XFX nForce 650I Operating and maintenance instructions

User Guide
XFX nForce 650i
Ultra Motherboard
Installation and Configuration

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard
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Table of Contents
Before You Begin… ......................................................................................xi
Parts NOT in the it.......................................................................................... xi
Intentions of the it ....................................................................................... xiii
Introduction ..................................................................................................1
Features ...........................................................................................................1
Ultimate Overclocking ....................................................................................1
Guaranteed FSB speeds .................................................................................1
High-speed Memory.......................................................................................1
Comprehensive Overclocking Tools .................................................................1
NVIDIA nTune Utility..................................................................................2
NV BIOS....................................................................................................2
True x16 PCI Express Support ........................................................................2
DualDDR2 Memory Architecture......................................................................2
NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage .......................................................................2
Multiple Disk Setup ........................................................................................2
DiskAlert System ...........................................................................................3
RAID Morphing..............................................................................................3
Bootable Multidisk Array.................................................................................3
Networking with NVIDIA nForce .....................................................................3
NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet ......................................................................3
NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology ...................................................................3
High Definition Audio (HDA) ...........................................................................4

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USB 2.0.........................................................................................................4
Motherboard Specifications ................................................................................5
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ...............................................................7
Unpacking.........................................................................................................7
Equipment ........................................................................................................7
XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard ....................................................................8
Hardware Installation .................................................................................11
Safety Instructions ..........................................................................................11
Preparing the Motherboard ..............................................................................12
Installing the CPU ........................................................................................12
Installing the CPU Fan..................................................................................13
Installing Memory DIMMs.............................................................................13
Installing the Motherboard ...............................................................................14
Installing the I/O Shield ...............................................................................14
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis....................................................14
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches ...........................................................15
Power Connections ......................................................................................16
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ........................................................................16
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2) ...................................................................17
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ..................................................................17
Connecting Serial ATA Cables .......................................................................18
Connecting Internal Headers ........................................................................19
Front Panel Header ..................................................................................19
USB Headers ...........................................................................................21
Fan Connections ..........................................................................................22
COM1 .........................................................................................................22
FDD Connector ............................................................................................22
Expansion Slots ...........................................................................................23

v
PCI Slots .................................................................................................23
PCI Express x1 Slot ..................................................................................24
PCI Express x16 Slots...............................................................................24
Jumper Settings ..............................................................................................24
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS ..................................................................24
Configuring t e BIOS ..................................................................................25
Enter BIOS Setup ............................................................................................26
Main Menu......................................................................................................26
Standard CMOS Features Menu ........................................................................29
Date and Time.............................................................................................30
IDE Channel and SATA Channel....................................................................30
Drive A........................................................................................................32
Halt On .......................................................................................................32
Memory ......................................................................................................33
Advanced BIOS Features .................................................................................34
Removable Device Priority............................................................................35
Hard Disk Boot Priority.................................................................................35
Network Boot Priority...................................................................................35
CPU Internal Cache......................................................................................35
Quick Power On Self Test .............................................................................36
First/Second/Third Boot Device.....................................................................36
Boot Other Device .......................................................................................36
Boot Up NumLock Status..............................................................................36
Security Option............................................................................................37
APIC Mode ..................................................................................................37
MPS Version Control For OS .........................................................................37
Full Screen LOGO Show ...............................................................................37

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard
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Advanced Chipset Features ..............................................................................38
System Clocks .............................................................................................39
Frequency Settings ..................................................................................40
HT Multiplier ............................................................................................41
Spread Spectrum .....................................................................................41
FSB & Memory Config ..................................................................................42
CPU Configuration .......................................................................................46
System Voltages ..........................................................................................47
NVMEM Memory Test...................................................................................48
Load Timing/Voltage Set ..............................................................................48
Save Timing/Voltage Set ..............................................................................50
System BIOS Cacheable ...............................................................................50
HPET Function.............................................................................................50
NVIDIA GPU Ex ...........................................................................................50
Integrated Peripherals Menu ............................................................................51
IDE Function Setup......................................................................................52
RAID Config ................................................................................................53
USB Config..................................................................................................53
MAC Config .................................................................................................54
HD Audio ....................................................................................................54
IDE HDD Block Mode ...................................................................................54
Onboard FDC Controller ...............................................................................54
Onboard Serial Port 1...................................................................................54
Power Management Setup Menu ......................................................................55
ACPI Function..............................................................................................55
ACPI Suspend Type .....................................................................................55
Soft-Off by PBNT .........................................................................................56
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off...........................................................................56

