EVGA nForce 122-CK-NF68-XX, nForce 680i SLI, 122-CK-NF63-TR, 122-CK-NF68-A1 - nForce 680i SLI Motherboard, 122-CK-NF68 User Manual

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User Guide

EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard With Intel Processor

Installation and Configuration

122-CK-NF68-XX

November 2006

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Table of Contents

Before You Begin… .....................................................................................10

Parts NOT in the Kit.......................................................................................10

Intentions of the Kit......................................................................................xlix

Introduction to the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard.............................1

Features.........................................................................................................1

Engineered for Enthusiasts...........................................................................1

Extreme Overclocking ..................................................................................2

Extreme FSB speeds.................................................................................2

Extreme DDR2 Speeds.............................................................................. 2

Comprehensive Overclocking Tools............................................................2

Designed for NVIDIA SLI Technology ............................................................3

True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support ..........................................................3

NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory.......................................................................3

NVIDIA SLI Certified Components..............................................................3

Third PCIe Slot for Graphics Expansion..........................................................3

DualDDR2 Memory Architecture....................................................................3

NVIDIA MediaShield Storage.........................................................................4

Multiple Disk Setup...................................................................................4

DiskAlert System......................................................................................4

RAID Morphing ........................................................................................4

Bootable Multidisk Array ...........................................................................4

Six SATA 3Gb/s Drives..............................................................................4

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Networking with NVIDIA nForce....................................................................5

NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet.................................................................5

NVIDIA FirstPacket™ technology...............................................................5

NVIDIA DualNet® technology...................................................................5

High Definition Audio (HDA) .........................................................................6

USB 2.0 ......................................................................................................6

Motherboard Specifications ..............................................................................7

Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ...............................................................9

Unpacking ......................................................................................................9

Equipment......................................................................................................9

NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard..............................................................10

Hardware Installation.................................................................................13

Safety Instructions ........................................................................................13

Preparing the Motherboard.............................................................................14

Installing the CPU......................................................................................14

Installing the CPU Fan................................................................................15

Installing Memory DIMMs...........................................................................15

Installing the Motherboard.............................................................................16

Installing the I/O Shield .............................................................................16

Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis...................................................16

Connecting Cables and Setting Switches..........................................................17

Power Connections ....................................................................................18

24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ......................................................................18

8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)..................................................................19

Auxiliary Power for Graphics (PWR3)........................................................19

Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ................................................................20

Connecting Serial ATA Cables .....................................................................20

Connecting Internal Headers.......................................................................21

Front Panel Header ................................................................................21

IEEE 1394a (Optional)............................................................................22

USB Headers .........................................................................................23

Audio........................................................................................................24

Fan Connections........................................................................................25

COM1 (Optional)........................................................................................25

COM1 (Optional)........................................................................................26

FDD Connector..........................................................................................26

Speaker....................................................................................................26

Expansion Slots.........................................................................................27

PCI Slots ...............................................................................................27

PCI Express x1 Slot................................................................................28

PCI Express x16 Slots.............................................................................28

Jumper Settings............................................................................................28

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS.................................................................28

Configuring the BIOS ..................................................................................29

Enter BIOS Setup..........................................................................................30

Main Menu....................................................................................................30

Standard CMOS Features Menu ......................................................................33

Date and Time...........................................................................................34

IDE Channel and SATA Channel..................................................................34

Drive A .....................................................................................................36

Halt On.....................................................................................................36

Memory....................................................................................................37

Advanced BIOS Features................................................................................38

Removable Device Priority..........................................................................39

Hard Disk Boot Priority...............................................................................39

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Network Boot Priority.................................................................................39

CPU Internal Cache....................................................................................39

Quick Power On Self Test...........................................................................40

First/Second/Third Boot Device...................................................................40

Boot Other Device......................................................................................40

Boot Up NumLock Status............................................................................40

Security Option..........................................................................................41

APIC Mode................................................................................................41

MPS Version Control For OS........................................................................41

Full Screen LOGO Show..............................................................................41

Advanced Chipset Features ............................................................................42

System Clocks...........................................................................................43

Frequency Settings.................................................................................44

HT Multiplier..........................................................................................45

Spread Spectrum ...................................................................................45

FSB & Memory Config ................................................................................46

CPU Configuration......................................................................................50

System Voltages........................................................................................51

NVMEM Memory Test.................................................................................53

PCI Clocks.................................................................................................53

Load Timing/Voltage Set ............................................................................53

Save Timing/Voltage Set ............................................................................54

System BIOS Cacheable .............................................................................54

HPET Function...........................................................................................54

NVIDIA GPU Ex .........................................................................................54

LinkBoost..................................................................................................54

Integrated Peripherals Menu ..........................................................................55

IDE Function Setup....................................................................................56

RAID Config..............................................................................................57

USB Config................................................................................................57

MAC Config...............................................................................................58

IEEE1394 controller ...................................................................................58

HD Audio ..................................................................................................58

IDE HDD Block Mode .................................................................................58

Onboard FDC Controller .............................................................................58

Onboard Serial Port 1.................................................................................58

Power Management Setup Menu.....................................................................59

ACPI Function............................................................................................59

ACPI Suspend Type ...................................................................................59

Soft-Off by PBNT.......................................................................................60

WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off.........................................................................60

Power On by Alarm....................................................................................60

POWER ON Function..................................................................................60

PnP/PCI Configuration Menu...........................................................................61

Init Display First ........................................................................................62

Reset Configuration Data............................................................................62

Resources Controlled By............................................................................. 62

IRQ Resources...........................................................................................63

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop...............................................................................63

Maximum Payload Size...............................................................................63

System Monitor Menu....................................................................................64

Dynamic Fan Control..................................................................................65

Software Installation ..................................................................................67

Windows XP Drivers Install.............................................................................68

Using the NVIDIA Software .......................................................................69

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NVIDIA Monitor.............................................................................................70

NVIDIA nTune 5.0.........................................................................................71

Manual Tuning ..........................................................................................72

Adjust Motherboard Settings...................................................................72

System Voltages ....................................................................................74

System Fans..........................................................................................74

Memory Timing......................................................................................75

Adjust GPU Settings ...............................................................................77

Dynamic BIOS Access ................................................................................78

Available BIOS Pages..............................................................................79

General Settings.....................................................................................79

Advanced Settings..................................................................................79

Boot up Setting......................................................................................80

Automatic Tuning ......................................................................................81

Management.............................................................................................83

View System Information........................................................................83

Adjust Custom Rules ..............................................................................85

System Stability.............................................................................................86

Perform Stability Test.................................................................................86

Storage ........................................................................................................87

Health ......................................................................................................88

View Storage Configuration.....................................................................88

Management.............................................................................................89

Delete Array ..........................................................................................89

Rebuild Array.........................................................................................91

Migrating Array......................................................................................93

Synchronize Array..................................................................................95

NVIDIA Networking .......................................................................................97

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Performance..............................................................................................98

First Packet............................................................................................98

TCP/IP Acceleration .................................................................................100

Teaming .................................................................................................102

Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration...................................105

Building an SLI System................................................................................105

Determine Component and Operating System Needs..................................105

Install Your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Parts..........................................................105

Install NVIDIA SLI Software...................................................................... 107

Enable NVIDIA SLI...................................................................................111

Appendix A. On-board LED Codes .............................................................112

Parts NOT in the Kit

This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new EVGA nForce 680i 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 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE, and Pentium.

 Cooling fan for the microprocessor  System memory support:

Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 1200 MHz SLIReady 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 SLIcapable 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 Software Installation

 It is important to remember that before installing the driver CD that is shipped in

the kit, you need to load your operating system. The motherboard supports Windows XP 32bit and 64bit and is Vista-capable.

122-CK-NF68-XX

November 2006

Before You Begin…

The kit comes with a CD that contains utility drivers and additional NVIDIA software.

