Zotac GeForce 8300 User manual

1
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with instructions
contained in this manual, may cause harmful interference to radio and television communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- REORIENT OR RELOCATE THE RECEIVING ANTENNA
- INCREASE THE SEPARATION BETWEEN THE EQUIPMENT AND THE RECEIVER
- CONNECT THE EQUIPMENT INTO AN OUTLET ON A CIRCUIT DIFFERENT FROM
THAT OF THE RECEIVER
- CONSULT THE DEALER OR AN EXPERIENCED AUDIO/TELEVISION TECHNICIAN
NOTE:
Connecting this device to peripheral devices that do not comply with Class B requirements, or
using an unshielded peripheral data cable, could also result in harmful interference to radio or
television reception.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
To ensure that the use of this product does not contribute to interference, it is necessary to use
shielded I/O cables.
Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied or
reproduced by any means.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, no responsibility for
errors or omissions is assumed. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the
use of the information contained herein.
Trademarks
All brand names, logos and registered trademarks mentioned are property of their respective
owners.
Electronic Emission Notices
WARNING!

2
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
Table of Contents
NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard ------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
Motherboard Specications ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4
NVIDIA Motherboard ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Hardware Installation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Safety Instructions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Preparing The Motherboard ------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Installing the CPU------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
Installing the CPU Fan------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10
Installing Memory DIMMs -------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Installing the Motherboard ------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Installing the I/O Shield ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Connecting Cables And Setting Switches ------------------------------------------------ 12
24-pin ATX Power (PW1)--------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
4-pin ATX 12V Power (PW2) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 14
SPK Connector --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
IEEE1394 Connector - CN4(optional) ---------------------------------------------------- 15
Connecting Serial ATA Cables -------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Connecting Internal Headers---------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Front Panel Header---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
USB Headers------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
FP Audio Connector --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19
Fan Connections ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Expansion Slots -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
PCI Slots ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
PCI Express x16 Slots ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21
PCI Express x1 Slots-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Jumper Settings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Conguring the BIOS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
Enter BIOS Setup ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 23
Main Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Flash Update Procedure ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
Installing Drivers And Software -------------------------------------------------------------- 29
HDMI Setup ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

3
Realtek HD Audio Driver Setup -------------------------------------------------------------- 32
Getting Started---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
Sound Effect------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
Environment Simulation ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
Equalizer Selection --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Frequently Used Equalizer Setting -------------------------------------------------------- 33
Karaoke Mode ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Mixer----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Playback control --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Recording control-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Audio I/O------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36
Speaker Conguration ------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
Global Connector Settings -------------------------------------------------------------- 38
S/PDIF --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Speaker Calibration----------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
Microphone---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
Noise Suppression ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 40
Beam Forming ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
Acoustic Echo Cancellation------------------------------------------------------------- 40
Audio Demo--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
Information --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
SATA RAID User Manual ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42
Setting up the BIOS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42
Entering the RAID BIOS Setup ------------------------------------------------------------- 44
Installing the RAID Drives-------------------------------------------------------------------- 47
Table of Contents

4
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
Thank you for buying this motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and perfor-
mance PC users’ demand.
Motherboard Specications
qSize
Micro ATX form factor of 9.6 inch x 9.6 inch
qMicroprocessor support
Phenom/Athlon/Sempron with socket AM2/AM2+
qOperating systems:
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
qSystem Memory support
Supports DDRII533/DDRII667/DDRII800/1066. Supports up to 8GBs DDRII
memorys with 4 slots and 4GBs with 2 slots.
qTwelve USB 2.0 Ports
v Supports hot plug and play
v Twelve USB 2.0 ports (four rear panel ports, eight onboard USB headers)
v Supports wake-up from S1
v Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
qOnboard Serial ATA II
v Independent DMA operation on six ports (optional).
vData transfer rates of 300Mb/s.
qOnboard LAN
vLAN interface built-in onboard
v Supports 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet, 1000Mbps Ethernet is optional.
qOnboard Audio(optional)
v Azalia High-Denition audio
v Supports 6-channel/8-channel audio
v Supports Jack-Sensing function
qPCI Express x16 Support
v 1 x16 PCI Express 2.0
v Low power consumption and power management features
qGreen Function
v Supports ACPI (Advanced Conguration and Power Interface)

5
v RTC timer to power-on the system
v AC power failure recovery
qOnboard IEEE1394(optional)
v Compliant with IEEE1394 OHCI specications v1.0 and v1.1
v Integrated 400Mb 2-port PHY
qOnboard VGA Support
v Integrates GeForce 8-class engine core.
v Support Hybrid SLI technology to increase the performance of discrete
GeForce CPUs.
v DVI/HDMI output support(optional)
qExpansion Slots
v One PCI Express x1 slot(optional)
v One PCI Express x16 Graphics slot
v Two PCI bus master slots - ver.2.3 compliant
Before You Begin

