User Guide

EVGA X99
Motherboard Installation(Part 2)

-1-

Table of Contents

Installing the Motherboard……………………………………………………3
Installing the I/O Shield/Cover…………………………………………….…3
Securing the Motherboard into a System Case………………………………....4
Connecting Cables…………………………………………………………….6
24pin ATX Power (ATX_PWR_24P)…………………………………………6
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR 8P1)……………………………………………7
Connecting Internal Headers………………………………………………….8
Front Panel Header…………………………………………………………...8
USB Headers………………………………………………………………….9
Audio………………………………………………………………………...10
PCI-E x16/x8 Slot…………………………………………………………...10
Onboard Buttons…………………………………………………………….11
Clear CMOS Button…………………………………………………………11
RESET and POWER Button………………………………………………...11
Post Debug LED and LED Status Indicators………………………………..12
Post Port Debug LED……………………………………………………….12
LED Status Indicators……………………………………………………….12
Installing Drivers and Software……………………………………………...13
Windows 8/7 Driver Installation…………………………………………….13
POST Codes…………………………………………………………………14
EVGA Glossary of Terms…………………………………………………...18
Compliance Information …………………………………………………….21-2-

Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into a system case depends on the
chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or
working with an empty system case. Determine if it would be easier to make all
the connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then makeall the connections. It is normally easier to secure the motherboard first.
Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure themotherboard into the chassis.
Note:

Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the systemcase 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. This will
depend on the system case being used.

Installing the I/O Shield/Cover
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block internal
components from dust and foreign objects, and promotes correct airflow within
the chassis.
Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of thechassis. Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it fits securely.
Also included is an I/O cover. This I/O cover adds a unique appearance to the
I/O area of the motherboard and is completely optional. If you wish to use thecover, please place it over the I/O area, and install the chassis screws. The
chassis screws are intended to hold the I/O cover down.

-3-Securing the Motherboard into a System Case
Most system cases have a base with mounting holes you thread standoffs onto toallow the motherboard to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent shortcircuits. If there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on themotherboard, it is recommended that you remove that standoff to prevent thepossibility of a short circuit.
Carefully place the motherboard onto the standoffs located inside thechassis.



Align the mounting holes with the standoffs.



Align the connectors to the I/O shield and/or I/O cover.

Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to
the fan assembly instruction.

Secure the motherboard with nine (9), or ten (10) screws depending on thespecific board in the series. Ensure that each screw is lined up with andscrewing into the corresponding standoff under the board. Double checkalignment to make sure nothing gets cross-threaded.



See the picture below for a zoomed in view of a hole to use a standoff in as
well as the locations of standoff holes for all boards in the X99 series.

-4-

Above, all locations safe to secure the board to a standoff with arecircled in red, and the upper left side of that picture is a zoomed inview of the hole.
 Keep in mind that when the screws are installed but not fully tightened,
the motherboard should have 1-2mm of movement; this can help withgetting cards mounted or other tight tolerance/close fitting cards.
-5-Connecting Cables
This section takes you through all the necessary connections on themotherboard. This will include: Power Connections

24pin ATX power (PW1)
EPS 8pin 12V power Internal Headers

Front Panel connectors (power/reset/LED’s)
Fan Headers (PWM for CPU and DC for case fans )USB 2.0 Header
USB 3.0 Header
Audio Header
SATA III Rear I/O Panel

24pin ATX Power (ATX_PWR_24P)
ATX_PWR_24p is the main power supply connector located along the lower

right edge of the board. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins areproperly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power
supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.
The 24pin Power Connector may be standard or right angled depending on
your motherboard model.

24pin Power Connector-6-Connector

24

12

Pin

13

1

SignalPin

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

RSVD

9

+5V_AUX

21

+5V

10

+12V

22

+5V

11

+12V

23

+5V

12

+3.3V

24

GND

EPS 8-pin 12V Power (PWR 8P1)
EPS PWR 8P1, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connections, is used to provide

power to the CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated.
The secondary is optional for improved overclocking. Please remember tomake sure that the tab on the EPS socket is aligned with the release clip on thecable, because if they are on opposite sides, while it will be able to fit, it is theincorrect cable and may damage the board, as that is a PCI-E 8pin cable.
+12V

GND

-7-

Connecting Internal Headers
Front Panel Header
The front panel header on this motherboard is used toconnect the following four cables.
 PWRLED

Attach the front panel power LED
cable to these two pins of the connector. The PowerLED indicates the system’s status. When the system is
powered on, the LED will be on.

