Gigabyte GV-RX385256H-B User manual

GV-RX385256H-B
RadeonTM HD 3850 GraphicsAccelerator
User's Manual
Rev. 101
12MD-RX385256-101R
Copyright
© 2007GIGABYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD
CopyrightbyGIGA-BYTETECHNOLOGYCO.,LTD.("GBT").Nopartofthismanualmay bereproducedortransmitted
inanyformwithouttheexpressed,writtenpermissionof GBT.
Trademarks
Third-partybrandsandnamesarethepropertiesoftheirrespectiveowners.
Notice
Pleasedo notremoveany labelson thisgraphicscard.Doingso may voidthewarrantyofthiscard.
Duetorapidchangeintechnology,someofthespecificationsmightbeoutofdatebeforepublicationofthisthismanual.
The authorassumes noresponsibilityforanyerrorsoromissionsthatmayappearinthisdocumentnordoestheauthor
makeacommitmenttoupdatetheinformationcontainedherein.
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ThisproductincorporatescopyrightprotectiontechnologythatisprotectedbyU.S.patentsandotherintellectualproperty
rights.UseofthiscopyrightprotectiontechnologymustbeauthorizedbyMacrovision,andisintendedforhomeandother
limitedviewingusesonlyunlessotherwiseauthorizedbyMacrovision.Reverseengineeringordisassemblyisprohibited.

Nov. 19, 2007
VGA Card
GV-RX385256H-B
VGA Card
GV-RX385256H-B
Nov. 19, 2007

- 3 -
Table of Contents
1.Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4
1.1.Features ......................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.Minimum SystemRequirements .................................................................................... 4
2.HardwareInstallation.................................................................................................. 5
2.1.BoardLayout ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2.HardwareInstallation......................................................................................................7
3.SoftwareInstallation...................................................................................................11
3.1.Windows®XPDriverandUtilitiesInstallation ................................................................11
3.1.1. Operating System Requirements ...............................................................................11
3.1.2. DirectX Installation........................................................................................................ 12
3.1.3. Driver Installation ......................................................................................................... 13
3.1.4. Taskbar Icon................................................................................................................. 15
3.1.5. Display Properties Pages........................................................................................... 17
4.TroubleshootingTips................................................................................................ 35
5.Appendix ................................................................................................................. 36
ResolutionsandColorDepthTables(InWindowsXP) ........................................................ 36
RegulatoryStatements ................................................................................................. 37

- 4 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
1. Introduction
1.1. Features
• Powered by ATI HD RadeonTM 3850 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
• Supports PCI Express 2.0
• Integratedwith256MBGDDR3memory
• SupportsDirectX10.1
• SupportsCrossFireTM
• SupportsAV/S-Video/TV-Out and HDTV output
• Supports2Dual-LinkDVI-Iconnectors
• Supports2D-Subconnectors(byadapters)
• SupportsHDTVoutput(byadapter)
• SupportsHDMIconnector(byadapter)
1.2. Minimum System Requirements
•Hardware
- Intel®Pentium®4orAMDAthlonTM
- 512MBof system memory;1 GB ormore forbest performance
- Opticaldrivefor software installation(CD-ROM orDVD-ROM drive)
- Apowersupply that provides atleast400-watt.Thepowersupplyshouldbewitha
knownbrandandcertifiedtoconformtosafetyregulations.(Forthelistofcertifiedpower
supplies,gotohttp://ati.amd.com/certifiedpsu.)
•OperatingSystem
- Windows®Vista
- Windows®XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
- Windows®XPProfessionalx64Edition
•CrossFireTM Configuration
Ifyouare planning on usingthisgraphicscardaspartofaCrossFiresystem, the following
isrequired:
- ACrossFirecertifiedmotherboardwithtwoPCIExpressx16slotsandcorrectchipsetdriver
- TwoGV-RX385256H-B
- Apowersupplythatprovidesatleast450-watttoensurethepowersupplyisdesigned
toaccommodateahigh-endgraphicscardwithapeakdissipationabove100-watt.The
powersupplyshouldbewithaknownbrandandcertifiedtoconformtosafetyregulations.
(Forthelistofcertifiedpowersupplies,gotohttp://ati.amd.com/certifiedpsu.)
- TwoCrossFirebridgeinterconnectcables

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

- 6 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
Expansion cards contain very delicate Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To
protectthemagainstdamagefromstaticelectricity,youshouldfollowsome
precautions whenever you work on your computer.
1. Turnoffyourcomputerand unplug power supply.
2. Useagroundedwriststrapbeforehandlingcomputercomponents.Ifyoudonot
haveone,touchbothofyourhandstoasafelygroundedobjectortoametalobject,
suchasthe powersupplycase.
3. Placecomponentsonagroundedantistaticpadoronthebagthatcamewiththe
componentswheneverthecomponentsareseparatedfromthesystem.
Thecardcontainssensitiveelectriccomponents,whichcanbeeasilydamagedbystatic
electricity,sothecardshouldbeleftinitsoriginalpackinguntilitisinstalled.
Unpackingandinstallationshouldbedoneonagroundedanti-staticmat.Theoperator
shouldbewearingananti-staticwristband,groundedatthesamepointastheanti-static
mat.
Inspectthecardcartonforobviousdamage.Shippingandhandlingmaycausedamage
toyourcard.Besurethereare no shipping and handling damages on thecardbefore
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.
The entire Radeon HD 3800 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 16.