vii
Power On by Alarm......................................................................................56
POWER ON Function....................................................................................56
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu ............................................................................57
Init Display First ..........................................................................................58
Reset Configuration Data .............................................................................58
Resources Controlled By...............................................................................58
IRQ Resources.............................................................................................59
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop ................................................................................59
Maximum Payload Size.................................................................................59
System Monitor Menu ......................................................................................60
Dynamic Fan Control....................................................................................61
Software Installation ..................................................................................62
Windows XP Drivers Install ..............................................................................63
Using t e NVIDIA Software .......................................................................64
NVIDIA Monitor...............................................................................................65
NVIDIA nTune 5.0...........................................................................................66
Manual Tuning ............................................................................................67
Adjust Motherboard Settings.....................................................................67
System Voltages ......................................................................................69
System Fans ............................................................................................69
Memory Timing........................................................................................70
Adjust GPU Settings .................................................................................72
Dynamic BIOS Access ..................................................................................73
Available BIOS Pages ...............................................................................74
General Settings ......................................................................................74
Advanced Settings ...................................................................................74
Boot up Setting........................................................................................75

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Automatic Tuning ........................................................................................76
Management ...............................................................................................78
View System Information..........................................................................78
Adjust Custom Rules ................................................................................80
System Stability ..............................................................................................81
Perform Stability Test...................................................................................81
Storage...........................................................................................................82
Health.........................................................................................................83
View Storage Configuration ......................................................................83
Management ...............................................................................................84
Delete Array ............................................................................................84
Rebuild Array...........................................................................................86
Migrating Array ........................................................................................88
Synchronize Array ....................................................................................90
NVIDIA Networking .........................................................................................92
Performance................................................................................................93
First Packet..............................................................................................93
TCP/IP Acceleration .....................................................................................95
System Update................................................................................................97
Motherboard Updates ..................................................................................98
Manage Your System BIOS .......................................................................99
BIOS Backup ...........................................................................................99
BIOS Flash Options ..................................................................................99
Index .........................................................................................................100

ix
List of Figures
Figure 1. XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard Layout...........................................9
Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors ...........................................................10
Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector...........................................................16
Figure 4. Expansion Slots ................................................................................23
Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu ..................................................27
Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu .........................................................29
Figure 7. Advanced BIOS Features Menu..........................................................34
Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features ...............................................................38
Figure 9. System Clocks Menu .........................................................................39
Figure 10. FSB & Memory Config Menu ..........................................................42
Figure 11. CPU Configuration Menu................................................................46
Figure 12. System Voltages Menu ..................................................................47
Figure 13. Integrated Peripherals Menu..........................................................51
Figure 14. Power Management Setup Menu....................................................55
Figure 15. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu..........................................................57
Figure 16. System Monitor Menu....................................................................60
Figure 17. NVIDIA Control Panel, Select a Category ........................................64
Figure 18. Performance Control Panel Categories (nTune) ...............................66
Figure 19. Adjust Motherboard Settings (nTune).............................................68
Figure 20. Adjust GPU Settings (nTune) .........................................................72
Figure 21. Dynamic BIOS Access (nTune).......................................................73
Figure 22. Tune System Menu (nTune) ..........................................................77

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard
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Figure 23. View System Information (nTune)..................................................78
Figure 24. Adjust Custom Rules (nTune) ........................................................80
Figure 25. Perform Stability Test....................................................................81
Figure 26. Storage Control Panel Categories (MediaShield) ..............................82
Figure 27. View Storage Configuration (MediaShield) ......................................83
Figure 28. Networking Control Panel Categories..............................................93
Figure 29. System Update Application on the NVIDIA Control Panel .................97
Figure 30. Managing Your System Bios Screen................................................98

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Before You Begin…
Inside the 650i Ultra
Installation CD
The following tools are in the 650i Ultra Installation CD:
Motherboard Drivers for:
Windows XP
Windows XP 64 bit
Windows Vista
Windows Vista 64 bit
Onboard Audio Drivers
Windows XP
Windows XP 64 bit
Windows Vista
Windows Vista 64 bit
Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0
Raid Setup Floppy Disk Creator
Windows XP
Windows XP 64 bit
NVIDIA Software
NVIDIA MediaShield Storage
NVIDIA nTune 5.0

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard
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Parts NOT in the it
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
XFX nForce® 650i Ultra motherboard. However, it does not contain the
following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard
functional.
 Intel microprocessor:
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Dual, Pentium
 Cooling fan for the microprocessor
 System memory support:
Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2
memory.
 Power Supply
To calculate the power you are going to require for your specific
configuration, go to www.slizone.com.
These instructions tell you how to install each of the parts listed so you can
have a functioning motherboard. As you go through the installation
instructions, we are assuming you have purchased the necessary parts.

