Primary PCI Express x16 slots

The primary PCI Express x16 slots support PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

Universal PCI Express x16 slots (max. x8 mode)

This motherboard also supports universal PCI Express x16 slots with a maximum speed of 8 GB/s. The operating frequency of this slot changes, depending on the type of PCI Express card you install. Refer to the table below for details.

VGA configuration

Single VGA/PCIe card

Dual VGA/PCIe card

Triple VGA/PCIe card

PCI Express operating mode

PCIex16_1 PCIex16_2 PCIex16_3

x16 x8x16

x16 N/A x16

x16 x8x8

When running 3-Way SLI™ mode, the PCIe operating frequency will reach x8, x8, x8.

•We recommend that you install a VGA card to the primary (blue) PCI Express x16 slots, and install any other PCI Express device to the universal (white) PCI Express x16 slot.

•Currently, only NVIDIA® SLI™-Ready GeForce® 8800 Ultra and GeForce® 8800 GTX graphics cards support 3-Way SLI™ mode.

•3-Way SLI™ mode is supported by Windows® Vista OS only. For more information, go to NVIDIA® official website (www.nvidia.com).

•Currently, only NVIDIA® GeForce® 8500 GT and GeForce® 8400 GS graphics cards support GeForce Boost function under Hybrid SLI™ mode.

•Currently, only NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800 GX2 and GeForce® 9800 GTX graphics cards support Hybrid Power function under Hybrid SLI™ mode.

•Hybrid SLI™ mode is supported by Windows® Vista OS only. For more information, go to www.nvidia.com/hybridsli.

•Before enabling the HybridPower™ function, ensure that you have connected your display to the onboard VGA port or the HDMI/DVI port at the rear panel. Refer to 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors for details.

•Connect a rear chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled OPT_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-32 for details.

•We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA®

SLI™ mode. See page 2-34 for details.

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Chapter 2: Hardware information