(4) Making a SATA Driver Disk (Required for AHCI and RAID Mode)

To install operating system onto a serial ATA hard disk successfully, you need to install the SATA controller driver during OS installation. Without the driver, the hard disk may not be recognized during the Windows setup process. First of all, copy the driver for the SATA controller from the motherboard driver CD-ROM to a floppy disk. See the instructions below about how to copy the driver in MS-DOS mode(Note 1). Prepare a startup disk that has CD-ROM support and a blank formatted floppy disk.

Step 1: Insert the prepared startup disk and motherboard driver CD-ROM in your system. Boot from the

startup disk. Once at the A:\> prompt, change to the CD-ROM drive (example: D:\>). At the D:\> prompt, type the following two commands. Press ENTER after each command (Figure 15):

cd bootdrv

menu

Step 2: When the controller menu (Figure 16) appears, remove the startup disk and insert the blank formatted disk. Select the controller driver by pressing the corresponding letter from the menu.

For example, from the menu in Figure 16, press I to select I) GIGABYTE 32Bit SATA-RAID Driver for Windows operating system(Note 2). Your system will then automatically zip and transfer this driver file to the floppy disk. Press 0 to exit when finished.

English

Figure 15Figure 16

(Note 1) For users without a startup disk:

Use an alternative system and insert the GIGABYTE motherboard driver CD-ROM. From the CD-ROM drive folder, double click the MENU.exe file in the BootDrv folder (Figure 17).

A command prompt window will open similar to that in Figure 16.

Figure 17

(Note 2) For 64-bit Windows Operating System, please select GIGABYTE 64Bit SATA-RAID Driver .

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Appendix

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Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 user manual Making a Sata Driver Disk Required for Ahci and RAID Mode
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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.
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