Gigabyte GV-R555D3-1GI User manual

GV-R555D3-1GI
ATI RadeonTM HD 5550 GraphicsAccelerator
User's Manual
Rev. 101
12MM-R555D3GI-101R
Copyright
©2010GIGABYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD
CopyrightbyGIGA-BYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD.("GBT").Nopartofthismanualmay bereproducedortransmitted
inany formwithout theexpressed, writtenpermission ofGBT.
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Pleasedo notremove any labels on this graphics card. Doing so may void the warranty of this card.
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Mar. 31, 2010
VGA Card
GV-R555D3-1GI
VGA Card
GV-R555D3-1GI
Mar. 31, 2010

- 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.................................................................................................... 8
3.1.DriverandUtilityInstallation........................................................................................... 8
3.1.1. Driver Installation ........................................................................................................... 8
3.2. TaskbarIcon............................................................................................................. 10
3.3. DisplayPropertiesPages ........................................................................................ 12
4.TroubleshootingTips................................................................................................ 25
5.Appendix ................................................................................................................. 26
5.1.ResolutionsandColorDepthTables ............................................................................. 26
5.2.RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 27

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1. Introduction
1.1. Features
•Powered by ATI RadeonTM HD 5550 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
•Supports PCI Express 2.1
•Integratedwith 1GB DDR3memory
•SupportsDirectX11
•SupportsCrossFireXTM
• Supports1Dual-LinkDVI-Iconnector
• Supports1D-Subconnector
• Supports1HDMIconnector
1.2. Minimum System Requirements
•Hardware
- Intel®Pentium®4/CoreTM 2 or AMD AthlonTM /PhenomTM
- 1 GB or more of system memory for best performance
- Optical drive for software installation (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive)
- A power supply that provides at least 400-watt is required. The power supply should be
with a known brand and certified to conform to safety regulations. (For the list of certified
power supplies, go to http://ati.amd.com/certifiedpsu.)
•OperatingSystem
- Windows®7
- Windows®Vista
- Windows®XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
- Windows®XP Professional x64 Edition
•CrossFireXTM Configuration
If you are planning on using this graphics card as part of a CrossFireX system, the following
is required:
- A CrossFireX certified motherboard with two PCI Express x16 slots and correct chipset driver
- Two GV-R555D3-1GI
- A power supply that provides at least 450-watt is required. The power supply should be
with a known brand and certified to conform to safety regulations. (For the list of certified
power supplies, go to http://ati.amd.com/certifiedpsu.)
- Two CrossFire bridge interconnect cables

- 5 - Hardware Installation
2. Hardware Installation
2.1. Board Layout
HDMI Connector
DVI-I Connector
DVI-I
Connector
AnalogLCDMonitor AnalogMonitor
or DVI-I to D-Sub
Adapter
Digital LCD Monitor
DVI Output
D-Sub
Output
HDMI TV HDMI
Connector
HDMI TV
D-Sub monitor Connector
(15-pin)
D-Submonitor
Connector
(15-pin)
Analog LCD Monitor Analog CRT Monitor
or
D-Sub Output

- 6 -GV-R555 Series 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 handling damagesonthecard before
proceeding.
DO NOTAPPLY POWER TOYOUR 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.
The entire Radeon HD 5550 series support HDMI output which can handle both audio and
video signals. However, audio output from the onboard audio controller or the external
sound card will be disabled when HDMI output is activated.
If no need for HDMI output function, set the onboard audio controller or the external sound
card to be the default Sound Playback device to obtain audio output from your system. For
more details, refer to page 11.

- 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.
Step 3.
Plug the display cable into your card; then turn on the computer
and monitor. To connect a flat panel display to your graphics
card, use the DVI-I connector. To connect an HDMI monitor to
your graphics card, use the HDMI connector. To connect a
DisplayPort monitor to your graphics card, use the DisplayPort
connector.
You are now ready to proceed with the installation of the graphics card driver. Please refer to next
chapter for detailed instructions.
Connecta flat panel display
ConnectanHDMImonitor
To Flat Panel Display
ToHDMIMonitor
ConnectaDisplayPortmonitor
ToD-SubMonitor

- 8 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
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:
Select the displayed language and then click Next.
Step 3:
Click the Install button.

- 9 - Software Installation
Setp 4:
Click the Express or Custom icon and then
click Next.
Step 5:
Click the Accept button.
The system is installing the components. Step 6:
Click the Finish button to restart the computer.
Then the driver installation is completed.

- 10 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
3.2. Taskbar Icon
After installation of the display driver, you will find an ATI icon in the notification area. Right-click the
icon to enter the ATI Catalyst Control Center. The ATI Catalyst Control Center is used to configure
all your graphics card settings.
Right-click the ATI icon to enter the ATI Catalyst Control Center.
Or you can right-click on the desktop and select Catalyst(TM) Control Center.

- 11 - Software Installation
Configuring Audio Output
Configure the default audio output device based upon your needs.
Step 1:
Go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Manage audio devices.
Using the picture to the left as the example, to set HDMI audio to be
the default Sound Playback device, select Digital Output Device
(HDMI). Otherwise, select Digital Output Device (SPDIF), which
is the onboard audio controller.
Step 2:
In the Manage audio devices dialog box, click the Playback tab.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 3

- 12 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
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.
3.3. 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.
Display
Matrix
(Note 1) By a DVI-to-D-Sub adapter.(optional)
(Note 2) By a HDMI-to-DVI-I adapter.(optional)
Model GV-R555D3-1GI
CRT+DVI Yes
CRT+CRT(Note 1) Yes
DVI +DVI (Note 2) Yes
HDMI+DVI Yes
HDMI+CRT Yes

- 13 - Software Installation
ATI Catalyst®Control Center Basic View :
The Basic View is the default view when ATI Catalyst Control Center is launched for the first time. This
interface provides access to the basic settings and advanced features of your ATI graphics products.
You can switch between Basic View and Advanced View at any time.
To access more settings in Basic View, click Basic,
and then click Next.
Easy Setup Wizards:
Choose a wizard from the central list and click Go for step-by-step assistance.


