EVGA 680i SLI LT User Manual
User Guide
EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI
Motherboard
With Intel Processor
Installation and Configuration
i
Table of Contents
Before You Begin… .....................................................................................vii
Parts NOT in the Kit....................................................................................... vii
Intentions of the Kit.......................................................................................viii
Introduction to the EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard .......................1
Features .........................................................................................................1
Ultimate Overclocking ..................................................................................1
High-speed Memory.....................................................................................1
Comprehensive Overclocking Tools................................................................1
NVIDIA nTune Utility ................................................................................2
NV BIOS..................................................................................................2
Designed for NVIDIA SLI Technology ............................................................2
True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support ..............................................................2
NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory...........................................................................2
NVIDIA SLI Certified Components .................................................................2
DualDDR2 Memory Architecture ....................................................................3
NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage......................................................................3
Multiple Disk Setup ......................................................................................3
DiskAlert System..........................................................................................3
RAID Morphing............................................................................................3
Bootable Multidisk Array...............................................................................3
Networking with NVIDIA nForce....................................................................4
NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet.....................................................................4
NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology ..................................................................4
TCP/IP Acceleration .....................................................................................4
High Definition Audio (HDA) .........................................................................4
USB 2.0 ......................................................................................................4
Motherboard Specifications ...............................................................................
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ...............................................................7
Unpacking ......................................................................................................7
ii
Introduction
Equipment ......................................................................................................7
EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard..............................................................8
Hardware Installation .................................................................................11
Safety Instructions ........................................................................................11
Preparing the Motherboard.............................................................................12
Installing the CPU ...................................................................................... 12
Installing the CPU Fan................................................................................ 13
Installing Memory DIMMs ........................................................................... 13
Installing the Motherboard ............................................................................. 14
Installing the I/O Shield .............................................................................14
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis...................................................14
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches.......................................................... 15
Power Connections ....................................................................................16
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ......................................................................16
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)..................................................................17
Auxiliary Power for Graphics (PWR3)........................................................17
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ................................................................18
Connecting Serial ATA Cables .....................................................................18
Connecting Internal Headers.......................................................................19
Front Panel Header ................................................................................19
IEEE 1394a............................................................................................20
USB Headers .........................................................................................21
Audio........................................................................................................ 22
Fan Connections ........................................................................................ 23
COM1 .......................................................................................................24
FDD Connector ..........................................................................................24
Expansion Slots .........................................................................................24
PCI Slots ...............................................................................................25
iii
PCI Express x1 Slot ................................................................................25
PCI Express x16 Slots .............................................................................25
Jumper Settings ............................................................................................26
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS.................................................................26
Configuring the BIOS ..................................................................................27
Enter BIOS Setup .......................................................................................... 28
Main Menu.................................................................................................... 28
Standard CMOS Features Menu ......................................................................31
Date and Time...........................................................................................32
IDE Channel and SATA Channel ..................................................................32
Drive A .....................................................................................................34
Halt On.....................................................................................................34
Memory ....................................................................................................35
Advanced BIOS Features................................................................................ 36
Removable Device Priority .......................................................................... 37
Hard Disk Boot Priority ............................................................................... 37
Network Boot Priority ................................................................................. 37
CPU Internal Cache.................................................................................... 37
Quick Power On Self Test ........................................................................... 38
First/Second/Third Boot Device ................................................................... 38
Boot Other Device......................................................................................38
Boot Up NumLock Status............................................................................38
Security Option.......................................................................................... 39
APIC Mode ................................................................................................ 39
MPS Version Control For OS........................................................................ 39
Full Screen LOGO Show.............................................................................. 39
Advanced Chipset Features ............................................................................40
System Clocks ...........................................................................................41
Frequency Settings................................................................................. 42
HT Multiplier..........................................................................................43
iv
Introduction
Spread Spectrum ...................................................................................43
FSB & Memory Config ................................................................................44
CPU Configuration......................................................................................48
System Voltages ........................................................................................ 49
NVMEM Memory Test.................................................................................51
PCI Clocks....................................................................................................