Note:

Some system cases may not have all four cables. Be sure to match thename on the connectors to the corresponding pins.



PWRSW
Attach the power button cablefrom the case to these two pins.
Pressing the power button on thefront panel turns the system on and
off rather than using the onboard
button.



HD_LED
Attach the hard disk drive indicator
LED cable to these two pins. The
HDD indicator LED indicates theactivity status of the hard disks.



RESET
Attach the Reset switch cable fromthe front panel of the case to thesetwo pins.

Pin

SignalNo Connect

1
3
2
4
5
7
6
8
9

HD_PWRHD Active
PWR LEDSTBY LED
GroundRST BTNPWR BTN
Ground
+5V

Empty

10

Empty

HD_LED
PWRLED
RESET
PWRSW

-8-

USB HeadersThis motherboard contains
USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports that are
exposed on the rear panel ofthe chassis. The motherboard
also contains 10-pin internal
header connectors onboardthat can be used to connect an
optional external bracket
containing up to four (4) USB
2.0 ports. It also has aninternal header connector for
USB 3.0.

Connector
USB 2.0 Header
Connector

Pin
1

Signal5V_DUAL

3

D-

5

D+

7

GND

9
Pin
2

Empty
Signal5V_DUAL

4

D-

6

D+

8

GND

10

No ConnectSecure the bracket to either the front or rear panelof your chassis (not all chassis are equipped withthe front panel option).

Connect the two ends of the cables to the USB 2.0
or 3.0 headers on the motherboard.

-9-

AudioThe audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of audio
output choices: the Front Audio and the Rear Audio.
Connector
Front Audio Connector

10
8
6
4
2

9
7
5
3
1

Pin
1

SignalPORT1_L2

AUD_GND

3

PORT1_R

4

PRECENCE_J

5

PORT2_R

6

SENSE1_RETURN7SENSE_SEND

8

Empty

9

PORT2_L10

SENSE2_RETURN

PCI-E x16/x8 Slot
This board has a single PCI-E 16x slot. This is specifically for a video card,
however you can place a different card there and use the Intel HD Graphics on theCPU. When installing a PCI-E Graphics Card, be sure the retention clip snaps andlocks the card into place. If the card is not seated properly, it could cause a shortacross the pins. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with thescrew used to hold the blank cover.

- 10 -

Onboard Buttons
These onboard buttons include RESET, POWER and Clear CMOS. These
functions allow you to easily reset the system, turn on/off the system, or clear
the CMOS.

Clear CMOS Button
The motherboard uses the CMOS RAM tostore all the set parameters. The CMOS can becleared by pressing the Clear CMOS button
either onboard or on the external I/O Panel.
External Clear CMOS Button

RESET and POWER Button
These onboard buttons allow you to easily turn on/off the system. Thesebuttons allow for easy debugging and testing of the system during
troubleshooting situations.
The POWER button with an integrated LED indicates the system’s status.
When the system is powered on, the LED remains a solid red.
The RESET button with an integrated LED indicates the activity status of thehard disk drives and will flicker accordingly.

Power
ButtonReset
Button- 11 -

Post Debug LED and LED Status Indicators
Post Port Debug LED
Provides two-digit diagnostic POST codes which shows system boot status andcan also show why the system may be failing to boot. It is very useful during
troubleshooting situations.
This Debug LED will display a series of hexadecimal (0-F) codes during the
POST and upon a successful boot, will display current CPU socket
temperatures after the system has fully booted into the Operating System. See
the “POST CODE” section below for more detailed descriptions of specific
POST Codes.

Debug LED with CPU
Temperature Monitor

LED Status Indicators
Theses LEDs indicate the system’s status and are located near the 24pin
connector.
POWER LED (Green):
When the System is powered on: This LED is on.
DIMM LED (Yellow):
When the Memory slot is functional: This LED is on.
STANDBY LED (Blue):
When the System is in Standby Mode: This LED is on. This LED willremain on as long as the motherboard is receiving constant power.
- 12 -

Installing Drivers andSoftwareNote:

It is important to remember that before installing the driver CD that is shippedin the kit, you need to load your operating system. The motherboard supports
32bit and 64bit versions of Windows 8 or 7.

The kit comes with a CD that contains utilities, drivers, and additional software.
The CD that has been shipped with the EVGA X99 Motherboard contains thefollowing software and drivers:
 Chipset Drivers
 Audio Drivers
 RAID Drivers
 LAN Drivers
 USB 3.0 Drivers
 ME Drivers
 SATA Drivers
 EVGA E-LEET X
 User’s Manual

Windows 8/7 Driver Installation
1. Insert the EVGA X99 installation CD for the motherboard included in thekit.
2. The CD will autorun. Install the drivers and utilities listed on the install
screen. If the CD does not run, go to My Computer and click on the CD
to open.