The CD that has been shipped with your NVIDIA motherboard contains the following software and drivers:

 NVIDIA nForce drivers  RealTek Audio drivers  Microsoft DirectX 9.0C  NVIDIA nTune

 Adobe Acrobat Reader  NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Manager  NVIDIA Networking (FirstPacket)

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Windows XP Drivers Install

Note: When installing the graphics drivers, the resolution defaults to the lowest

setting (typically 800 x 600), making your display very large. Adjust accordingly.

1. Insert the EVGA NVIDIA nForce 680i installation CD for the graphics

drivers included in the kit.

2. Run

Depending on your system setup, the install disk may automatically run the install CD to open.

setup.exe.

setup.exe. If it does not run, go to My Computer and click on the

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Using the

NVIDIA Software

This section describes how to configure the following NVIDIA software that is included on the CD in the kit from the NVIDIA Control Panel:

 NVIDIA Monitor  Performance (NVIDIA nTune)  Storage (NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Manager)  Networking (NVIDIA FirstPacket)

Figure 17. NVIDIA Control Panel, Select a Category

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

NVIDIA Monitor

The NVIDIA Monitor application can be used at any time with any applications to view the real-time status of various system components. To display the NVIDIA Monitor, select

Monitor.

This display shows the performance (usage) of the CPU, disk, memory,

and network. It also monitors the Bus speeds and voltages.

To view temperatures and fans, click the button.

Start¾All Programs¾NVIDIA Corporation¾NVIDIA

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Introduction

NVIDIA nTune 5.0

The Performance category is used to configure and manage NVIDIA nTune. The NVIDIA nTune program is a full-featured application for accessing, monitoring, and adjusting your system components (including bus speeds and voltages) with clear, user-friendly control panels.

Overclock your system for the highest performance, or underclock it for a nearly silent operation. All changes are performed within the Microsoft Windows interface, enabling full functionality without the need to make changes in the BIOS and reboot your system.

Use the following procedure to access nTune:

3. From the desktop, select

Control Panel.

Start¾All Programs¾NVIDIA Corporation¾NVIDIA

4. Select Performance to display Performance Control Panel Categories.

Figure 18. Performance Control Panel Categories (nTune)

The Performance menu provides the following options:

¾ Manual Tuning

ª Adjust motherboard settings ª Adjust GPU settings ª Dynamic BIOS access

¾ Automatic Tuning

ª Tune system

¾ Management

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

ª View system information ª Adjust custom rules

Manual Tuning

The Manual Tuning option provides the ability to adjust motherboard settings, adjust CPU settings, and make changes to the BIOS.

Adjust Motherboard Settings

The controls in the Adjust Motherboard Settings screen let you adjust the performance of the system clocks, system voltages, memory controller timings, and system fans. By manually adjusting these speeds you are able to either increase performance for gaming, or reduce performance to conserve power and create a quieter environment.

Figure 19 shows the Adjust Motherboard Settings screen. Note that as you pass the cursor over the various adjustments, notes display at the bottom of the screen to explain each setting.

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The number to the right of the slider is the new bus speed that will be applied. Make adjustments by using the mouse to drag the slider. All changes take effect immediately after selecting

Apply; however, these setting only remain active for

the current Windows session. This allows you to safely return to Windows if a crash occurs, with no possibility of boot issues since the changes are not made directly to the BIOS settings.

Note: All changes on Adjust Motherboard Settings are dynamically made when you

apply them, and only remain active for the current Windows session. You can save these settings as a profile for use later by using the Profile menu item. If a setting does not allow a change, it probably requires a reboot and should be changed in the BIOS or from the Dynamic BIOS Access page (if available).

Introduction

Figure 19. Adjust Motherboard Settings (nTune)

CAUTION: Increasing the voltage or the clock speed of a component may

void its warranty due to exceeding recommended specifications. NVIDIA and the board manufacturer are not responsible for damage that may occur when component tolerances are exceeded.

System Clocks

This section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings allows you to adjust the reference clocks for the FSB, the SPP PCI Express, and the MCP PCI Express.

Note that as you change the slider for the FSB reference clock, the CPU core frequency, the FSB Frequency and the memory bus frequency are dynamically changed.

System Voltages

CAUTION: Overvoltaging any component can result in damage.

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

In this section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings you must understand what you are changing. Overvoltaging any of the components can result in damage to the components. From this menu, you can adjust the following voltages:

 CPU  Memory  FSB  HyperTransport SSP MCP  nForce SPP  nForce MCP  Auxiliary

Always note the color of the indicator square to the right of each slider. Green indicates the voltage is within range and will not damage any components. Yellow means to proceed with caution; you are no longer in the safe range. If the indicator square is red, you are possible overvoltaging the component and could be causing damage.

System Fans

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This section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings menu allows you to control the CPU, System, nForce, MCP, and the auxiliary fans. You can either set all the fans to automatic control or you can manually control each fan.

When in manual control, you can specify to show the temperatures in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Introduction

Memory Timing

This section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings allows you to adjust various memory timings and cycles.

 Row Address Strobe

Adjusts the minimum RAS active time. This is the amount of time between a row being activated by Precharge and deactivated. A row cannot be deactivated until tRAS has completed. The lower this value, the faster the performance. However, if it is set too low it can cause data corruption by deactivating the row to soon. Adjustable from 1 to 63.

 Write Recovery Time

Memory timing that determines the delay between a write command and a Precharge command is set to the same bank of memory. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

 W to R Termination Turnaround

The Write-to-Read time is the number of clock cycles between the last write data pair and the subsequent READ command to the same physical block. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

 RAS to CAS access

The RAS-to-CAS access (tRCD) is the amount of time in cycles for issuing an active command and the read/write commands. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

 RAS to RAS Delay

The RAS-to-RAS delay (tRRD) is the is the amount of cycles it takes to activate the next bank of memory (this is the opposite of tRAS). The lower the timing the better the system performance. However, this scenario can cause instability. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

 Refresh Rate

This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.

 Memory bank switch

The row Precharge time (tRP) is the minimum time between active commands and the read/writes of the next bank on the memory module. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

 R to W Turnaround

The Read-to-Write turnaround (tRWT) is a the amount of cycles for the command to be executed when a Write command is received. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

 R to R Timing

the Read-to-Read time (tRDRD) is the number of clock cycles between the last read and the subsequent READ command to the same physical bank. Adjustable from 1 to 15.

 Row Cycle Time

The Row Cycle Time is the minimum time in cycles it take a row to complete a full cycle. This can be determined by tRC=tRAS+tRP. If this value is set too short, it can cause corruption of data. If this value is set too high, it causes a loss in performance but an increase in stability. Adjustable from 1 to 63 cycles

 W to R Command Delay

The Write-to-Read (tWRD) command delay is the amount of cycles required between a valid write command and the next read command. A lower cycle time results in better performance but is can instability. Adjustable from 0 to 6 cycles.

 W to W Timing

The Write-to-Write (tWRWR) timing is the number of clock cycles between the last write and the subsequent Write command to the same physical bank. Adjustable from 2 to 15 cycles.

 CAS Latency

The CAS Latency (tCL) is the time (in number of clock cycles) that elapses after the memory controller sends a request to read a memory location and before the data is sent to the module's output pins. The value shown cannot be changed.

Introduction

 Clock Drive Strength

This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.

 Command Per Clock

The Command Per Clock (tCPC) sets the Command Rate for the memory controller. The value shown cannot be changed

 Async Latency

This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.

Adjust GPU Settings

Use this interface to adjust the graphics processing unit (GPU) on your video card(s). You can override the shipped clock frequencies of your GPU and GPU memory and set the GPU fan speed. Increasing the clock speeds increases your GPU performance and may require adjusting cooling to maintain the same level of reliability.

Figure 20. Adjust GPU Settings (nTune)

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Dynamic BIOS Access

Dynamic BIOS Access allows you to change some of your system BIOS settings. The changes do not go into effect until you reboot your system. Since these changes are made to actual BIOS settings in the CMOS, the settings remain active until you change them again or restore the CMOS to the default settings.