Introduction
xiii
Intentions of the it
This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary
to install the motherboard into a PC cabinet. If you are building a PC, you will
use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a
motherboard, you will not need many of the cables.
When replacing a motherboard in a PC cabinet, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.

1
Introduction
Thank you for buying the XFX nForce® 650i Ultra Motherboard. This
motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users’ demand.
Features
Ultimate Overclocking
Unleash the underlying hardware. With comprehensive overclocking tools to
push the limits on front side bus (FSB) speed and support for higher memory
speeds, the NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra MCPs were designed for overclocking.
Guaranteed FSB speeds
Reach FSB speeds of 1333MHz with a CPU that supports this specification.
High-speed Memory
This board supports high speed memory up to DDR2 800 to keep pace with
overclocked system components.
Comprehensive Overclocking Tools
Award winning NVIDIA overclocking tools provide a complete kit of tools
giving everyone from the most veteran enthusiast to the novice overclocker the
ability to unleash the hardware in their PC.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard
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NVIDIA nTune Utility
NVIDIA nTune
™
is a Windows based utility that has added access to more
settings. Adjust CPU and memory speeds without rebooting. You can also
access most BIOS settings from inside Windows without having to go into the
BIOS. Save and automatically load profiles for each application you run.
NV BIOS
NV BIOS delivers easy to use tuning to let you have full control over your
hardware including processor voltage tables and memory drive strengths.
True x16 PCI Express Support
One full bandwidth, 16 lane PCI Express link ensure maximum graphics
performance for next generation GPUs and games.
DualDDR2 Memory Architecture
A state of the art Dual DDR2 memory controller allows high bandwidth and
low latency data access to the CPU and GPU. Ensures data and information are
relayed through the system as quickly as possible for incredible performance.
NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage
NVIDIA MediaShield is a suite of features that safeguards your most important
digital media assets; always reliable, scalable, and accessible. MediaShield
includes RAID and SATA drive support.
Multiple Disk Setup
Through a simple wizard based interface, you can effortlessly set up your drives
for better data protection, faster disk access or maximum storage capacity.
MediaShield automatically selects RAID 0, 1, 0+1 or 5 configurations according
to your needs. Advanced users can access RAID options directly.

Introduction
3
DiskAlert System
The event of a disk failure, MediaShield users see an image that highlights which
disk has failed to make it easier to identify, replace, and recover.
RAID Morphing
MediaShield allows users to change their current RAID set up to another
configuration in a one step process called morphing. This eliminates the need
to back up data and follow multiple steps in the process.
Bootable Multidisk Array
MediaShield storage fully supports the use of multi disk array for loading the
operating system at power up.
Networking with NVIDIA nForce
NVIDIA networking delivers the highest network throughput at the lowest
CPU utilization. The manageable and stable NVIDIA networking solution
results in better networking management and a lower total cost of ownership.
Only NVIDIA integrates this level of networking features to allow you to take
your online experience to the next level.
NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet
The industry’s fastest Gigabit Ethernet performance eliminates network
bottlenecks and improves overall system efficiency and performance.
NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology
Be the ‘King of Ping’ with NVIDIA FirstPacket technology. Get the crystal
clear phone conversations and online gaming performance you expect.
NVIDIA FirstPacket technology assures your game data, VoIP conversations,
and large file transfers are delivered according to preferences set by you in an
intuitive wizard.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 650i Ultra Motherboard
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High Definition Audio (HDA)
High definition audio brings consumer electronics quality sound to the PC
delivering high quality sound from multiple channels. Using HDA, systems can
deliver 192 kHz/32 bit quality for eight channels, supporting new audio
formats.
USB 2.0
USB 2.0 is standard plug and play interface that provides easy to use
connectivity for USB devices.

Introduction
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Motherboard Specifications
 Size
ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch
 Microprocessor support
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Dual, Pentium
 Operating systems:
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
 Contains NVIDIA nForce 650i Ultra MCP and SPP
 System Memory support
Supports dual channel JEDEC DDR2 800. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2
memories.
 USB 2.0 Ports
Supports hot plug
Eight USB 2.0 ports (four rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers)
Supports wake up from S1 and S3 mode
Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
 Onboard Serial ATA II
300MBps data transfer rate
Four Serial ATA II connectors
NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
 Onboard LAN
Single LAN interface built in onboard
Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet
 Audio
Azalia High Definition audio
Supports 8 channel audio
Supports S/PDIF output
Supports Jack Sensing function

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 PCI Express x16 Support
Supports 4 GB/sec (8 GB/sec concurrent) bandwidth
Low power consumption and power management features
 Green Function
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
Three PCI slots
Two PCI Express x1 slot
One PCI Express x16 Graphics slot