- 13 -

POST Codes
This section provides the AMI POST Codes for the
EVGA X99 Dark Motherboard during system bootup.
The POST Codes are displayed on the Debug LED
readout located directly onboard the motherboard.
This Debug LED will also display current CPU
temperatures after the system has fully booted
into the Operating System.

Debug LED with CPU
Temperature Monitor

AMI POST Codes
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C-0D
0E
0F
10
11-14
15-18
19-1C
1D-2A
2B
2C
2D

Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
AP initialization before microcode loading
North Bridge initialization before microcode loading
South Bridge initialization before microcode loading
OEM initialization before microcode loading
Microcode loading
AP initialization after microcode loading
North Bridge initialization after microcode loading
South Bridge initialization after microcode loading
OEM initialization after microcode loading
Cache initialization
Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes
Microcode not foundMicrocode not loaded
PEI Core is started
Pre-memory CPU initialization is started
Pre-memory North Bridge initialization is started
Pre-memory South Bridge initialization is started
OEM pre-memory initialization codes
Memory initialization. Serial Presence Detect (SPD) datareadingMemory initialization. Memory presence detection
Memory initialization. Programming memory timing- 14 -

2E
2F
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37-3A
3B-3E
3F-4E
4F
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
5A
5B
5C-5F
E0
E1
E2
E3
E4-E7
E8-EB
EC-EF
F0
F1
F2

information
Memory initialization. Configuring memory
Memory initialization (other).
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Memory Installed
CPU post-memory initialization is started
CPU post-memory initialization. Cache initialization
CPU post-memory initialization. Application Processor(s) (AP)initialization
CPU post-memory initialization. Boot Strap Processor (BSP)
selection
CPU post-memory initialization. System Management Mode
(SMM) initialization
Post-Memory North Bridge initialization is started
Post-Memory South Bridge initialization is started
OEM post memory initialization codes
DXE IPL is started
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type orincompatible memory speed
Memory initialization error. SPD reading has failed
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory size or memory
modules do not match.
Memory initialization error. No usable memory detected
Unspecified memory initialization error.
Memory not installed
Invalid CPU type or Speed
CPU mismatch
CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error
CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed
Internal CPU error
reset PPI is not available
Reserved for future AMI error codes
S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXEIPL)
S3 Boot Script execution
Video repost
OS S3 wake vector callReserved for future AMI progress codes
S3 Resume Failed
Reserved for future AMI error codes
Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)
Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)
Recovery process started- 15 -

F3
F4
F5-F7
F8
F9
FA
FB–FF
60
61
62
63-67
68
69
6A
6B-6F
70
71
72
73-77
78
79
7A–7F
80–8F
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
9A
9B
9C
9D
9E–9F
A0
A1
A2
A3
A4

Recovery firmware image is found
Recovery firmware image is loaded
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
Recovery PPI is not available
Recovery capsule is not foundInvalid recovery capsule
Reserved for future AMI error codes
DXE Core is started
NVRAM initialization
Installation of the South Bridge Runtime Services
CPU DXE initialization is started
PCI host bridge initialization
North Bridge DXE initialization is started
North Bridge DXE SMM initialization is started
North Bridge DXE initialization (North Bridge module specific)
South Bridge DXE initialization is started
South Bridge DXE SMM initialization is started
South Bridge devices initialization
South Bridge DXE Initialization (South Bridge module specific)
ACPI module initialization
CSM initialization
Reserved for future AMI DXE codes
OEM DXE initialization codes
Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started
Driver connecting is started
PCI Bus initialization is started
PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization
PCI Bus Enumeration
PCI Bus Request Resources
PCI Bus Assign Resources
Console Output devices connect
Console input devices connect
Super IO Initialization
USB initialization is started
USB Reset
USB Detect
USB Enable
Reserved for future AMI codes
IDE initialization is started
IDE Reset
IDE Detect
IDE Enable
SCSI initialization is started- 16 -

A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
AA
AB
AC
AD
AE
AF
B0
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
B6
B7
B8-BF
C0–CF
D0
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
DA