Figure 21. Dynamic BIOS Access (nTune)

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Introduction

Available BIOS Pages

In the Dynamic BIOS Access page, select a BIOS page that you want to edit from the Available BIOS Pages drop-down menu The BIOS page you select determines which items on the Dynamic BIOS Access menu are available for changing. To edit an item, select an option from the drop-down menus associated with each item. When finished making your changes, click

Apply.

Note: This feature is available only with BIOS support from the motherboard

manufacturer.

OK or

General Settings

This section of the Dynamic BIOS Access menu allows you to Enable or Disable the CPU Internal Cache and the Quick Power on Self Test (POST).

Advanced Settings

This section of the Dynamic BIOS Access menu allows you to set the following options:

 Security options

¾ Setup ¾ System

 MPS Version Control For

¾ 1.1 ¾ 1.4

 APIC Mode

¾ Disabled ¾ Enabled

 Full Screen LOGO Show

¾ Disabled ¾ Enabled

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Boot up Setting

This section of the Dynamic BIOS Access menu allows you to set the following options:

 First/Second/Third Boot Device

¾ Removable ¾ Hard Disk ¾ CDROM ¾ Legacy LAN ¾ Disable

 Swap Floppy Drive

¾ Enable ¾ Disable

 Boot Up Floppy Seek

¾ Enable ¾ Disable

 Boot UP NumLock Status

¾ On ¾ Off

 Gate A20 Option

¾ Normal ¾ Fast

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Introduction

Automatic Tuning

The NVIDIA nTune performance manager uses a complex searching algorithm to determine the best possible and most stable performance for you system. The nTune tuning engine pushes your system to the limits to test the highest possible performance settings. Because of this, there may be instances of system hangs during the testing. When you restart the system, nTune continues its tuning process until the process is complete. It is highly recommended that you check the bottom of the Tune System screen. The effects of the tuning process apply to the current Windows session only.

The nTune tuning engine runs internal benchmark tests on your system and creates performance profiles and rules.

CAUTION: Make sure to save and close all work prior to running the Tune

System function. Close all applications and do not perform other tasks during the tuning session.

Select to continue the tuning process upon reboot box at the

Three tuning options are available on the Tune System menu:

 Course tuning takes approximately 20 minutes to run while it adjusts

system bus speeds and parameters. It first saves current bus speeds as two profiles: the

Bestsystem.npe with the highest passing settings.

 Fine tuning takes approximately three (3) hours and performs a more

Default.npe file with current bus speeds and

complex tuning on bus speeds, memory timings, and voltages. This more complex testing achieves maximum performance.

 Tuning using custom settings allows you to select specific areas to test

and the duration of the tests. Remember that a longer tuning session results in more precise and stable settings. The progress of your test and the results upon completion are displayed when the benchmarks are being executed. You can cancel the tests at any time.

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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Figure 22. Tune System Menu (nTune)

Introduction

Management

The Management option on the View System Information screen allows you to view hardware, software, and system information and adjust profiles.

View System Information

This screen is for information purposes only (you cannot make any changes to the information). The View System Information screen provides hardware, software, and system information that you can save to a log file to assist customer support or for your own uses.

Figure 23. View System Information (nTune)

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Hardware and driver version information can be viewed and saved using this interface. The status of the system, including current system clock speeds, system temperatures, memory timings, and system voltages can be logged. Versions of NVIDIA software and other system software are listed under Software information.

Detailed CPU and memory information is displayed when you double-click on a processor or DIMM listed under Hardware information.

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Introduction

Adjust Custom Rules

The Adjust Custom Rules selection provides you with the ability to create a rule to define when the system should use a particular profile (.nsu files or files) that was created from a manual or automatic tuning session.

With custom rules, you can make your system run faster when you are playing games or make it run quieter when you are surfing the Internet.

.npe

Figure 24. Adjust Custom Rules (nTune)

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

System Stability

System Stability lets you view your system’s status and perform system stability testing. To access the System Stability menu, select

Corporation¾NVIDIA Control Panel

Perform Stability Test

Use Perform Stability Test to quickly diagnose potential system performance issues and to gather troubleshooting data.

Stability Test performs a series of stress test to identify probable causes of performance issues, creates a list of the results, and provides recommendations for improvements. You can test the entire system (check or check individual components.

and select System Stability.

Start¾All Programs¾NVIDIA

All system components)

Figure 25. Perform Stability Test

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Introduction

You can designate a specific settings profile to use or check Use current settings for the tests. You can indicate the duration of the test by changing the slider (slider values are from 10 minutes to 48 hours). Click display the NVPerformance Benchmark display. Click Results to view a pop-up window containing the testing results.

Note that when you click start to begin the testing, Clicking Stop does not immediately stop the action in the NVPerformance Benchmark window. The cycle completes before the test is actually stopped.

Storage

The Storage application uses the NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Manager technology to configure and control NVIDIA storage hardware integrated into the NVIDIA MCP. NVIDIA RAID technology can protect data from hardware failure and provide increased file system performance.

Start to begin testing and

To launch MediaShield, select

NVIDIA Control Panel and select Storage to displays the Storage Control Panel

Start¾All Programs¾NVIDIA Corporation¾

Categories screen.

Figure 26. Storage Control Panel Categories

(MediaShield)

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Health

The Health option on the Storage menu provides the ability for you to view the current storage configuration.

View Storage Configuration

The View Storage Configuration screendisplays the current configuration of your storage devices. Check this screen prior to doing any management function. The View Storage Configuration screen provides status and capacity for all the storage disks on your system.

Figure 27. View Storage Configuration (MediaShield)

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Introduction

Management

The Management options on the Storage menu provides you with the ability to delete, rebuild, migrate, and synchronize arrays.

Delete Array

Use the following procedure to delete an array:

5. Click on

Array Wizard.

6. Click

Next to continue with the wizard and display the RAID Array

Selection menu.

Delete Array under Management to launch the NVIDIA Delete

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

7. Select an array you want to delete and press Next.

The Completing the NVIDIA Delete Array Wizard screen displays to verify that you still want to delete the array selected.

CAUTION: Be sure you are deleting the correct array. Once you click

Finish, you no longer have access to any of the data on this array. The data may be permanently destroyed in the process. If you do not want to delete this array, click Cancel

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8. Click

Finish to delete the selected array.

Introduction

Rebuild Array

The Rebuild Array option allows you to rebuild a disk in the array while the system is running without disrupting user or application access to the data set.

Note: Rebuilding an array can take up to a full day to complete. This operation

occurs in the background and does not impede any work being done. If you need to shutdown, the rebuild operation continues upon restart.

Use the following procedure to rebuild an array:

9. Identify the affect disk in the array and replace it.

10. Click on

Array Wizard.

Rebuild Array under Management to launch the NVIDIA Rebuild

11. Click Next to continue with the wizard and display the RAID Array

Selection menu.

12. Select the array with that had the affected disk and click

Next.

Rebuilding a degrading array adds a new disk to that array. Data from the healthy disk is rebuilt onto a new disk.

Note: Rebuilding a healthy RAID array resynchronizes the data set onto a disk.

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

13. Select the disk in the array that was replaced and needs to be rebuilt.

14. Click Next.

The Completing the NVIDIA Rebuild Array Wizard screen displays to verify that you still want to rebuild the array selected.

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15. Click

Finish to begin the rebuild of the selected disk in the array. (Remember

that rebuilding a disk can take up to a full day.)

Introduction

Migrating Array

The Migrating Array option allows you to migrate a RAID array from one arry type to another.

There are two reasons to use the Migrating Array option:

 Adding disks to an existing RAID array

An example would be to change a 2-disk Striping array to a 3-disk Striping array.

 Changing a RAID array to a different array type

An example would be to change a Mirroring array to a Strip Mirroring array.

Use the following procedure to rebuild an array:

16. Click on

Migrate Array under Management to launch the NVIDIA Migrate

Array Wizard.

17. Click

Next to continue with the wizard and display the RAID Array

Selection window.

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

18. Select the array to migrate and click Next to display the RAID Mode

Selection window.

19. Select the RAID mode you want to migrate to and click

Next.

The Completing the NVIDIA Migrate Array Wizard screen displays to verify that you still want to migrate the array selected.

