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

Make sure to configure the SATA controller mode correctly in system BIOS Setup and set the first boot device.

Step 1:

Turn on your computer and press Del to enter BIOS Setup during POST (Power-On Self Test). In the example in Figure 1, make sure that NV Serial-ATA Controller under the Integrated Peripherals menu is enabled. If you wish to create RAID array, press ENTER on the Serial-ATA RAID Config item to enter the submenu .

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software

Integrated Peripherals

On-Chip IDE Channel0

[Enabled]

Item Help

IDE Prefetch Mode

[Enabled]

Menu Level

NV Serial-ATA Controller

[All Enabled]

 

Serial-ATA RAID Config

[Press Enter]

 

Onboard SATA-II Ctrl1

[Enabled]

 

Onboard SATA-II Ctrl1 Mode

[IDE]

 

Onboard SATA-II Ctrl2

[Enabled]

 

Onboard SATA-II Ctrl2 Mode

[IDE]

 

On-Chip MAC Lan

[Auto]

 

On-Chip MAC1 Lan

[Auto]

 

On-Chip SMART LAN

[Press Enter]

 

Onboard LAN1 Controller

[Enabled]

 

Onboard LAN2 Controller

[Enabled]

 

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

[Disabled]

 

Onboard Audio Function

[Auto]

 

On-Chip USB

[V1.1+V2.0]

 

USB Keyboard Support

[Disabled]

 

USB Mouse Support

[Disabled]

 

Onboard 1394

[Enabled]

 

: Move

Enter: Select

+/-/PU/PD: Value

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

F1: General Help

F5: Previous Values

F6: Fail-Safe Defaults

 

F7: Optimized Defaults

Figure 1

To set up a RAID array, ensure that NV SATA RAID function is enabled (Figure 2), otherwise leave it disabled. Then enable the SATA channels with hard disks that you want to use for RAID (for example, NV SATA1 Primary RAID controls the SATAII0 connector and NV SATA 1 Secondary RAID controls the SATAII1 connector) (Figure 2).

CMOS Setup Utility-Copyright (C) 1984-2007 Award Software

Serial-ATA RAID Config

 

NV SATA RAID function

[Enabled]

 

Item Help

 

NV SATA 1 Primary RAID

[Enabled]

 

Menu Level

 

NV SATA 1 Secondary RAID

[Enabled]

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 2 Primary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 2 Secondary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 3 Primary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

NV SATA 3 Secondary RAID

[Disabled]

 

 

 

 

: Move

Enter: Select

+/-/PU/PD: Value

F10: Save

ESC: Exit

F1: General Help

 

F5: Previous Values

F6: Fail-Safe Defaults

 

F7: Optimized Defaults

Figure 2

The BIOS Setup menus described in this section may not show the exact settings for your motherboard. The actual BIOS Setup menu options you will see shall depend on the motherboard you have and the BIOS version.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard

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Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 user manual Ide

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.