Hi,
I've got an Intel X58 ATX motherboard with a Nvidia GTX 970. I am wanting to step up and install a EVGA GTX 980 Ti Classified. But I am not sure what drivers I should install. I have no experience with the EVGA Graphic cards or what software is available for them. I have been searching this forum for hours/days and read a lot of scary things. There is a ton of information but I can't tell if it pertains to my situation or how to go about using it. My system is Windows 7 running an Intel 980X 6 core CPU. I only use it to play off-line games and I don't plan on playing any games newer than say GTA 5. I need a detailed step by step guide, but haven't found one. The user guide that came with the 980 in too generic and lacking. I'm asking for what I need to get and what I need to do.

Also please don't think because this is my 1st post on "EVGA", I'm new to computers as I've been an owner/techey with them since 1992. I just can't keep up with it anymore. Need help. Thanks.
 

Ok, I downloaded DDU. Thanks for your help. I need to copy DDU over to my gaming rig and I still need to download the driver. But EVGA included a driver with the card, how do I know which driver to use? It's windows 7 and I don't plan on playing newer games on it.
Thanks again

While the included NVIDIA graphics driver on the install CD will work, drivers are constantly being updated to address issues and add enhancements..Get the latest from NVIDIA or EVGA in the Download Center, they are the same, but EVGA lags a little behind NVIDIA in making the latest driver available for download..Older drivers do work better for some people than new/newer ones do, sometimes..That also goes for included software (EVGA Precision XOC) only from EVGA in the Software Downloads, you can get the latest version there.

All you need is the nvidia display driver to get the card up and working. Search GeForce drivers and click the first link. Select your card or allow the website to automatically find your card. The drivers for the 980ti and 970 might not actually be different, and you may already have the right drivers.

ok, I just downloaded the 365.19 driver. That one sounds like it's as new as I will ever need on my old rig (2011). I want to stay as light as I can. I can always upgrade later if I want to. I have also downloaded 378.92 & 390.65 just to have on hand.
 
Thanks for all the help and hope I can return the favor someday.
I have read a few threads on this forum about people having compatibility problems and things on their computer change or don't work correctly anymore due to updating software or installing software that is designed to run on a multitude of OS's from XP, Vista, 7, 8, and windows 10. Some people even have had their graphics card burn up, catch fire. 
 I have six different computers. Each is setup within their limits. All the hardware & software in each computer was built close to the same year or generation and is only compatible with certain specific components, not a universal one size fits all. This is just my way of keeping things simple. It saves me time & money as I never have to trouble shoot, update, or fix a bug in the computer. 
So that is why I would rather use a video driver that is the same generation as my graphics card, and not push it to it's limits with over clocking or a game with the settings maxed.
 

There are a few programs that autodetect drivers

Use two of the 6+2 ends for the card.  One from the blue cable the other from the yellow.  The connections are keyed so they only fit one way.

The card will not work unless both connections are plugged in.

Use both cables.
Dont use just 1 cable for both connectors.

As for sli, do you mean they had 4pin molex to 6/8pin connector?
If so, thats better than using an 8pin + the extra 6pin on the same cable. I would stay away from that 6pin + 8pin IF possible.
If not, then use it if you have to as a last resort.
And, it kind of depends on if you have a single 12v rail, or multiple 12v rails. If multiple, you may Have to use that cable, you may not.

Dave3d
As for sli, do you mean they had 4pin molex to 6/8pin connector?
If so, thats better than using an 8pin + the extra 6pin on the same cable. I would stay away from that 6pin + 8pin IF possible.
If not, then use it if you have to as a last resort.
And, it kind of depends on if you have a single 12v rail, or multiple 12v rails. If multiple, you may Have to use that cable, you may not.

They were using two adapters exactly like these.

Plugged into these PSU leads. 

 And they had an SLI bridge between the two cards.
 
 
 

Yeah.
If you want, you can install msi afterburner, and set a custom fan profile, for better temps.

Feel the air little aliens lol