Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Setup of SLI Scalable Link Interface Configuration, Before you begin

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1-7 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration

nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI offers blistering graphics performance with the ability to bridge two NVIDIA SLI- ready PCI ExpressTM graphics cards! The SLI design takes advantage of the increased bandwidth of the PCI ExpressTM bus architecture, features hardware and software innovations within NVIDIA GPU (graphics processing unit) and the nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI chipset. Together, the NVIDIA SLI technolo- gies work seamlessly to allow two graphics cards to operate in parallel and share the work and deliver heart-pounding PC performance. This section introduces steps to configure an SLI system on the GA-N680SLI-DQ6 motherboard.

Before you begin--

The exact power requirements will depend on your overall system configurations. You need a power supply that can provide sufficient and stable power to your system and the two SLI graphics cards. Please refer to the table below to check recommended power for different systems.

System configuration

System A

System B

Processors

Intel QX6700

Intel X6800

PCIE x16 video cards

2±iNVIDIA 6800 Ultra cards

2±iNVIDIA 6600 GT cards

DDR memory modules

4 DIMMs

2 DIMMs

Hard drives/Optical drives

4 hard drives + 2 optical drives

1 hard drives + 1 optical drives

Expansion cards

1 PCIE x1 card + 2 PCI cards

0

USB devices

10

4

IEEE 1394 devices

1

0

Required +12V current

25A or above

20A or above

Power supply requirement

500W or above

350W or above

If you wish to enable the SLI function, install two SLI-ready graphics cards into the PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2 slots. (It is recommended to use graphics cards of identical brand and chips. For example: GIGABYTE GV-NX76T256D-RH).

If you want to set up a single graphics card system, we recommend installing the graphics card on the PCIE_16_1 slot to ensure better display performance.

English

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Hardware Installation

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Contents GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard Product Manual Classification CopyrightTable of Contents Drivers Installation Item Checklist GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard Layout Block Diagram Preparing Your Computer Considerations Prior to InstallationInstallation Notices Instances of Non-WarrantyCPU Feature SummaryBios English Installation of the CPU Installation of the CPU and CPU CoolerInstallation of the CPU Cooler Installation of Memory Dual Channel Memory Configuration Installation of Expansion Cards Connecting the e-SATA Cable Kit Before you begin Setup of SLI Scalable Link Interface ConfigurationConnecting Two Graphics Cards Graphics Card Driver Setting I/O Back Panel Introduction MIC Connectors IntroductionATX12V2X / ATX Power Connector 6 Cpufan / Sysfan / Pwrfan Cooler Fan Power Connector PCIE12V Power ConnectorNbfan North Bridge Fan Header FDD Floppy ConnectorIDE IDE Connector Pwrled Fpanel Front Panel Jumper BatteryCdin CD in Connector Faudio Front Audio ConnectorUSB1 / FUSB2 / FUSB3 Front USB Connector Spdifin S/PDIF In ConnectorLPT Connector 19 F11394 / F21394 Front Ieee 1394 ConnectorCI Chassis Intrusion, Case Open TPM Connector Trusted Platform ModuleClrcmos Clear Cmos Main Menu Status Page Setup Menu / Option Page Setup MenuStartup Screen DEL Bios Setup/Dual BiosF9 Xpress Recovery2 F12 Boot MenuMain Menu For example Bios Ver. FAa „ Set User Password „ Load Fail-Safe Defaults„ Load Optimized Defaults „ Set Supervisor PasswordIDE Channel 2/3/4/5/6/7 Master DateTime IDE Channel 0 Master, SlaveMemory Floppy 3 Mode Support for Japan AreaDrive a Halt onFirst / Second / Third Boot Device Hard Disk Boot PriorityPassword Check No-Execute Memory ProtectNote HDD S.M.A.R.T. CapabilityCPU Hyper-Threading Note Limit Cpuid Max. to 3 NoteIntegrated Peripherals NV Serial-ATA Controller IDE Prefetch ModeSerial-ATA RAID Config On-Chip IDE Channel0Onboard SATA-II Ctrl2 Mode Onboard SATA-II Ctrl1 GSATAII1-0 / GSATAII1-1 connectorsOnboard SATA-II Ctrl1 Mode Onboard SATA-II Ctrl2 GSATAII2-0 / GSATAII2-1 connectorsWhen LAN Cable Is Functioning Normally USB Keyboard Support Onboard LAN Boot ROMOnboard Audio Function On-Chip USBECP Mode Use DMA Parallel Port ModeOnboard Parallel Port Modem Ring On Power-On by AlarmUSB Resume from Suspend Hpet Support Note Power On By MousePower On By Keyboard KB Power on PasswordPnP/PCI Configurations CPU/SYSTEM/POWER FAN Fail Warning Current System/CPU TemperatureCurrent CPU/SYSTEM/POWER FAN Speed RPM CPU Warning TemperatureCPU Smart FAN ControlNote CPU Smart FAN ModeSystem Smart FAN Control MB Intelligent TweakerM.I.T System Clock SettingCPU Host Frequency FSB-Memory Clock ModeSLI-Ready Memory FSB-Memory RatioDDR2 Voltage Control Robust Graphics BoosterCPU Clock Ratio Note System Voltage ControlLoad Fail-Safe Defaults Set Supervisor/User Password Exit Without Saving Save & Exit SetupEnglish Install Chipset Drivers Drivers InstallationDriver CD Information Software ApplicationsContact Us Hardware InformationEnglish EasyTune 5 Introduction Unique Software UtilitiesUser Interface Overview How to use the Xpress Recovery2 Xpress Recovery2 IntroductionSystem requirements Precautions Main Screen of Xpress Recovery2Limitations What is Dual Bios Technology ? Flash Bios Method IntroductionHow to use Dual Bios and Q-Flash Utility? Halt On Error DisableDefault, Enable Boot From Main BIOSDefault, Backup BiosMethod 1 Q-FlashTM Updating the BiosBefore Use Copy Bios completed Pass Please press any key to continue English Methods and steps Method 2 @BIOSTM UtilityEnglish Before you begin IDE Step Save and exit Bios Setup Configuring RAID set in RAID Bios YES BBS Making a Sata Driver Disk Cd bootdrv MenuInstalling Sata controller driver during OS installation ENTER=Select F3=Exit Enter= Continue R=Repair F3=Exit RAID Step Save and exit Bios Setup GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard Configuring RAID array in RAID Bios Steps Create ArrayGraid RDD0 Graid Stripe Status Normal 240 GB Delete Array Making a Sata Driver Disk Required for Ahci and RAID Mode Windows Setup ENTER=Select F3=Exit Enter= Continue R=Repair F3=Exit 5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction Stereo Speakers Connection and SettingsChannel Audio Setup English English Sound Effect Configuration Enabling the DTS Digital Theater Systems function Introduction of Dolby Digital Live Digital PCM Output SetupWindows Vista ReadyBoost Troubleshooting GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard 106 107 GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard 108 109 Taiwan Headquarters Contact UsGigabyte Global Service System 112