Avivo Video Converter
This wizard assists you to convert videos from one file format to another.
Step 1:
Select Avivo Video Converter, then click Go.Step 2: Select the video file to be converted.
Step 3:
In the Output Folder area, select the destination folder where the new file will be located. Click Next.

- 14 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
Step 4:
In the Output Video Format list, select a file
format for the new file. If you wish to change the
name of the new file, enter the new name in the
Output File area. Finally, click Next to start
file conversion.
The video file has been successfully converted.


Setup my display configuration
This wizard allows you to configure display
setting for desktop viewing.


HydraVision Configuration Settings
This wizard will take you to set up the HydraVision
Configuration based on your own preference.

- 15 - Software Installation
Quick Settings:
The Quick Settings page provides access to three main settings.


3D Quality
3D Performance and Quality Settings allows your
3D games and applications to get faster perfor-
mance and better quality with a more balanced
setting.


Video Playback
Use this option to optimize video playback in
different room environment or to select how
video playback appears on the second display.


Display Setup
This option allows you to configure your desktop,
including changing desktop resolution and desk-
top mode, setting up extended desktop (requires
more than one display), and rotating desktop
image to match new display orientation.
Information Center:
The Information Center page in Basic and Advanced View provides hardware and software information
about the installed graphics card.


Graphics Software
Provides software information including driver
version, CATALYST version, Direct 3D version
and so on.


GraphicsHardware
Provides hardware information including graph-
ics chipset, BIOS version, memory size, core
clock and so on.

- 16 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
ATI Catalyst Control Center Advanced View
The Advanced page allows you to configure all of the many available settings of your ATI graphics
card.
View Properties:
The CATALYST Control Center dashboard supports three types of views.
Hotkeys Properties:
The Hotkeys Manager allows you to create shortcut key combinations to quickly perform tasks such
as changing a graphics setting or opening an application. A Hotkey is a combination of a modifier key
or keys, such as Ctrl, Alt, or Shift, and any letter from the alphabet.

- 17 - Software Installation
Profiles Properties:
You can use profiles to create customized environments for your desktop, video, and 3D applications.
Define and save your own personal video settings that can be quickly activated manually, through a
Hotkey, or by file association. Note:
A profile applies to a specific graphics card. If
there is more than one graphics card installed in
your computer, you need to select the appropriate
card before creating, loading, or activating a Profile.
Preferences Properties:
The Preferences page helps to restore defaults, change skins, and update the Catalyst Control Center.
The Catalyst Control Center Preferences page contains the following options:
Always on Top
Hide Tooltips
Hide Splash Screen
Enable System Tray Menu
Select a Language ...
Restore Factory Defaults ...

- 18 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
Help Properties:
The Catalyst Control Center Help feature allows you to access the comprehensive online help, register
your product, or generate a problem report should you require technical support.
The Catalyst Control Center Help feature offers the
following options:
Help for this Page
Help Contents ...
Go to ATI.com
About Catalyst Control Center ...

- 19 - Software Installation
Display Options:
Choose one of the Display Detection Option to prevent screen flicker when detecting a display.
Color
Adjust the overall richness of color by using
the Gamma control. To adjust the overall bright-
ness use the Brightness control, and the over-
all contrast use the Contrast control.
Mode
Use Mode to set up desktop area,color quality,
Refresh rate and Rotation.
Desktop Properties:
Use Desktop Properties to change your desktop setup.

- 20 -GV-R555 Series Graphics Accelerator
3D:
StandardSettings
The Standard Settings page provides access to a
universal slider control where you can simulta-
neously adjust all of the standard 3D settings for
any type of 3D application. The slider enables you
to adjust for overall system performance, overall
3D image quality, or a balance between the two.
This page is useful when you are not aware of
which type of 3D settings your application uses,
or when you want to use an overall adjustment
control that rapidly configures your application.
Anti-Aliasing
Anti-Aliasing (AA) is a rendering technique designed
to remove jagged edges, shimmering, and pixelation
problems that are common in rendered 3D images.
Rather than determining the color to display for each
pixel by sampling a single location at the pixel's
center,anti-aliasing samples multiple locations within
each pixel and blends the results together to pro-
duce the final color.
Anti-Aliasing can be set to favor either system pro-
cessing performance or image quality, or the appli-
cation can decide:
• Setting for performance is best used when the 3D
imageisanimatedandsmoothmotionisthemostim-
portant consideration.
• Setting for quality is best used when highly detailed
and realistic 3D objects is the most important
consideration.
• If you are unsure of how to configure anti-aliasing,
use the Use application settings option. Your display
will automatically adjust to the application's
requirements.
AdaptiveAnti-Aliasing
Adaptive anti-aliasing is a technique that applies
a combination of multi-sampling (MSAA) and
super-sampling (SSAA) on 3D objects to
improve edge smoothness and fine detail.
This feature renders 3D objects containing trans-
parencies more realistic, providing exceptional
levels of image quality while maintaining
performance.