Load Timing/Voltage Set ............................................................................51
Save Timing/Voltage Set ............................................................................52
System BIOS Cacheable .............................................................................52
HPET Function........................................................................................... 52
NVIDIA GPU Ex .........................................................................................52
Integrated Peripherals Menu ..........................................................................53
IDE Function Setup....................................................................................54
RAID Config ..............................................................................................55
USB Config................................................................................................ 55
MAC Config ...............................................................................................56
IEEE1394 controller ...................................................................................56
HD Audio ..................................................................................................56
IDE HDD Block Mode .................................................................................56
Onboard FDC Controller .............................................................................56
Onboard Serial Port 1................................................................................. 56
Power Management Setup Menu.....................................................................57
ACPI Function............................................................................................57
ACPI Suspend Type ...................................................................................57
Soft-Off by PBNT .......................................................................................58
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off ......................................................................... 58
Power On by Alarm....................................................................................58
POWER ON Function .................................................................................. 58
v
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu...........................................................................59
Init Display First ........................................................................................60
Reset Configuration Data............................................................................ 60
Resources Controlled By.............................................................................60
IRQ Resources...........................................................................................61
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop...............................................................................61
Maximum Payload Size...............................................................................61
System Monitor Menu .................................................................................... 62
Dynamic Fan Control.................................................................................. 63
Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration.....................................65
Building an SLI System ..................................................................................65
Determine Component and Operating System Needs ....................................65
Install Your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Parts............................................................68
Install NVIDIA SLI Software........................................................................ 69
Enable NVIDIA SLI..................................................................................... 70
vi
Introduction
Before You Begin…
Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new
EVGA nForce® 680i LT SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the
following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard
functional.
Intel microprocessor:
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Duo Pentium EE, Pentium
Cooling fan for the microprocessor
System memory support:
Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 800 MHz SLI-Ready
Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory.
Graphics Card
This motherboard is capable of using the NVIDIA SLI technology. To utilize
this technology requires an SLI Kit from NVIDIA and two SLI-capable
graphics cards. When ordering a graphics card, be sure it is a PCI Express
card. The kit does contain the SLI connector used to connect the two
graphics cards. See Installing Graphics Cards in an
SLI Configuration on page 65.
Power Supply
The power supply requirement is dependent upon the power and the number
of the GPUs you install. If you are going to SLI two graphics cards, you are
going to require more power. As a rule, for one GPU you need a minimum of
a 350 W power supply. If you have two GPUs in an SLI configuration, you
will need a minimum of a 500 W power supply. To calculate the power you
are going to require for your specific configuration, go to www.slizone.com
.
These instructions tell you how to install each of the parts listed so you can
have a functioning motherboard. As you go through the installation
instructions, we are assuming you have purchased the necessary parts.
vii
Intentions of the Kit
This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary
to install the motherboard into a PC cabinet. If you are building a PC, you will
use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a
motherboard, you will not need many of the cables.
When replacing a motherboard in a PC cabinet, you will need to reinstall an
operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.
viii
Thank you for buying the EVGA NFORCE 680i LT SLI Motherboard. This
motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users’ demand. When
combined with two SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you get
innovative NVIDIA SLI Technology for enhanced system performance.
Features
Introduction to the
EVGA nForce 680i LT
SLI Motherboard
Ultimate Overclocking
Unleash the underlying hardware. With comprehensive overclocking tools to
push the limits on front side bus (FSB) speed and support for higher memory
speeds, the EVGA NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCPs were designed for
overclocking.
High-speed Memory
This board supports high-speed SLI-Ready memory up to DDR2-800 to keep
pace with overclocked system components.
Comprehensive Overclocking Tools
Award-winning NVIDIA overclocking tools provide a complete kit of tools
giving everyone from the most veteran enthusiast to the novice overclocker the
ability to unleash the hardware in their PC.
1
NVIDIA nTune Utility
NVIDIA nTune™ is a Windows-based utility that has added access to more
settings. Adjust CPU and memory speeds without rebooting. You can also
access most BIOS settings from inside Windows without having to go into the
BIOS. Save and automatically load profiles for each application you run.