CAUTION: Note that this migration is not reversible. Be sure you want

to migrate this array before continuing.

20. Click Finish to begin the migration of the selected array.

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Introduction

Synchronize Array

This option is used to synchronize a selected array.

Use the following procedure to rebuild an array:

21. Click on

Synchronize Array under Management to launch the NVIDIA

Synchronize Array Wizard.

22. Click

Next to continue with the wizard and display the RAID Array

Selection window.

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

23. Select the array to synchronize and click Next.

The Completing the NVIDIA Synchronize Array Wizard screen displays to verify that you still want to synchronize the array selected.

24. Click

Finish to begin synchronizing the array.

Introduction

NVIDIA Networking

The NVIDIA Networking function configures and controls NVIDIA networking hardware integrated into the NVIDIA MCP. In addition to the typical network configuration functions that are controlled using the Windows Network Connections panel, the NVIDIA networking solution includes several key features that are accessed using the NVIDIA control panel.

 FirstPacket

FirstPacket provides a better gaming experience over a broadband connection when multiple applications on the same PC are simultaneously transmitting data to the Internet

 TCP/IP Acceleration

When TCP/IP acceleration is enabled, it lowers the CPU utilization and provides overall better system performance when the networking traffic is mainly TCP/IP.

 Teaming

Teaming increase bandwidth when serving files in a LAN environment. Enables multiple integrated network interfaces to work together seamlessly.

To launch the NVIDIA Control Panel, select

Corporation¾NVIDIA Control Panel.

Click on the Networking icon.

Start¾All Programs ¾NVIDIA

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Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Performance

The Performance option on the Networking Control Panel Categories screen provides the means to configure FirstPacket settings and to set TCP/IP acceleration configuration.

Figure 28. Networking Control Panel Categories

First Packet

NVIDIA FirstPacket offers a new way to manage the traffic on your personal computer, allowing you to more effectively manage and improve the performance of networked games and other applications that are sensitive to network delay (latency), such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP).

xlii

FirstPacket creates an additional transmit queue in the network driver so that network applications can share a limited resource. Based on user preference, FirstPacket can expedite transmission for user-approved network applications.

For example, when FirstPacket is enabled:

 A game that was previously unplayable can be completely usable  VoIP connections will not be dropped due to the network traffic on a local

computer.

Introduction

Use the following procedure to enable or disable the ability to have network traffic to prioritized for optimal performance:

25. Select

Configure FirstPacket Settings under Performance on the

Networking Control Panel Categories screen to display the Configure FirstPacket Settings screen.

26. Click the

Settings tab.

27. Click

Enable FirstPacket (recommended) to enable the options that define

the speed of the broadband connection. This information is needed by the FirstPacket software to appropriately prioritize network traffic.

xliii

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

28. Define the applications to accelerate by clicking Program Prioritized by

FirstPacket.

29. Click

Add to browse for an executable gamming applications. For example,

if you want to accelerate a game such as Serious Sam 2, look for the

Sam2.exe and add it.

30. Click

Apply.

Note: Only applications that are added to the Programs Prioritized by

FirstPacket section are prioritized and benefit from FirstPacket technology

TCP/IP Acceleration

Note: Enabling TCP/IP acceleration enhances your network performance but can

cause your network traffic to bypass the firewall because all processes are off-loaded to the hardware.

NVIDIA TCP/IP Acceleration technology is a networking solution that moves the processing of TCP/IP network traffic from your computer’s CPU to its nForce hardware resulting in greatly improved system performance.

NVIDIA TCP/IP Acceleration provides deep levels of networking and traffic inspections at full-duplex gigabit Ethernet speeds. Overall system performance is greatly improved because the CPU is not tied up processing network traffic, especially at gigabit Ethernet speed.

xliv

Introduction

In traditional networking environments, inspecting packets is laborious and affects CPU overhead, memory bandwidth, and overall system latency. In comparison, the NVIDIA TCP/IP Acceleration engine discards bad packets before the CPU detects them. In addition, good packets take an “express lane” and bypass the traditional “network stack” process, improving overall throughput and lowering CPU utilization.

T configure TCP/IP acceleration, select

configuration

acceleration is turned off (the checked). Click the to enable TCP/IP acceleration. Click

from the Networking screen. Note that by default, TCP/IP

Not be hardware-accelerated radio button is

Use hardware-acceleration (recommended) radio button

Apply to save changes.

Set TCP/IP Acceleration

xlv

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Teaming

NVIDIA Teaming technology improves network throughput by distributing traffic efficiently across all available Ethernet interfaces. In normal network conditions, both transmit and receive traffic are distributed.

NVIDIA Teaming technology also improves network uploading time. If one of the physical Ethernet interfaces fails, the network can remain accessible because the remaining interface can take over the network traffic of the failed interface, achieving “fault tolerance”. The operating system and network application do not detect a network failure because network connection is bound to the logical interface rather than to a single physical interface.

By utilizing the multiple interfaces on an NVIDIA nForce system and load balancing traffic among them, network users can gain fault tolerance and achieve greater throughput.

The Adjust Teaming Configuration screen has tow radio buttons:

 Combine my network adapters (recommended).

NVIDIA Teaming technology combines two or more NVIDIA Ethernet interfaces to increase your network bandwidth and also provides load balancing and fault tolerance benefits.

 Do not combine my network adapters (no teaming).

This is also the default setting. You may want to disable network adapter teaming if your system is not operating as a file server. When disabled, each NVIDIA Ethernet interface works independently.

xlvi

Introduction

Use the following procedure to configure Teaming:

31. Select

Start¾All Programs¾NVIDIA Corporation¾NVIDIA Control Panel

to display the NVIDIA Control Panel.

32. Click on the networking icon to display the Networking Control Panel

Categories.

33. Select

Adjust Teaming configuration to display the teaming configuration

window. Note that by default, Teaming is disabled.

34. Select

Combine my network adapters (recommended) radio button to

enable Teaming.

35. Click

 Installing Graphics Cards in an

Apply to enable teaming.

SLI Configuration on page 67.

 Power Supply

The power supply requirement is dependent upon the power and the

xlvii

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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.

xlviii

Introduction

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.

xlix

Thank you for buying the EVGA NFORCE 680i SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and performance PC enthusiast’s 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

SLI Motherboard

Engineered for Enthusiasts

NVIDIA nForce® 680i SLI™ media and communications processors (MCPs) deliver the tools and performance PC enthusiasts demand. When combined with two NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you get innovative NVIDIA® SLI™ technology for enhanced system performance. With select SLI-Ready memory you get automatic access to special memory performance. Be ready for system overclocking and greater data throughput.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Extreme 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 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCPs were designed for overclocking.

Extreme FSB speeds

The front side bus (FSB) in the NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCP is specified to run at 1333MHz to support existing and future FSB speeds. Through overclocking, however, the EVGA nForce 680i SLI MCP can deliver FSB speeds well beyond specification*. Get the headroom today for overclocking and/or future FSB speeds.

Extreme DDR2 Speeds

NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCPs support high-speed SLI-Ready memory of DDR2-1200 and beyond 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.

 NVIDIA nTune™ Utility

Now with access to more settings from this Windows-based utility. Adjust CPU and memory speeds without rebooting. Access to most BIOS settings from inside Windows. 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.

Introduction

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 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. This feature offers twice the PCI Express bandwidth of x8 SLI solutions.

NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory

NVIDIA nForce 680i 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 EVGA nForce 680i SLI motherboards. For more information on SLI Certified components, visit

www.SLIzone.com/nForce.

Third PCIe Slot for Graphics Expansion

Make sure your rig is ready for the future. The third PCIe slot can be used for new three GPU applications or a PCIe card of your choice.

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.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

NVIDIA MediaShield Storage

NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage offers a suite of features that safeguards your most important digital media assets; always reliable, scalable, and accessible which 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 configuration 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.

