EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SSC GAMING ACX 2.0+ Graphics Card Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SSC GAMING ACX 2.0+ Graphics Card. Please read these instructions carefully before proceeding with installation to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your product.

2. Product Overview

The EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SSC GAMING ACX 2.0+ is a high-performance graphics card designed for gaming and demanding visual applications. It features NVIDIA Maxwell architecture for efficient power delivery and advanced cooling technology.

Key Features:

• EVGA ACX 2.0 Cooling Technology for efficient and quiet operation.
• Base Clock: 1279 MHz / Boost Clock: 1342 MHz.
• Memory Clock: 7010 MHz Effective.
• CUDA Cores: 1024.
• Memory Detail: 2048MB GDDR5.
• Memory Bit Width: 128 Bit.
• Memory Bandwidth: 112.16 GB/s.
• Recommended Power Supply Unit (PSU): 400W or greater.

What's in the Box:

• EVGA GeForce GTX 960 Graphics Card
• Instruction Manual
• Necessary Cables (e.g., power adapter, DVI to VGA adapter)

Image 2.1: The EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SSC GAMING ACX 2.0+ Graphics Card and its packaging.

Image 2.2: Exploded view illustrating the components of the EVGA ACX 2.0 cooling system, including fans, heatsink, and PCB.

Image 2.3: Accessories typically included with the graphics card, such as power adapters and documentation.

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your graphics card into your computer system.

3.1 Pre-Installation Checks

• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Ensure your PSU meets the recommended 400W or greater requirement and has the necessary 6-pin PCIe power connector.
• Motherboard Compatibility: Verify your motherboard has an available PCI Express x16 slot.
• Case Clearance: Check that your computer case has sufficient space for the card's dimensions (approximately 10.1 x 4.3 inches).
• Static Electricity: Take precautions against static discharge by touching a grounded metal object before handling components.

3.2 Physical Installation

1. Power Off and Unplug: Shut down your computer completely and disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet.
2. Open Case: Remove the side panel of your computer case to access the motherboard.
3. Locate PCIe Slot: Identify an available PCI Express x16 slot on your motherboard. Remove any expansion slot covers from the back of the case that correspond to the card's position.
4. Insert Graphics Card: Carefully align the graphics card with the PCIe x16 slot and press down firmly until it is securely seated. Ensure the retention clip on the slot engages.


Image 3.1: The EVGA GeForce GTX 960 graphics card, highlighting its PCI Express 3.0 interface for motherboard connection.

5. Secure Card: Use a screw or the case's retention mechanism to secure the graphics card to the case's expansion slot bracket.
6. Connect Power: Connect the 6-pin PCIe power cable from your PSU to the corresponding connector on the graphics card.


Image 3.2: Side view of the graphics card, indicating the location of the 6-pin PCIe power connector.

7. Close Case: Replace the side panel of your computer case.
8. Connect Display: Connect your monitor(s) to the appropriate display outputs on the graphics card (DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-I).

Image 3.3: The rear I/O panel of the graphics card, showing DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI-I output connectors.
9. Power On: Reconnect the power cable and turn on your computer.

3.3 Driver Installation

After physical installation, you must install the graphics drivers for proper functionality.

1. Initial Boot: Your operating system may boot with a basic display driver.
2. Download Drivers: Visit the official EVGA website (www.evga.com) or NVIDIA's website (www.nvidia.com/drivers) to download the latest drivers for your GeForce GTX 960.
3. Install Drivers: Run the downloaded driver installer and follow the on-screen prompts. A system restart may be required.

4. Operating the Graphics Card

Once drivers are installed, your graphics card is ready for use. You can connect multiple displays and utilize NVIDIA's software for optimal performance.

4.1 Display Configuration

Use your operating system's display settings or the NVIDIA Control Panel to configure multiple monitors, adjust resolutions, and set refresh rates.

4.2 Software Utilities

• EVGA Precision X: This utility allows for fine-tuning of your graphics card, including fan control, clock speed adjustments, and monitoring of temperatures and performance.
• NVIDIA GeForce Experience: This software optimizes game settings, keeps drivers up to date, and provides features like ShadowPlay for recording gameplay.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your graphics card.

5.1 Cleaning

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from the graphics card's heatsink fins and fans using compressed air. Ensure the computer is powered off and unplugged before cleaning.
• Fan Care: The ACX 2.0 cooling system features optimized fans. Avoid obstructing fan blades during operation.

Image 5.1: Close-up of the ACX 2.0 fan and heatsink assembly, showing the fan blades and cooling fins.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter.

6.1 No Display Output

• Check Connections: Ensure the monitor cable is securely connected to both the graphics card and the monitor.
• Power Connection: Verify the 6-pin PCIe power connector is fully seated on the graphics card.
• Card Seating: Re-seat the graphics card firmly into the PCIe slot.
• Monitor Input: Confirm your monitor is set to the correct input source (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort).

6.2 Driver Issues

• Reinstall Drivers: If you experience display artifacts or crashes, try performing a clean installation of the latest graphics drivers.
• Operating System Updates: Ensure your operating system is fully updated.

6.3 Overheating

• Airflow: Ensure adequate airflow within your computer case.
• Dust: Clean any dust accumulation from the graphics card's fans and heatsink.
• Fan Operation: Verify that the graphics card fans are spinning under load.

7. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB SSC GAMING ACX 2.0+ Graphics Card.

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official EVGA website or contact EVGA customer service. Warranty terms may vary by region and purchase date.

EVGA Support Website: www.evga.com/support