NV BIOS
NV BIOS delivers easy-to-use tuning to let you have full control over your
hardware including processor voltage tables and memory drive strengths.
Designed for NVIDIA SLI Technology
NVIDIA SLI technology is a revolutionary platform innovation that allows
users to intelligently scale graphics performance by combining multiple
NVIDIA graphics solutions in a single system with an NVIDIA nForce 680i LT
SLI MCP.
True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support
Two full-bandwidth, 16-lane PCI Express links ensure maximum graphics
performance for next-generation GPUs and games. True 2 x16 PCI Express
SLI Support offers twice the PCI Express bandwidth of x8 SLI solutions.
NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory
NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCP automatically increases bandwidth when
select SLI Certified memory modules are detected.
NVIDIA SLI Certified Components
Look for other components including NVIDIA® GeForce® GPUs and system
memory that have been certified by NVIDIA to deliver unmatched
performance with the EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard. For more
information on SLI Certified components, visit
2
www.SLIZone.com\nForce.
Introduction
Dual DDR2 Memory Architecture
A state-of-the-art Dual DDR2 memory controller allows high bandwidth and
low latency data access to the CPU and GPU. Ensures data and information are
relayed through the system as quickly as possible for incredible performance.
NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage
NVIDIA MediaShield is a suite of features that safeguards your most important
digital media assets; always reliable, scalable, and accessible. MediaShield
includes RAID and SATA drive support.
Multiple Disk Setup
Through a simple wizard-based interface, you can effortlessly set up your drives
for better data protection, faster disk access or maximum storage capacity.
MediaShield automatically selects RAID 0, 1, 0+1 or 5 configurations according
to your needs. Advanced users can access RAID options directly.
DiskAlert System
The event of a disk failure, MediaShield users see an image that highlights which
disk has failed to make it easier to identify, replace, and recover.
RAID Morphing
MediaShield allows users to change their current RAID set-up to another
configuration in a one-step process called morphing. This eliminates the need
to back up data and follow multiple steps in the process.
Bootable Multidisk Array
MediaShield storage fully supports the use of multi-disk array for loading the
operating system at power-up.
3
Networking with NVIDIA nForce
NVIDIA networking delivers the highest network throughput at the lowest
CPU utilization. The manageable and stable NVIDIA networking solution
results in better networking management and a lower total cost of ownership.
Only NVIDIA integrates this level of networking features to allow you to take
your online experience to the next level.
NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet
The industry’s fastest Gigabit Ethernet performance eliminates network
bottlenecks and improves overall system efficiency and performance.
NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology
Be the ‘King of Ping’ with NVIDIA FirstPacket technology. Get the crystalclear phone conversations and online gaming performance you expect.
NVIDIA FirstPacket technology assures your game data, VoIP conversations,
and large file transfers are delivered according to preferences set by you in an
intuitive wizard.
TCP/IP Acceleration
TCP/IP Acceleration delivers the highest system performance by offloading
CPU-intensive packet filtering tasks in hardware, providing users with a PC
networking environment that is faster.
High Definition Audio (HDA)
High definition audio brings consumer electronics quality sound to the PC
delivering high quality sound from multiple channels. Using HDA, systems can
deliver 192 kHz/32-bit quality for eight channels, supporting new audio
formats.
USB 2.0
USB 2.0 is standard plug-and-play interface that provides easy-to-use
connectivity for USB devices.
4
Introduction
Motherboard Specifications
Size
ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch
Microprocessor support
Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE,
Pentium
Operating systems:
Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
Contains NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCP and SPP
System Memory support
Supports dual channel JEDEC DDR2-800 and SLI-Ready memory up to 800
MHz. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memories.