Six SATA 3Gb/s Drives

Combine up to six SATA drives into one volume for bigger, faster RAID. More drives mean more configuration options such as six RAID 0 (striped) drives for maximum throughput, or Dual RAID 5 arrays. Take advantage of the latest SATA 3Gb/s hard disk drives with full support for native and tagged command queuing and hot plug. Native command queuing provides higher disk performance in a multi-threaded environment by performing out-of-order disk accesses.

Introduction

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.

NVIDIA DualNet® technology

Get Double-Barrel Gigabit Ethernet with two integrated networking connections on your NVIDIA nForce 680i MCP.

 Dual Gigabit Ethernet with Teaming

Teaming allows the two connections to work together to provide up to twice the Ethernet bandwidth for transferring large amounts of data from home file servers to other PCs. It also provides network redundancy through failover capability

 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.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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

A standard plug-and-play interface that provides easy-to-use connectivity for USB devices.

Note: *While NVIDIA technology will provide FSB speeds beyond spec, the

processor must be capable of this speed.

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, and Pentium.

 Operating systems

Supports Windows XP 32bit and Windows XP 64bit.

 Contains NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCP  System Memory

¾ Dual-channel DDR2 800/667/533 ¾ SLI-Ready Memory up to 1200 MHz ¾ Supports up to 8 GB DDR2 memory

 USB 2.0 Ports

¾ Supports hot plug ¾ Ten USB 2.0 ports (six rear panel ports, two onboard USB headers

providing four extra ports)

¾ Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode ¾ Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480Mbps transmission rate

 Onboard Serial ATA II

¾ 3Gb/s data transfer rate ¾ Six Serial ATA II connectors ¾ NVIDIA MediaShield

RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

¾ Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )

 Dual Onboard LAN

¾ Two LAN interfaces built-in onboard ¾ Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet

 Onboard 1394

¾ Supports hot plug ¾ Two 1394a ports with rate of transmission at 400 Mbps

RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1,

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

 Onboard 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 slots ¾ Three PCI Express x16 Graphics slots ¾ One PCI Express x16 Graphics Expansion slot

(electrical x8)

Unpacking

The EVGA nForce 680i 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 SLI motherboard box.

EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

This PCI Express motherboard contains the NVIDIA

680i MCP and is SLI-ready.

I/O Shield

Installs in the chassis to block radio frequency transmissions and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.

Floppy Cable

Used to attach a floppy drive to the motherboard.

2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three)

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

1394 Cable

Provides an additional 1394 ports to either the back panel 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.

Chipset Fan

This fan is recommended for use if overclocking or using liquid/passive cooling solution.

EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

The EVGA nForce 680i SLI motherboard with the 680i SPP and MCP processors is a PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard. Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.

Unpacking and Parts Description

22 23 22 24

15 18

21 20

1. CPU Socket 12. Two Serial-ATA connectors 23. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)

2. NVIDIA SPP with passive heat sink 13. LED POST codes 24. PCI Express Graphics Expansion

3. CPU fan connector 14. Motherboard battery 25. PCI Express x1 slots

4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3 15. Serial connector 26. Back p a nel connectors

5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector 16. LPC connector (debug) 27. 8-pin ATX_12V

6. FDD Connector 17. Clear CMOS 28. Front panel audio connections

7. Front panel connector 18. Fan Header 29. USB Header1 & 2

8. AUX PEX Power connector 19. Power on/off switch 30. Firewire Header

9. Serial-ATA connectors 20. Reset switch 31. V-Reg fan header

10. NVIDIA MCP 21. On-board speaker

11. Floppy drive connector 22. PCI slots

(Figure 2)

power connector

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

2 3

1. PS/2 Mouse Port

2. PS/2 Keyboard Port

3. 1394a (Firewire) port

4. USB 2.0 ports

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

8. Lan Ports 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

Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors

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.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Preparing the Motherboard

The motherboard shipped in the box does 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. 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.

36. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and away

from the socket.

37. Lift the load plate. There is a protective socket

cover on the load plate to protect the socket when there is no CPU installed.

38. Remove the protective socket cover from the load

plate.

39. 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.

40. Align the notches in the processor with the

notches on the socket.

41. 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.

not

contain a CPU or memory. You

Align notches with notches on the CPU

42. Close the load plate over the CPU and press down

while you close and engage the socket lever.

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 and 1 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.

 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.

43. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.

44. 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.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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 motherboard 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.

Hardware Installation

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.

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 Speaker 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 11 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following procedure.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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.

Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector

PWR1 connector Plug power cable from system power supply to PWR1

Table 1. PWR1 Pin Assignments

Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal

24 13

12 1

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

Hardware Installation

8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2)

PWR2, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the

CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated.

12V

8 4

GND

Connect a four-pin power plug to pins 1, 2, 5, and 6.

It is strongly recommended that you use an 8-pin ATX 12V power supply; however, if you have a four-pin power supply, plug the connector to pins 1, 2, 5, and 6 as shown.

Auxiliary Power for Graphics (PWR3)

The PWR3 connector is an auxiliary power connection for graphics cards. This connection is only required for SLI configrations when running (2) cards at the same time.

+5V GND

GND +1.2

Hardware Installation

Connecting Internal Headers

Front Panel Header

The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used to connect the following four cables:

 PWRLED

Attach the front panel power LED cable to these two pins of the connector. The Power LED indicates the system’s status. When the system is in S0 status, the LED is on. When the system is in S1, S3, S4, S5 status, the LED is off.

Note: The power LED cable in some chassis is a three pin

connector with the pins installed in positions 1 and 3. If your chassis has a three pin connector, you will need to remove pin 3 and put it into position 2 or you can use a pair of scissors to cut out position 2. Most chassis come with a two pin connector.

Connec

HD_LED RESET + -

Blan

PWRSW + - PWRLED

1 2

 PWRSW

Attach the power button cable from the case to these two pins. Pressing the power button on the front panel turns the system on off rather than using the power supply button.

 HD_LED

Attach the hard disk drive indicator LED cable to these two pins. The HDD indicator LED indicates the activity status of the hard disks.

 RESET

Attach the Reset switch cable from the front panel of the case to these two pins. The system restarts when the

RESET switch is pressed.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Table 2. Front Panel Header Pins

Pin Signal In/Out Description

HD_LED

PWRLED

RESET

PWRSW

No Connect Empty

1 HD_PWR Out Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V 3 HDA# Out Hard disk active LED 2 HDR_BLNK_GRN Out Front panel green light 4 HDR_BLNK_YEL Out Front panel yellow light 5 GND Ground 7 FP_RESET# In Reset switch 6 SWITCH_ON# In Power switch 8 GND Ground 9

IEEE 1394a (Optional)

The IEEE 1394 expansion cable bracket is provided in the box but if you do not require the additional external connection you do not need to install it.

1. Secure the bracket to either the front or rear panel of your chassis (not all

chassis are equipped with the front panel option).

2. Connect the end of the cable to the IEEE 1394 connector on the

motherboard.

Table 3. IEEE 1394a Connector Pins

Connector Pin Signal

IEEE 1394a Connector

8 6 4 2

9 7 5 3 1

1 TPA+ 2 TPA3 GND 4 GND 5 TPB+ 6 TPB7 +12V 8 +12V 9 Empty 10 GND

Hardware Installation

USB Headers

This motherboard contains four (4) USB 2.0 ports that are exposed on the rear panel of the chassis. The motherboard also contains two 10-pin internal header connectors onboard that can be used to connect an optional external bracket containing four (4) more USB 2.0 ports.

1. Secure the bracket to either the front or

rear panel of your chassis (not all chassis are equipped with the front panel option).

2. Connect the two ends of the cables to

the USB 2.0 headers on the motherboard.

Table 4. USB 2.0 Header Pins

Connector Pin Signal Pin Signal

USB 2.0 Header Connector

9 7 5 3 1

10 8 6 4 2

1 5V_DUAL 2 5V_DUAL 3 D- 4 D5 D+ 6 D+ 7 GND 8 GND 9 Empty 10 No Connect

Hardware Installation

Fan Connections

There are two fan connections, the system fan and the CPU fan. The fan speed can be detected and viewed in the Both fans are automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 mode.