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 specifications

The Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 is a compelling motherboard designed primarily for enthusiasts and high-performance computing, leveraging NVIDIA's nForce 680i SLI chipset. This motherboard caters to gamers and professionals who demand advanced features and exceptional performance.

One of the standout features of the GA-N680SLI-DQ6 is its support for NVIDIA SLI technology, which allows users to install multiple NVIDIA graphics cards in parallel for enhanced graphical performance. This is particularly beneficial for gamers looking to achieve high frame rates and stunning visuals in demanding titles. With this SLI capability, the motherboard supports up to four PCI Express x16 lanes, providing ample bandwidth for multiple GPUs.

The GA-N680SLI-DQ6 is built on the ATX form factor, offering a variety of expansion slots and connectivity options. Featuring four DIMM slots, the motherboard supports up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, which can be clocked at speeds up to 800 MHz. This high memory capacity is essential for multitasking and running memory-intensive applications smoothly.

In terms of storage, the motherboard provides six SATA II ports, allowing users to connect multiple hard drives for impressive storage capabilities. Additionally, it supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1, and 5 configurations, which enhances data redundancy and performance. This flexibility is attractive for users who require both speed and data security.

To enhance audio quality, the GA-N680SLI-DQ6 integrates Realtek ALC888 audio codec, delivering 7.1 channel surround sound. This is vital for gamers and media creators who need immersive sound experiences.

With an eye towards overclocking, the motherboard includes features such as robust power delivery systems and comprehensive BIOS options, enabling users to push their hardware to its limits. The onboard diagnostics LED indicators are also a significant asset, making troubleshooting straightforward.

Overall, the Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 stands out for its advanced SLI support, impressive memory capacity, extensive connectivity, and robust performance features, making it an excellent choice for gamers and power users looking to build a high-end PC. Its combination of cutting-edge technologies and thoughtful design characteristics ensure that it remains a relevant option in the competitive motherboard market.