USB 2.0 Ports
¾ Supports hot plug
¾ Eight USB 2.0 ports (four rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers)
¾ Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode
¾ Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
Onboard Serial ATA II
¾ 300MBps data transfer rate
¾ Six Serial ATA II connectors
¾ NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
¾ Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
Onboard LAN
¾ Single LAN interface built-in onboard
¾ Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet
5
Onboard 1394
¾ Support hot plug
¾ Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate of
transmission at 400 Mbps
Onboard Audio
¾ Azalia High-Definition audio
¾ Supports 8-channel audio
¾ Supports S/PDIF output
¾ Supports Jack-Sensing function
Dual PCI Express x16 Support
¾ Supports 4 GB/sec (8 GB/sec concurrent) bandwidth
¾ Low power consumption and power management features
Green Function
¾ Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
¾ Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
Expansion Slots
¾ Two PCI slots
¾ Two PCI Express x1 slot
¾ Two PCI Express x16 Graphics slots
6
Unpacking
The EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard comes with all the necessary
cables for adding a motherboard to a new chassis. If you are replacing a
motherboard, you may not need many of these cables.
Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing box. If
anything is missing or damaged, contact your reseller.
All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.
Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Equipment
The following equipment is included in the EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI
motherboard box.
EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
This PCI Express motherboard contains the NVIDIA
nForce 680i LT SLI SPP and MCP and is SLI-ready.
I/O Shield
Installs in the chassis to block radio frequency
transmissions, protect internet components from dust
and foreign objects and aids in proper airflow within
the chassis.
Floppy Cable
7
Used to attach a floppy drive to the motherboard.
2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three)
1394 Cable
Provides two additional 1394 ports to either the front
or back panels of the chassis.
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable
Provides four additional USB ports to either the front
or back panels of the chassis.
SATA Signal Cable (Qty Six)
Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and each one
connects a single drive to the motherboard
Comm2 Bracket Cable
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable
SLI Connector
Used to connect two graphic cards installed in the x16
PCI Express slots in an SLI configuration.
EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI
Motherboard
The EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard with the NVIDIA nForce 680i
LT SLI SPP and MCP processors is a PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard.
Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figures 2 shows the back panel
connectors.
8
Unpacking and Parts Description
18 19 18
20
21
19
22
23
21
14
16
15
14
17
13
12
24
2
3
4
10
9
11
9
7
8
6
5
1. CPU Socket 9. Serial-ATA connectors 17. Front Audio connector
2. NVIDIA SPP with Active fan 10. NVIDIA MCP 18. PCI slots
3. CPU fan connector 11. Floppy drive connector 19. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)
4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3 12. USB headers 20. NVIDIA MCP fan connector
5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector 13. Motherboard battery 21. PCI Express x1 slot
6. FDD Connector 14. Fan Headers 22. NVIDIA SPP fan connector
7. Front panel connector 15. Serial connector 23. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2)
8. AUX PEX Power connector 16. Clear CMOS 24. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector
Figure 1. EVGA nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Layout
9
1
2
3
4
1. PS/2 Mouse Port
2. PS/2 Keyboard Port
3. 1394a (Firewire) Port
4. USB 2.0 ports (two)
5. SPDIF output
6. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel
Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In
Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange Center/Subwoofer
Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Grey
7. USB 2.0 Ports (two)
8. Lan Port with LEDs to indicate status.
• Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity
• Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/link/Activity
• Green/Light Up/Blink = 1000 Mbps/Link/Activity
5
6
8
7
Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors
10
This section will guide you through the installation of the motherboard. The
topics covered in this section are:
Preparing the motherboard
¾ Installing the CPU
¾ Installing the CPU fan
¾ Installing the memory
Installing the motherboard
Connecting cables and setting switches
Safety Instructions
Hardware Installation
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic
safety precautions.
Remember to remove power from your computer by disconnecting the
AC main source before removing or installing any equipment from/to the
computer chassis.
11
Preparing the Motherboard
The motherboard shipped in the box does not contain a CPU or memory. You
need to purchase a CPU, a CPU fan assembly, and memory to complete this
installation.
Installing the CPU
Be very careful when handling the CPU. Make sure not to bend or break any
pins on the back. Hold the processor only by the edges and do not touch the
bottom of the processor.
Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto
the motherboard.
1. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and away
from the socket.
2. Lift the load plate. There is a protective socket
cover on the load plate to protect the socket when
there is no CPU installed.
3. Remove the protective socket cover from the load plate.
4. Remove the processor from its protective cover,
making sure you hold it only by the edges.