SCSI ResetSCSI Detect
SCSI Enable
Setup Verifying Password
Start of Setup
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Setup Input Wait
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Ready To Boot event
Legacy Boot event
Exit Boot Services event
CPU Memory controller configuration
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP EndiMC init
Memory training
Memory training
Memory training / timing training
Memory training
Memory training
Memory training / DRAM final configuration
OEM BDS initialization codes
CPU initialization error
North Bridge initialization errorSouth Bridge initialization error
Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available
PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources
No Space for Legacy Option ROM
No Console Output Devices are foundNo Console Input Devices are foundInvalid password
Error loading Boot Option (Load Image returned error)
Boot Option is failed (Start Image returned error)- 17 -EVGA Glossary of Terms
AC – Alternating Current
ACPI - Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
AHCI – Advanced Host Controller Interface
AFR – Alternate Frame Rendering
APIC - Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller
BCLK – Base Clock (or operating frequency of base system bus)
BIOS - Basic Input Output System
CMOS - Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
CPU – Central Processing Unit
DDR - Double Data Rate
DIMM - Dual In-line Memory Module
DMI – Direct Memory Interface
DRAM - Dynamic random access memory
DVI – Digital Video Interface
ELEET/ELEET X – EVGA motherboard monitoring and tuning software
GHz – Gigahertz
GPU – Graphics Processing Unit
HDD - Hard Disk Drive
HDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface
HDR – High Dynamic Range Lighting
HPET - High Precision Event Timer
HT – Hyper-Threading
HSF - Heat Sink Fan
I/O - Input/ Output
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IGP - Integrated Graphics Processors
IMC – Integrated memory controller- 18 -

IRQ - Interrupt Request
JBOD - Just a Bunch of DisksJEDEC - Joint Electron Device Engineering Council
LAN - Local Area Network
LCD - Liquid Crystal Display
LGA – Land Grid Array
LN2 – Liquid Nitrogen Cooling
MAC - Media Access Control
MCP - Media and Communications Processor
Intel ME – Intel Management Engine
MHz – Megahertz
MMIO – Memory Mapped I/O
NB - Northbridge
NCQ - Native Command Queuing
NIC - Network Interface Card
NTFS - New Technology File System
OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer
PATA - Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment
PCB - Printed Circuit Board
PCH – Platform Controller Hub
PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCI-E - Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
PLL – Phase Locked Loop
POST – Power on Self Test
PWM – Pulse Width Modulation
QDR - Quad Data Rate
QPI – Quick Path Interconnect
RAID - Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks
RAM – Random Access Memory
ROM – Read Only Memory
RGB - Red Green Blue- 19 -

SATA - Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
SAS – Serial Attached SCSISB - Southbridge
SCSI - Small Computer System Interface
SFR – Split Frame Rendering
SLI - Scalable Link Interface
SPD - Serial Presence Detect
S/PDIF - Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format
SPP - System Platform Processors
SSD – Solid State Drive
TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
USB - Universal Serial Bus
VDroop - Voltage Droop
VGA - Video Graphics Array
VREG – Voltage Regulator- 20 -

Compliance Information

FCC Compliance Information
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may notcause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmfulinterference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If thisequipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning theequipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:(1) Increase the separation between the equipment and signal source, or (2) connect the equipment to an outlet on acircuit different from that to which the signal source is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced computer
technician for help. The use of shielded cables for connection of peripheral devices to the PC systems is required toensure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

CE Compliance Information
Generic Radiation Interference Standard for Information Technology Equipment. (EN 55022: 2006, Class B), (EN 610003-2: 2006), (EN 61000-3-3: 1995 + A1: 2001 + A2: 2005). Warning: This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment
this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measure. Generic
Immunity Standard for Information Technology Equipment. (EN 55024: 1998 + A1: 2001 + A2: 2003).

Trademark & Copyright Information
2001-2014 EVGA Corp. EVGA, the EVGA logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of EVGA Corp. All brand names,
company names, service marks, logos, and trademarks of the company, or its affiliates or licensors are trademarks orregistered trademarks of the company or its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors in the US and other countries. Other
company, products and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. EVGA reserves the right toterminate this license if there is a violation of its terms or default by the Original Purchaser. Upon termination, for any
reason, all copies of Software and materials must be immediately returned to EVGA and the Original Purchaser shall be
liable to EVGA.com CORP for any and all damages suffered as a result of the violation or default.

Legal Information
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EVGA Corporation assumes no responsibility for the consequences of use of such information or for any infringement ofpatents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use, or use of the Software. No license is granted by
implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of EVGA Corporation except as expressly provided herein. All
specifications mentioned in this publication are subject to change without notice.

Ver. 2- 21 -