Before you begin | Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 guide

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.

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Hardware Installation

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.