It is a good idea to save the cover so that
whenever you remove the CPU, you have a safe
place to store it.
5. Align the notches in the processor with the
notches on the socket.
6. Lower the processor straight down into the socket
with out tilting or sliding it into the socket
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level in the
socket.
Align notches with
notches on the CPU
7. Close the load plate over the CPU and press down
while you close and engage the socket lever.
12
Hardware Installation
Installing the CPU Fan
There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard.
Follow the instruction that came with you fan assembly. Be sure that the fan
orientation is correct for your chassis type and your fan assembly.
Installing Memory DIMMs
Your new motherboard has four 1.8V 240-pin slots for DDR2 memory. These
slots support 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB DDR2 technologies for x8 and
x16 devices. They also support dual channel DDR2 memory technology up to
10.7GB/s. There must be at least one memory bank populated to ensure
normal operation. Use the following the recommendations for installing
memory. (See Figure 1 on page 9 for the location of the memory slots on the
card)
One DIMM: Install into slot 0. You can install the DIMM into any slot,
however, slot 0 is preferred.
Two DIMMs: Install into either slots 0 and 1 or 2 and 3. The idea is to not
have the DIMMs in adjacent slots.
Four DIMMS: Install into slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.
CPU side
DIMM Slot 0
DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 3
Card-edge side
Use the following procedure to install memory DIMMs into the slots on the
motherboard. Note that there is only one gap near the center of the DIMM slot.
This slot matches the slot on the memory DIMM to ensure the component is
installed properly.
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.
2. Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module
vertically into the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at both sides of the DIMM
slot automatically lock the DIMM into the connector.
13
Installing the Motherboard
The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the
chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or
working with an empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the
connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then make all
the connections. Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and
secure the motherboard into the chassis.
Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the chassis
covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also make sure the
CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the covers.
Installing the I/O Shield
The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio
frequency transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign
objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.
Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the
chassis. Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it fits securely. If the
I/O shield does not fit into the chassis, you would need to obtain the proper
size from the chassis supplier.
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis
Most computer chassis have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the
mother board to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If
there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is
recommended that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short
circuit.
1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the studs/spacers located inside the
chassis.
2. Align the mounting holes with the studs/spacers.
3. Align the connectors to the I/O shield.
4. Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to
the fan assembly instruction.
5. Secure the motherboard with a minimum of eight-to-ten screws.
14
Hardware Installation
Connecting Cables and
Setting Switches
This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary
on the motherboard. This will include:
Power Connections
¾ 24-pin ATX power (
¾ 8-pin ATX 12V power (
¾ Auxiliary power for graphics (
Internal Headers
¾ Front panel
¾ IEEE 1394a
¾ USB Headers
¾ Audio
¾ COM
FDD
IDE
Serial ATA II
Chassis Fans
Rear panel USB 2.0 Adapter
Expansion slots
CMOS jumper settings
PWR1)
PWR2)
PWR3)
See Figure 1 on page 9 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the
following procedure.
15
Power Connections
This motherboard requires an ATX power supply. To support a PCI Express
motherboard with the addition of dual graphics cards using NVIDIA SLI
technology, you are going to need a minimum of a 500W power supply. Make
sure you have enough power to cover all the expansion cards you will be
installing. To determine what you power requirements are for your specific
configuration, refer to www.slizone.com
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1)
PWR1 is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the board
next to the DIMM slots. Make sure that the power supply cable and pins are
properly aligned with the connector on the motherboard. Firmly plug the power
supply cable into the connector and make sure it is secure.
Card edge
Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector
Table 1. PWR1 Pin Assignments
.
PWR1 connector
Plug power cable from system
power supply to PWR1
Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal
24 13
12 1
16
1 +3.3V 13 +3.3V
2 +3.3V 14 -12V
3 GND 15 GND
4 +5V 16 PS_ON
5 GND 17 GND
6 +5V 18 GND
7 GND 19 GND
8 PWROK 20 RSVD
9 +5V_AUX 21 +5V
10 +12V 22 +5V
11 +12V 23 +5V
12 +3.3V 24 GND
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