6
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
The motherboard is with the NIVIDIA MCP78 processors. Figure 1 shows the mother-
board and Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.
1. CPU Socket 12. USB Connectors 23. 4-pin ATX_12V power connector
2. CPU fan connector 13. SYS Fan2 connector
3. DDRII DIMM Sockets(optional) 14. North Bridge
4. Floppy Disk Drive Connector 15. Speaker connector
5. COM connector(optional) 16. IEEE1394 Connector(optional)
6. SYS Fan1 connector 17. FPAudio Connector
7. Hard disk connector 18. PCI Slots
8. Serial-ATA (SATA) Connectors (optional) 19. PCI Express x1 slot(optional)
9. Casing Open Alarm Connectors 20. PCI Express x16 slot
10. Clear CMOS jumper 21. 24-pin ATX power connector
11. Front Panel Connector 22. Backpanel connectors
Figure 1. Board Layout

7
1. PS/2 Mouse Port 4. HDMI Port(optional)
2. PS/2 Keyboard Port 5. VGA Port
3. SPDIF OUT 6. USB Port
7. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel 8-Channel
Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Line-In
Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange -- -- Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Black -- Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Grey -- -- -- Side Speaker Out
8. DVI Out Port(optional)
9. IEEE1394 Port(optional)
10. Lan Port with LEDs to indicate status.
· Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity
· Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/Link/Activity
· Orange and Red /Light UP/Blink = 1000 Mbps/Link/Activity
11. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channe
Blue Line-In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Center/Subwoofer
Figure 2: Backpanel connectors
With 8-Channel audio output
With 6-Channel audio output
Rear Panel

8
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
Hardware Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The topics
covered in this section are:
q Preparing the motherboard
v Installing the CPU
v Installing the CPU fan
v Installing the memory
q Installing the motherboard
qConnecting cables and setting switches
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of re, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic safety precations.
Remember to remove power from your computer by disconnecting the AC main source
before removing or installing any equipment from/to the computer chassis.
Preparing the Motherboard
The motherboard shipped in the box does not contain a CPU and memory. You need
to purchase these to complete this installation.
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Make sure not to bend or break any pins on
the back. Hold the processor only by the edges and do not touch the bottom of the
processor.
Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto the motherboard.

9
Hardware Installation
1. Please turn off the power and unplug the power
cord before installing the CPU. Pull the lever up and
away from the socket until it is at a 90 degree angle
to the motherboard.
2. Look for the gold arrow on the CPU. The gold arrow
should point away from the lever pivot. The CPU can
only sit properly in the socket in the correct orientation.
3. If the CPU is correctly seated, the pins should be
completely embedded in the socket and can not be
seen (Please note that any deviation from the correct
installation procedures may cause permanent damage
to your motherboard).
4. Press the CPU down rmly into the socket and
close the lever. As the CPU is likely to move while
the lever is being closed, always close the lever with
your ngers pressing tightly on top of the CPU to
make sure the CPU is properly and completely seated
in the socket.
5. When you are installing the CPU, make sure the
CPU has a heat sink and a cooling fan attached on
the top to prevent overheating. If you do not have the
heat sink and cooling fan, contact your dealer to
purchase and install them before turning on the
computer.

10
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
Installing the CPU Fan
There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard. Follow the
instruction that came with your fan assembly. Be sure that the fan orientation is correct
for your chassis type and your fan assembly.
Installing Memory DIMMs
Your new motherboard has four 1.8V 240-pin slots for DDR2 memory DDRII 1 and
DDRII 2 are optional. These slots support 256 Mb, 512 Mb, 1Gb and 2Gb DDR2.
There must be at least one memory bank populated to ensure normal operation. Use
the following the recommendations for installing memory. (See Figure 1 on page 6 for
the location of the memory slots.)
q One DIMM: You can install the DIMM into any slot.
q Two DIMMs: Install into slots 1 and 2, or install into slots 3 and 4. The idea is to
run on dual channel mode.
Use the following procedure to install memory DIMMs into the slots on the
motherboard. Note that there is only one gap near the center of the DIMM slot. This
slot matches the slot on the memory DIMM to ensure the component is installed
properly.
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.
2. Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module vertically into
the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at both sides of the DIMM slot automatically lock
the DIMM into the connector.

