Term
Description
ATXAdvanced Technology Extended - A standard size motherboard size. Maximum dimensions 12in (305mm) x 9.6in (244mm)
ACPIAdvanced Configuration and Power Interface - Allows the OS to discover attached components and apply configuration options as provided by hardware manufactures; this includes plug and play functionality as well as device enumeration. A common use of this is for power management, to disable inactive devices, which explains this feature's namesake.
BIOSBasic Input/Output System - The built-in software that determines what a computer The BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of miscellaneous functions.
DVIDigital Visual Interface - A video interface standard designed to provide very high visual quality on digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital projectors.
DMIDirect Media Interface - Proprietary bus specification designed to facilitate communication between CPU and PCH controllers on Intel motherboards; was previously used between Northbridge/Southbridge chips on legacy architectures.
EATXExtended ATX - Larger version of the ATX form factor. Maximum dimensions 12in (305mm) x 13in (330mm)
EAREVGA Advanced RMA - an option to have your replacement product sent to you before you return your original product. This is only available upon original registration within the first 30 days of purchase.
HPTXVery large version of the ATX form factor. Maximum Dimensions 13.6in (346mm) x 15in (381mm)
HDMIHDMI - High-Definition Multimedia Interface is an interface on the graphics card designed to connect a graphics card to a television. HDMI is capable of passing audio through the HDMI cable to eliminate the need for audio connections to be connected to the display.
LANLocal Area Network - In networking, this term describes the immediate group of devices connected and managed within the same topology following one or more of the IEEE 802 standards of communication. Commonly, this term specifies networks connected using CAT - 5/6 Ethernet and/or Wireless adapters, which occupy a relatively small geographical area (ie. your house or office).
mATX (also µATX)Advanced Technology Extended Micro- A standard size motherboard size. Based on the ATX Standard specification, but with a smaller form factor. Maximum dimensions 9.6in (244mm) x 9.6in (244mm)
NICNetwork Interface Controller - A device used to transmit and receive electrical signals between two endpoints using one or more networking protocols (commonly IEEE 802). If the target host is outside of the range of direct physical connection, or wireless ad-hoc communication is not an option, intermediate networking devices such as routers, hubs, or switches are used to manage transmission and flow across the ‘network’ infrastructure (LAN, WAN, etc.).
PCHPlatform Controller Hub - Onboard microchip which interfaces with onboard peripherals and their controllers (including SATA, USB, some PCIe lanes, etc.). Communicates directly with the CPU via the DMI Bus. Replaces the previous Northbridge/Southbridge architecture.
PCI-EPeripheral Component Interconnect Express - a computer expansion card standard designed to replace the older PCI, PCI-X, and AGP standards. Most common use is for Graphics Cards, but devices such as network cards and controller cards are also used in a PCI-E slot. PCI-E has 4 primary speeds, 1x, 4x, 8x and 16x.
POSTPower on Self Test - A diagnostic testing sequence run by a computer’s BIOS as the computer’s power is initially turned on. The POST will determine if the computer’s RAM, disk drives, peripheral devices and other hardware components are properly working. If the diagnostic determines that everything is in working order, the computer will continue to boot.
RMAReturn Merchandise Authorization. Also known as a warranty replacement.
RAIDRedundant Array of Independent Drives - A means of take 2 or more physical hard drives through a controller (either onboard or through a card) to make a virtual drive for either performance or redundancy.
SLIScalable Link Interface - Proprietary bus architecture designed by Nvidia to facilitate parallel processing across multiple GPU units. Requires motherboard support as well as a direct bridge connection (known as an SLI bridge).
Step-upAn EVGA exclusive program that allows you to upgrade select EVGA products within the first 90 days of purchase. Visit www.evga.com/stepup for more details.
SCSISmall Computer Systems Interface - SCSI is an interface to plug in hard drives, large scale tape backups, and a few other types of devices.
SATASerial AT (Advanced Technology) Attachment - A common standard for serialized data bus transmission between host systems and attached storage devices. Most controllers can provide both AHCI and RAID functionality. Replaces prior IDE/PATA interface.
XMPXMP - Extreme Memory Profile is memory profiles that are built into the memory by the memory manufacture to automatically set the timings, voltages and speeds of the memory with one easy setting. It typically only works with one set of memory.
XL-ATXExtra Large ATX - Larger version of the ATX form factor. Maximum dimensions 13.5in (343mm) x 13in (330mm)