- 7 - Hardware Installation
2.2. Hardware Installation
Now that you have prepared your computer, you are ready to install your graphics card.
To remove the existing graphics card:
Step 1.
Power off the computer and monitor, then disconnect
the display cable from the back of your computer.
Step 2.
Remove the computer cover. If necessary, consult
your computer's manual for help in removing the
cover.
Step 3.
Remove any existing graphics card from your
computer.
To install your new graphics card:
Step 1.
Locate the PCI Express x16 slot. If necessary, re-
move 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.
* Please make sure that the gold edge connector of
the graphics card is securely inserted.

- 8 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
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. (Note:
Only the DVI-I Connector 2 supports the 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.
You are now ready to proceed with the installation of the graphics card driver. Please refer to next
chapter for detailed instructions.
To TV/ VCR To Flat Panel Display
Connectaflatpanel
ConnectaD-SubmonitorviaDVI-ItoD-Subadapter
ConnectaHDMImonitorviaDVI-ItoHDMIadapter

- 9 - Hardware Installation
GIGABYTEVideo Adapter
Connect to the TV-Out port on
the graphics card.
S-Video Out HDTV Component
(Y+Pr+Pb)
AV Out
(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.

- 10 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
How to enable the ATI CrossFireTM technology?
Step 1:
Install two CrossFire graphics cards of the same chipset on a CrossFire-supported motherboard and
connect the graphics cards via two CrossFire bridge interconnect cables (Figure 1). Then users can
enable the CrossFire technology through the graphics card driver.
Two CrossFire bridge
interconnect cables. TwoCrossFiregraphics cards of thesame type.
(Example: GV-RX195P256D-RH)
Figure 1
Step 2:
After installing graphics card driver in operating system, access the ATI Catalyst Control Center (please
refer to Page 15). From the ATI Catalyst Control Center, enter the CrossFire menu and assure to select
the Enable CrossFire check box (Figure 2).
Step 3:
When the next confirmation dialog box appears (Figure 3), click Yes to complete the CrossFire
configurations.
Figure 2
Figure 3

- 11 - Software Installation
3. Software Installation
In this manual, we assume that your CD-ROM drive letter to be Drive D:
The installation of Windows Vista/XP 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 or later version.
2. Make sure your system has installed the appropriate motherboard drivers (for the motherboard
drivers, please contact the motherboard manufacturer.)

- 12 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
3.1.2. DirectX Installation
Install Microsoft DirectX to enable 3D hardware acceleration support for Windows Vista/XP to achieve
better 3D performance.
For software MPEG support in Windows Vista/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. Step 3. Click the Yes button.
Step 5. Click the Finish button to restart the computer.
Then the driver installation is completed.
Setp 4. Click the Express or Custom icon. The system is installing the components.

- 15 - Software Installation
3.1.4. Taskbar Icon
After installation of the display driver, you will find an ATI icon in your system tray. 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 ATI CATALYST(R) Control Center.

- 16 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
Configuring Audio Output
Configure the default audio output device based upon your needs.
Step 1:
Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices.
Using the picture to the left as the example, to set HDMI audio to be
the default Sound Playback device, in the Default device box,
select ATI HD Audio rear output. Otherwise, select Realtek HD
Audio output, which is the onboard audio controller.
Step 2:
In the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box, click the Audio tab.

- 17 - Software Installation
3.1.5. 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.
Display
Matrix Model GV-RX385256H-B CRT+TV(Note 1) Yes
CRT+DVI Yes
CRT+CRT Yes
DVI+TV Yes
DVI+TV+CRT No
DVI +DVI Yes
HDMI+TV(Note 2) Yes
HDMI+DVI(Note2) Yes
HDMI+CRT(Note 2) Yes
(Note 1) The CRT+TV configuration requires that you connect your CRT display to the DVI-I
Connector 2 on the card using the DVI-I to D-Sub adapter to ensure normal operation.
(Note 2) To connect an HDMI monitor, you need to attach the DVI-I to HDMI adapter to the DVI-I
Connector 2 on the graphics card and then plug the HDMI monitor cable into the adapter to
ensure normal operation.

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ATI Catalyst®Control Center Basic View :
The Basic View is the default view whenATI 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.
EasySetupWizards:
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.

- 19 - Software Installation
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.

- 20 -GV-RX385256H-B Graphics Accelerator
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.