PC Health Status section of the CMOS Setup.

Note that the CPU fan cable can be either a 3-pin or a 4-pin connector. Connect a 3-pin connector to pins 1, 2, and 3 on the motherboard connector.

CPU Fan Connector

4 3 2 1

GND SENSE

PWR CONTROL

The nForce SPP and MCP have a passive heat sink that draws heat from the chips.

ou can install a fan onto the SPP heat sink that helps to cool the chips. Hook the fan over the SPP heat sink. Use the two screws to secure the fan to the SPP. Plug the cable into the fan connector.

SPP Connector

3 2 1

GND

+12V

Secure fan assembly using two screws

SENSE

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

COM1 (Optional)

The motherboard kit provides an additional serial COM header for your machine. Connect one side of a switching cable to the header and then attach the serial COM device to the other side of the cable.

FDD Connector

The motherboard supports a standard 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44m, and a 2.88M floppy disk drive (FDD).

Hardware Installation

Expansion Slots

The EVGA nForce 680i SLI motherboard contains six expansion slots, four PCI Express slots and two PCI slots. For a full list of PCI Express x16 graphics card supported by this motherboard, go to www.evga.com/products/.

1 - Primary PCIe x16 Slot (GPU1) 2 - Secondary PCIe x16 (GPU2/SLI) 3 - x16 Graphics

Expansion slot 4 - x1 PCIe 5 - PCI Slots

Figure 4. Expansion Slots

PCI Slots

The two PCI slots support many expansion cards such as a LAN card, USB card, SCSI card and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. When installing a card into the PCI slot, be sure that it is fully seated. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with the screw used to hold the blank cover.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

PCI Express x1 Slot

There is two PCI Express x1 slots that are designed to accommodate less bandwidth-intensive cards, such as a modem or LAN card. The x1 slot provides 250 MB/sec bandwidth.

PCI Express x16 Slots

These two PCI Express x16 slots are reserved for graphics or video cards. The bandwidth of the x16 slot is up to 4GB/sec (8GB/sec concurrent). The design of this motherboard supports dual PCI-Express graphics cards using NVIDIA’s SLI technology with multiple displays.

When installing a PCI Express x16 card, be sure the retention clip snaps and locks the card into place. If the card is not seated properly, it could cause a short across the pins. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with the screw used to hold the blank cover.

Jumper Settings

The motherboard contains a 3-pin BIOS configuration jumper that enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program.

The silk screen on the motherboard shows a ∆ next to pin 1.

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS

The motherboard uses the CMOS RAM to store all the set parameters. The CMOS can be cleared by removing the CMOS jumper.

Use the following procedure to clear CMOS:

1. Turn off the AC power supply and connect pins 1 and 2 together using the

jumper cap.

2. Return the jumper setting to normal (pins 2 and 1 together with the jumper cap).

4. Turn the AC power supply back on.

Configuring the BIOS

This section discusses how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

This section includes the following information:

 Enter BIOS Setup  Main Menu  Standard CMOS Features  Advanced BIOS Features  Advanced Chipset Features  Integrated Peripherals  Power Management Setup  PnP/PCI Configurations  System Monitor

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Enter BIOS Setup

The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software. Correctly setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance.

Use the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings.

1. Power on the computer,

2. Press the

of the screen during the Power On Self Test (POST).

Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter Setup.

Pressing Del takes you to the Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.

Note: It is strongly recommended that you do not change the default BIOS

Del key when the following message briefly displays at the bottom

settings. Changing some settings could damage your computer.

Main Menu

The main menu allows you to select from the list of setup functions and two exit choices. Use the options or press keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press

Note: Note that on the BIOS screens all data in white is for information only, data in

yellow is changeable, data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a

red box is highlighted for selection.

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the

Enter to display the associated submenu. Use the  arrow

Esc.

Configuring the BIOS

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

` Standard CMOS Features

` Advanced BIOS Features ` Advanced Chipset Features ` Integrated Peripherals ` Power Management Setup ` PnP/PCI Configurations

Esc : Quit F10 : Save & Exit Setup

Time, Date, Hard Disk Type..,

NVIDIA LinkBoost™ - Not Detected SLI-Ready memory - Disabled

` System Monitor Load Defaults Set Password Save & Exit Setup Exit Without Saving

 : Select Item

Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu

 Standard CMOS Features

Use this menu to set up the basic system configuration.

 Advanced BIOS Features

Use this menu to set up the advanced system features and boot sequence.

 Advanced Chipset Features

Use this menu to optimize system performance and configure clocks, voltages, memory timings, and more.

 Integrated Peripherals

Use this menu to set up onboard peripherals such as IDE, RAID, USB, LAN, and MAC control.

 Power Management Setup

Use this menu to configure power management, power on, and sleep features.

 PnP/PCI Configurations

Use this menu to modify the system’s Plug-and-Play and PCI configurations.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

 System Monitor

Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC, including temperature, voltages, and fan speed.

The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands rather than submenus:

 Load Defaults

Use this command to load the NVIDIA LinkBoost technology settings for LinkBoost-enabled systems. Load default system settings for standard systems.

 Set Password

Use this command to set, change, and disable the password used to access the BIOS menu.

 Save & Exit Setup

Use this command to save settings to CMOS and exit setup.

 Exit Without Saving

Use this command to abandon all setting changes and exit setup.

The following two items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are status indicators:

 NVIDIA LinkBoost (Status indication at bottom of screen)

This status indicator is displayed at the bottom of the BIOS screen and consists of the following remarks:

¾ Detected: System detects LinkBoost-capable components. ¾ Not Detected: The LinkBoost components are not detected.

 SLI-Ready Memory (Status indication at bottom of screen)

This status indicator is displayed at the bottom of the BIOS screen and consists of the following remarks:

¾ Enabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected and enabled. ¾ Disabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected but disabled. ¾ Not Detected: SLI-Ready memory is not detected.

Configuring the BIOS

Standard CMOS Features Menu

The Standard CMOS Features menu is used to configure the standard CMOS information, such as the date, time, HDD model, and so on. Use the and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press

The information shown in Item Help corresponds to the option highlighted.

Page Up

Esc.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Date (mm:dd:yy) Sat, Jul 01 2006 Time (hh:mm:ss) 12 : 48: 23

` IDE Channel (.) Master [None] ` IDE Channel (.) Slave [None] ` SATA Channel 1 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 2 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 3 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 4 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 5 Master [None] ` SATA Channel 6 Master [None]

Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On [All , But Keyboard]

Base Memory 640K

Extended Memory 1047552K Total Memory 1048576K



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

Standard CMOS Features

Item Help

Main Level `

Change the day, month, year and century

Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu

Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable,

data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Date and Time

Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through dates and times. Note that

the the weekday (Sun through Sat) cannot be changed. This field changes to correspond to the date you enter. Note that the hour value is shown in a 24-hour clock format. Time is represented as hour : minute : second.

Date (mm:dd:yy) Sat, Jul 01 2006 Time (hh:mm:ss) 14 : 48: 43

IDE Channel and SATA Channel

Use these functions to detect and configure the individual IDE and SATA channels. Select a channel and press

IDE Auto-Detect [Press Enter]

Extended IDE Drive [None}

Access Mode Auto

Capacity 0 MB

Cylinder 0 Head 0 Precomp 0 Landing Zone 0 Sector 0

Press ENTER to display SATA Channel sub-menu

Enter to display the IDE/SATA sub-menu.

Press ENTER to display IDE Channel sub-menu

IDE HDD Auto-Detect [Press Enter]

IDE Channel 0 Slave [Manual} Access Mode [CHS]

Capacity 0 MB

Cylinder [ 0] Head [ 0] Precomp [ 0] Landing Zone [ 0] Sector [ 0]

Configuring the BIOS

Press Enter to auto-detect IDE and SATA channels in the system. Once the channel is detected, the values for Capacity, Cylinder, Heads, Precomp, Landing Zone, and Sector are automatically filled in.

 None

There is no HDD installed or set.

 Auto

The system can auto-detect the hard disk when booting up.