11
Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the chassis
you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or working with an
empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the connections prior to this
step or to secure the motherboard and then make all the connections. It is normally
easier to secure the motherboard rst.
Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure the motherboard into
the chassis.
Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the
chassis covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also
make sure the CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the
covers.
Installing the I/O Shield
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio frequency
transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign objects, and
promotes correct airow within the chassis.
Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the chassis.
Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it ts securely. If the I/O shield does
not t into the chassis, you would need to obtain the proper size from the chassis
supplier.
Hardware Installation

12
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches
This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary on
the motherboard.
See Figure 1 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following
procedure.

13
24-pin ATX Power (PW1)
PW1 is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the board next to
the DIMM slots. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are properly aligned
with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power supply cable into the
connector and make sure it is secure.
Table 1. PW1 Pin Assignments
Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 PWROK 20 -5V
9 +5V_AUX 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 GND
1
12
1324
Hardware Installation

14
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
4-pin ATX 12V Power (PW2)
PW2, the 4-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the CPU. Align
the pins to the connector and press rmly until seated.
SPK
1
PIN Assignment
1 VCC
2 NC
3 NC
4 SPK-
SPK - Pin Denition
1
2
34
PIN Assignment
1 GND
2 GND
3 +12V
4 +12V
PW2 - Pin Denition
Speaker Connector - SPK

15
IEEE 1394 Connector: CN4 (optional)
The motherboard provides one 1394 pin headers that allow you to connect IEEE 1394
ports. Certainly, you can connect to real panel directly.
1
2
9
10
CN4- Pin Denition
PIN Assignment
1 TPA+
2 TPA-
3 Ground
4 Ground
5 TPB+
6 TPB-
7 Cable power
8 Cable power
9 Key (no pin)
10 Ground
IEEE 1394 Cable (optional)
Hardware Installation

16
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
PIN SIGNAL
1 GND
2 TXP
3 TXN
4 GND
5 RXN
6 RXP
7 GND
SATA-1/SATA-2/SATA3/SATA4/SATA5/SATA6 - Pin Denition
Connecting Serial ATA Cables(SATA-1~SATA-6 Optional)
The SerialATAII connector is used to connect the SerialATAII device to the motherboard.
These connectors support the thin Serial ATA II cables for primary storage devices.
The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to 3Gb/s data transfer rate. There are six
serial ATA connectors on the motherboard that support AHCI and RAID congurations
.(SATA5,&SATA6 does not support IDE mode.)
SATA-4
SATA-1
SATA-2
SATA-3
1
1
1
1
SATA-5
SATA-6
1
1

17
Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used
to connect the following four cables (see Table 2 for pin denitions):
q PWRLED
Attach the front panel power LED cable to these two pins of the
connector. The Power LED indicates the system’s status.
Note: Some chassis do not have all four cables. Be sure to match the name on
the connectors to the corresponding pins.
q PWR SW
Attach the power button cable from the case to these two pins. Pressing the
power button on the front panel turns the system on and off rather than using the
power supply button.
q HDD LED
Attach the hard disk drive indicator LED cable to these two pins. The HDD
indicator LED indicates the activity status of the hard disks.
q RST SW
Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two pins.
The system restarts when the RESET switch is pressed.
q Front Panel Header Pins
RESET GND HDD_LED- HDD_LED+
FP1
NC
PWR_SW
KEY
PW_LED+
7 9 5 3 1
6 8 10 2 4
GND
PW_LED-
Hardware Installation

18
ZOTAC NVIDIA MCP78 Motherboard
PIN Assignment
1 VCC
2 VCC
3 USBP0-
4 USBP1-
5 USBP0+
6 USBP1+
7 GND
8 GND
9 KEY
10 OC#
FP-U1/FP-U2 - Pin Denition
1
2
9
10
USB Headers
This motherboard contains four USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear panel of
the chassis(Figure 2). The motherboard also contains four 10-pin internal header con-
nectors onboard.
1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all chassis
are equipped with the front panel option).

19
1
2
9
10
FP Audio Connector
The audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of audio
output choices: the Front Audio, the Rear Audio. The front Audio supports re-tasking
function.
Note:
In order to utilize the front audio header, your chassis must have front audio con-
nector. Also please make sure the pin assignment on the cable is the same as the
pin assignment on the mainboard header. To nd out if the chassis you are buying
supports a front audio connector, please contract your dealer.
PIN Assignment
1 MIC2(L)
2 GND
3 MIC(R)
4 -ACZ-DET
5 Front Audio(R)
6 Reserved
7 FAVDIO - JD
8 Key (No pin)
9 Front Audio(L)
10 Reserved
FP - SOUND Pin Denition
Hardware Installation