Before you begin

4-1-4 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s)

To configure SATA hard drive(s), follow the steps below:

(1)Install SATA hard drive(s) in your system.

(2)Configure SATA controller mode and boot sequence in BIOS Setup.

(3)Configure RAID set in RAID BIOS. (Note 1)

(4)Make a floppy disk containing the SATA controller driver. (Note 1), (Note 2)

(5)Install the SATA controller driver during OS installation. (Note 1), (Note 2)

Please prepare:

(a)At least two SATA hard drives (to ensure optimal performance, it is recommended that you use two hard drives with identical model and capacity). If you do not want to create RAID, you may prepare only one hard drive.

(b)An empty formatted floppy disk.

(c)Windows XP/2000 setup disk.

(d)Driver CD for your motherboard.

A. nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI Southbridge

(1) Installing SATA hard drive(s) in your computer

Attach one end of the SATA signal cable to the rear of the SATA hard drive and the other end to available SATA port(s) on the motherboard. If there are more than one SATA controller on your motherboard, refer to the connectors introduction section of the user's manual to identify the SATA controller for the connectors. (For example, on the GA-N680SLI-DQ6 motherboard, the SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3, SATAII4 and SATAII5 connectors are supported by the nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI Southbridge.) Then connect the power connector from your power supply to the hard drive.

(Note 1) Required for setting up RAID array.

(Note 2) Required when the SATA controller is set to AHCI Mode(Only for GIGABYTE SATA2 Controller).

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Appendix

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.