 Manual

When you set the channel to [Manual] and change Access Mode to [CHS], you can then enter the number of cylinders, heads, Precomp, landing zone, and sector. You can manually enter the values or you can press

Enter to

display a window that tells you the min and max values.

IDE HDD Auto-Detect [Press Enter]

IDE Channel 0 Slave [Manual} Access Mode [CHS]

Capacity 0 MB

Cylinder .....0

Head [ 0] Precomp [ 0] Landing Zone [ 0] Sector [ 0]

The BIOS supports the following HDD Access Modes:

¾ CHS

For HDD less than 528 MB.

¾ LBA

For HDD greater than 528 MB and

Press ENTER to display sub-menu or enter number manually

Cylinder

Min= 0 Max=65535

Key in a DEC number :



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

supporting LBA (Logical Block Addressing).

¾ Large

For HDD greater than 528 MB but not supporting LBA.

¾ Auto

Recommended mode.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

[

]

Drive A

The Drive A option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install. Options are:

Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On

 None  360K, 5.25 in.  1.2M, 5.25 in.  720K, 3.5 in.  1.44M, 3.5 in.  2.88M, 3.5 in.

Use the

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll

through the options or press the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. Press changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features menu.

All, But Keyboard

Enter to display

Press ENTER to display sub-menu

Drive A

None ..... [ ]

360K, 5.25 in. ..... [ ]

1.2M, 5.25 in. ..... [ ]

720K, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]

1.44M, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]

2.88M, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

Enter to accept the

Halt On

Halt On determines whether or not the computer stops if an error is detected

during power on. Use the options or press to position the selector in the option you choose. Press changes and return to the Standard CMOS Features menu.

Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On [All , But Keyboard]

 All Errors

 No Errors

 All, But Keyboard

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the

Enter to display the Halt On sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys

Whenever the BIOS detects a nonfatal error, the system stops and prompts you.

ystem boot does not stop for any

detected errors.

System boot does not stop for keyboard errors, but does stop for all other errors.

Enter to accept the

Press ENTER to display sub-menu

Halt On

All Errors ..... [ ]

No Errors ..... [ ]

All , But Keyboard ..... [

All , But Diskette ..... [ ]

All , But Disk/Key ..... [ ]



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

]

Configuring the BIOS

 All, But Diskette

 All, But Disk/Key

Memory

These settings are display-only values that are determined by the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test).

 Base Memory

 Extended Memory

 Total Memory

The system boot does not stop for a diskette error but will stop for all other errors.

The system boot does not stop for a keyboard or disk error, but will stop for all other errors.

Base Memory 640K

Extended Memory 1047552K

BIOS POST determines the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed in the system.

BIOS determines how much extended memory is present during the POST.

This value represents the total memory of the system.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Advanced BIOS Features

Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup screen. Use the

Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the

press selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press

Note: The options that have associated sub-menus are designated by a `, which

precedes the option. Press Enter to display the sub-menus.

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or

Esc.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

` Removable Device Priority [Press Enter] ` Hard Disk Boot Priority [Press Enter] ` Network Boot Priority [Press Enter]

CPU Internal Cache [Enabled] Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled] First Boot Device [Removable] Second Boot Device [CDROM] Third Boot Device [Hard Disk] Boot Other Device [Enabled] Boot Up NumLock Status [On] Security Option [Setup] APIC Mode [Enabled] MPS Version Control For OS [1.4] Full Screen LOGO Show [Disabled]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

Advanced BIOS Features

Item Help

Main Level `

Select Removable Boot Device Priority

Figure 7. Advanced BIOS Features Menu

Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable,

data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.

Configuring the BIOS

Removable Device Priority

Use this option to select the priority for removable device startup. Press Enter to see the list of removable devices in your system. Use the  arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press

+ or – keys to move the device priority up

Esc.

1. Floppy Disks

Hard Disk Boot Priority

Use this option to select the priority for HDD startup. Press Enter to see the list of bootable devices in your system. Use the  arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press

1. Ch0. : ST3802110A

2. Bootable Ad

-in Cards

Network Boot Priority

Use this option to select the priority for network startup. Select Network Boot

Priority and press Enter to view available networks. Use the  arrow keys

to go to the various devices. Then use the priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press

1. Network 0 : <description of network>

2. Network 1 : <descri

+ or – keys to move the device priority up or

Esc.

Use the + and – keys to move the priority of the device within the list

+ or – keys to move the device

tion of network

Esc.

CPU Internal Cache

Use this option to enable or disable the CPU internal cache. Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press Enter to display the options in a sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Quick Power On Self Test

Enabling this option allows the system to skip certain test while booting, which reduces the time needed to boot the system. Use the keys to toggle between

Enable and Disable.

First/Second/Third Boot Device

Use this option to set the priority sequence of the devices booted at power on. Use the

Enter to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector

in the option you choose.

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options or press

First Boot Device

Removable ..... [

Hard Disk ..... [ ]

CDROM ..... [ ]

Network ..... [ ]

Disabled ..... [ ]



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

]

Page Up and Page Down

Boot Other Device

With the option set to Enable, the system boots from some other device if the first/second/third boot devices fail.

Boot Up NumLock Status

This option allows you to select the power-on state of NumLock. Select On to activate the keyboard NumLock when the system is started. Select Off to disable

NumLock key.

the

Configuring the BIOS

Security Option

The Security Options allows you to require a password every time the system boots or only when you enter setup. Select Setup to require a password to gain access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select System to require a password to access the CMOS Setup screen and when the system boots.

APIC Mode

Use this function to enable or disable the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). If you disable this option, you also disable the MPS Version Control for OS option.

MPS Version Control For OS

Use this function to select the Multi-Processor Specification (MPS) version that BIOS passes to the operating system. Use the scroll through the options.

Page Up and Page Down keys to

Full Screen LOGO Show

This option allows you to enable or disable the display of the full-screen logo when the system boots. Use the between

Enable and Disable

Page Up and Page Down keys to toggle

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Advanced Chipset Features

Select Advanced Chipset Features from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and

Enter to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset Functions menu.

press

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced Chipset Features

` System Clocks [Press Enter] ` FSB & Memory Config [Press Enter] ` CPU Configuration [Press Enter] ` System Voltages [Press Enter]

NVMEM memory test [Disable] PCI Clocks [Auto]

Load timing/voltage set [Press Enter] Save timing/voltage set [Press Enter] System BIOS Cacheable [Disabled]

HPET Function [Enable]

NVIDIA GPY Ex [Enable] LinkBoost [Enable]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features

Item Help

Main Level `

Voltage control

Configuring the BIOS

System Clocks

Select System Clocks from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press

Enter to display the System Clocks menu. From this menu, you are able to

specify frequency settings, HT multipliers, and Spread Spectrum settings. Note that in Figure 9, all of the options are listed. On the actual BIOS screen, you will need to scroll down to see all the options.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Parameters Settings Current Valce **Frequency Settings** CPU Freq, MHz 2933.3 2933.3 FSB Reference Clock, MHz 1066.7 1066.7

CPU Multiplier [11 X] 11X

PCIe x16_1, MHz [Auto] 100

x16_3, MHz [Auto] 100

PCIe

x16_2, MHz [Auto] 100

PCIe SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz [Auto] 100

**HT Multiplier**

nForce SPP --> nForce MCP [5 nForce SPP <-- nForce MCP [5

**Spread Spectrum**

CPU Spread Spectrum [UP Spread]

HT Spread Spectrum [Auto] PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP) [Auto] PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP) [Auto] SATA Spread Spectrum [Down Spread]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

System Clocks

x] x]

Figure 9. System Clocks Menu

Item Help

Main Level `

CPU frequency multiplier. CPU core clock = FSB Ref Clock/4 * CPU Multiplier

Note: Note that all data in white is for information only, data in yellow is changeable,

data in blue is non-changeable, and data in a red box is highlighted for selection.

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Frequency Settings

 CPU Freq, MHz

This value is set by the CPU Multiplier (value cannot be changed by the user).

