr+Pb)
AV Out

- 10 -GV-N98XPZL-1GH Graphics Accelerator
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)

- 11 - Software Installation
3. Software Installation
In this manual, we assume that your CD-ROM drive letter to be Drive D:
The installation of drivers is very simple. When you insert the driver CD into your CD-ROM drive, you
can see the autorun window (if it does not show up, run "D:\setup.exe"). Then you can follow the
instructions to setup your graphics card driver. (Please follow the subsection "3.1.3 Driver Installation"
to install the driver for your graphics card.)
3.1. Windows XP Driver and Utilities Installation
3.1.1. Operating System Requirements
Notice the following guidelines before installing the drivers:
1. First make sure your system has installed DirectX 9.0c or later version.
2. Make sure your system has installed the appropriate motherboard drivers (for the motherboard
drivers, please contact the motherboard manufacturer.)

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3.1.2. DirectX Installation
Install Microsoft DirectX to enable 3D hardware acceleration support for Windows XP to achieve better
3D performance.
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.
When the autorun window shows up, click the
Install DirectX 9 item.
Step 2. Choose I accept the agreement
and click the Next button. Step 3. Click the Next button.
The system is installing the components. Step 4. Click Finish to restart computer.
Then the DirectX 9 installation is completed.

- 13 - Software Installation
3.1.3. Driver Installation
A. New Hardware Found
When the graphics card is inserted into your computer for the first time, the operating system will detect
the graphics card automatically and display a New Hardware Found message. The following are step-
by-step installation instructions.
Step 1: Found New Hardware Wizard: Video Controller (VGA Compatible)
Click the Next button to install the driver. (Insert the
driver CD-ROM that came with your graphics card.)
Or click the Cancel button to install the driver from
the autorun window.
Step 2: Found New Hardware Wizard: Searching and Installing
The wizard will search for the driver and install it automatically.
Step 3: Found New Hardware Wizard: Finish
Click the Finish button to finish the installation.

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B. Driver Installation (Autorun Window)
Insert the driver CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The autorun window will appear. If it does not show
up, please run "D:\setup.exe".
Step 1.
When the autorun window shows up, click the
Install Display Driver item.
Step 2. Click the Next button. The system is installing the components.
Step 3. Click the Finish button to restart the computer.
Then the driver installation is completed.

- 15 - Software Installation
3.1.4. GIGABYTE Gamer HUD on Driver CD
Insert the driver CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The autorun window will appear. If it does not show
up, please run "D:\setup.exe". (If D is not your CD-ROM drive, substitute D with the correct drive letter.)
Step 1. When autorun window shows up,
click the GIGABYTE Gamer HUD item.
Step 2. Choose the language for the instal-
lation and click the OK button.
Step 3. Click the Next button.
Step 5. Click the Finish button. Then the
installation of the GIGABYTE Gamer HUD is
completed.
Step 4. Click the Install button.
The system is installing the components.

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GIGABYTEGamerHUD
The GIGABYTE Gamer HUD allows you to adjust the voltage of your graphics card and the working
frequency of the GPU, Shader, and video memory.
Voltageadjustment(Note)
Clockadjustment(Note) Enablesmanualadjustment
ofthevoltage/frequency
Automatically
optimizesthe
voltage/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.
Displaysthecurrent
operatingvoltage
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 voltage and GPU/Shader/memory frequency
settings
Disable Allows you to manually configure the voltage and 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

- 17 - Software Installation
3.1.5. Taskbar Icon
After installing the graphics card driver, you will find an NVIDIA icon in the notification area. Click this
icon to open the control panel.
Right click the NVIDIA icon to enter the NVIDIA Control Center.
You can adjust the properties of the graphics card here.

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3.1.6. Display Properties Pages
To access Display Properties pages, right-click on desktop and then select Properties. The Display
Properties dialog box shows the information of display adapter, color, the range of display area, and
the refresh rate.
Settings (Resolutions and Color Quality for Windows)
You may adjust the screen resolution and color quality settings in this dialog box.
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
NVIDIA Control Panel
After pressing the Advanced button in Settings, you'll see the Plug and Play Monitor and NVIDIA
GF 9800 GTX+ Properties dialog box. Click the GeForce 9800 GTX+ tab. (You can also click the
NVIDIA icon in the notification area and select NVIDIA Control Panel.)
Access the GeForce 9800 GTX+ tab page to launch the
NVIDIA Control Panel.
All of the NVIDIA control panels have been consolidated
into a single application, the NVIDIA Control Panel. Click
the Start the NVIDIA Control Panel button to open the
NVIDIA Control Panel.

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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
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.

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(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.
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.
Set Multi-GPUConfiguration (Note2)
Multi-GPU technology allows you to use two
or more GPUs together. This results in signifi-
cant improvements in rendering performance
and image quality.
Note:
It is recommended that you set to Multi-GPU mode
to enhance the graphics card's performance.