 FSB Reference Clock. MHz

This value is set by the system (value cannot be changed by the user). To change the SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing, go to the FSB & Memory screen.

 CPU Multiplier

This value changes the CPU Frequency value depending on the value you choose. Use the The options are from 6 X through 60 X.

 PCIe x16_1, MHz

Use the

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency

options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 1 (the black slot closest to the CPU). Note that as you go higher in value, disabled and cannot be changed from this status.

 PCIe x16_3, MHz

Use the

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency

options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the blue slot in the middle).

 PCIe x16_2, MHz

Use the

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency

options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the black slot farthest from the CPU). Note that as you go higher in value, disabled and cannot be changed from this status.

 SPP<

—

Use the

>MCP Ref Clock, MHz

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the frequency

options for the reference clock between the SPP chip and the MCP chip. Note that as you go higher in value, cannot be changed from this status.

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the options.

PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP) is

PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP) is

HT Spread Spectrum is disabled and

Configuring the BIOS

HT Multiplier

 nForce SPP

Use the options and set the link speed from the SPP chip to the MCP chip. Values

[1 x] through [5 x].

are

 nForce MCP <

Use the options and set the link speed from the MCP chip to the SPP chip. Values are

[1 x] through [5 x].

— —

> nForce MCP

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the HT multiplier

— —

nForce SPP

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the HT multiplier

Spread Spectrum

 CPU Spread Spectrum

Use the Spectrum options for the CPU. Option values are

[UP Spread], and [Center Spread].

 HT Spread Spectrum

Use the Spectrum options for the HyperTransport. Option values are

[UP Spread], and [Center Spread]. This option reverts to Disabled

and cannot be changed when the value for SPP<—>MCP Ref Clock exceeds 200 MHz.

 PCIe Spread Spectrum (SPP)

Use the Spectrum options for the SPP PCIe. Option values are

[UP Spread], and [Center Spread]. This option reverts to Disabled

and cannot be changed when the value for PCIe x16_1 exceeds 100MHz.

 PCIe Spread Spectrum (MCP)

Use the Spectrum options for the MCP PCIe. Option values are

[UP Spread], and [Center Spread]. This option reverts to Disabled

and cannot be changed when the value for PCIe x16_3 exceeds 100 MHz.

 SATA Spread Spectrum

Use the Spectrum options for the Serial-ATA. Option values are

[Down Spread].

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled],

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled],

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled],

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled],

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled] and

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

FSB & Memory Config

Select FSB & Memory Config from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and

Enter to display the FSB & Memory Config menu. This menu provides

press the means to set SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

FSB & Memory Config

Parameters Settings Current Value

SLI-Ready Memory [Disabled] Disabled

CPU Freq, MHz 2933.3 2933.3 CPU Multiplier 11X 11X

FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Auto]

x FSB (QDR), MHz Auto 1066.7 Actual FSB (QDR), MHz 1066.7

x MEM (DDR), MHz Auto 800.6

Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0

` Memory Timing Setting [Press Enter]



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

Figure 10. FSB & Memory Config Menu

 SLI-Ready Memory

Use the Memory options. The options are:

¾ Disabled

¾ CPUOC 0% ¾ CPUOC 1% ¾ CPUOC 2% ¾ CPUOC 3%

¾ CPUOC 4%

¾ CPUOC 5% ¾ CPUOC MAX

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the SLI-Ready

Item Help

Main Level ``

“CPUOC MAX” realizes the complete optimized memory settings when SLI-Ready memory is installed

Optimized memory settings by allowing X% CPU overclocking

CPU overclocking may require manual overvolting of the CPU to improve system stability

Configuring the BIOS

When you select one of the CPUOC x% options, the FSB - Memory

Clock Mode Ready Memory

 FSB and Memory Clock Mode

Use the

is set to Unlinked and cannot be changed until SLI-

is set to Disable.

Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the FSB and

Memory Clock Mode options. The options are:

¾ Auto

This is the optimal setting since it sets the FSB and memory speeds automatically.

¾ Linked

When Link is selected,

FSB (QDR), MHz is changed to editable and

the FSB speed can be entered manually. As the FSB speed is changed,

CPU Freq, MHz changes proportionally.

CPU Freq, MHz 2933.3 2933.3 CPU Multiplier 11X 11X

FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Linked]

FSB (QDR), MHz [1067] 1066.7

Actual FSB (QDR), MHz 1066.7 x MEM (DDR), MHz Auto 800.6

Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0

¾ Unlinked

When Unlink is selected,

FSB (QDR), MHz and MEM (DDR), MHz

are changed to editable and the FSB and memory speeds can be entered manually. As the FSB speed is changed,

CPU Freq, MHz changes

proportionally.

FSB – Memory Clock Mode [Linked]

FSB (QDR), MHz [1067] 1066.7

Actual FSB (QDR), MHz 1066.7 MEM (DDR), MHz [1067] 800.6

Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0

 FSB (QDR), MHz

Use the frequency or type in a new value. Note that the

+ or – keys to scroll through new values for the CPU FSB

Actual FSB (QDR)

reflects the actual frequency that takes effect on a reboot.

 MEM (DDR), MHz

Use the

+ or – keys to scroll through new values for the memory frequency

Installing and Configuring the EVGA nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

or type in a new value. Note that the Actual MEM (DDR) reflects the actual frequency that takes effect when the system reboots.

 Memory Timing Setting

Enter to display the Memory Timing Setting menu. Use this menu to

Press set optimal timings or to manually enter timings.

Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Memory Timing Setting

Parameters Settings Current Value

Memory Timing Setting [Optimal]

x tCL (CAS Latency) Auto(5) 5 x tRDC Auto(7) 5 x tRP Auto(7) 5 x tRAS Auto(23) 18 x Command Per Clock (CDM) Auto(2T) 1T

** Advanced Memory Settings **

x tRRD Auto(4) 3 x tRC Auto(28) 22 x tWR Auto(7) 5 x tWTR Auto(10) 9 x tREF Auto 6.1uS



:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help[

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

Main Level ``

Select [Expert] to enter timings manually

¾ Optimal

Use the

Page Up and Page Down keys to select Optimal. Optimal

prohibits you from manually setting any timing. All timing is set for optimal performance.

Item Help

Configuring the BIOS

¾ Expert

Use the

Page Up and Page Down keys to select Expert. When Expert

is selected, all timing categories are enabled for manual input. Note that you should set the value to Optimal to use the manufacturers’ recommended values.

Parameters Settings Current Value

Memory Timing Setting [Expert] tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto(5)] 5 tRDC [Auto(7)] 5 tRP [Auto(7)] 5 tRAS [Auto(23)] 18 Command Per Clock (CDM) [Auto(2T)] 1T

** Advanced Memory Settings **

tRRD [Auto(4)] 3 tRC [Auto(28)] 22 tWR [Auto(7)] 5 tWTR [Auto(10)] 9 tREF [Auto] 6.1uS

ª tCL: CAS# latency (options are 1 through 6). ª tRDC: RAS#-to-CAS# Delay for Read/Write commands to the

same bank (options are 1 through 7).

ª tRP: Row Precharge time. This is the Precharge-to-Active or Auto-

to-Refresh of the same bank (options are 1 through 7).

ª tRAS: This is the minimum RAS# active time (options are 1 through

31).

ª Command Per Clock: This is the command timing setting on a per

clock unit basis (options are 1T and 2T).

ª tRRD: RAS#-to-RAS# delay of different banks (options are 1

through 15).

ª tRC: RAS#-to-RAS# or auto refresh time of the same bank (options

are 1 through 31).

ª tWR: The Write recovery time (options are 2 through 7). ª tWTR: This is the minimum write-to-read delay with the same chip

selected (options are 1 through 10).

ª tREF: This is the DRAM refresh rate (options are Auto, 7.8uS, and

3.9uS).

EVGA nForce 122-CK-NF68-XX, nForce 680i SLI, 122-CK-NF63-TR, 122-CK-NF68-A1 - nForce 680i SLI Motherboard, 122-CK-NF68 User Manual

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