Intel GA-N680SLI-DQ6 User Manual

GA-N680SLI-DQ6

TM

Intel® Core
Intel® Core

2 Extreme quad-core / Core

TM

2 Extreme dual-core / Core
Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition /
Intel® Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 LGA775 Processor Motherboard

User's Manual

Rev. 2001

12ME-N680DQ6-2001R

TM

2 Quad /

TM

2 Duo /

* The WEEE marking on the product indicates this product must not be disposed of with user's other household waste

and must be handed over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment!!

* The WEEE marking applies only in European Union's member states.

May. 08, 2007

GA-N680SLI-DQ6

Motherboard

May. 08, 2007

Motherboard

GA-N680SLI-DQ6

Copyright

© 2007 GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. All rights reserved.

The trademarks mentioned in the manual are legally registered to their respective companies.

Notice

The written content provided with this product is the property of Gigabyte.

No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any

means without Gigabyte's prior written permission. Specifications and features are subject to

change without prior notice.

Product Manual Classification

In order to assist in the use of this product, Gigabyte has categorized the user manual in the

following:

 For quick installation, please refer to the "Hardware Installation Guide" included with the

product.

 For detailed product information and specifications, please carefully read the

"Product User Manual".

 For detailed information related to Gigabyte's unique features, please go to "Technology

Guide" section on Gigabyte's website to read or download the information you need.

For more product details, please click onto Gigabyte's website at www.gigabyte.com.tw

Table of Contents

Item Checklist ................................................................................................................. 6

Optional Accessories ...................................................................................................... 6

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard Layout ......................................................................... 7

Block Diagram ................................................................................................................ 8

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation ..................................................................................... 9

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation .................................................................... 9

1-2 Feature Summary .......................................................................................... 10

1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler ....................................................... 13

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU ......................................................................................... 13

1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler ............................................................................ 14

1-4 Installation of Memory .................................................................................... 15

1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards ...................................................................... 17

1-6 Connecting the e-SATA Cable Kit ................................................................... 18

1-7 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration ....................................... 19

1-8 I/O Back Panel Introduction ........................................................................... 22

1-9 Connectors Introduction .................................................................................. 23

Chapter 2 BIOS Setup ................................................................................................ 35

The Main Menu (For example: BIOS Ver. : FAa) ..................................................... 37

2-1 Standard CMOS Features ............................................................................. 39

2-2 Advanced BIOS Features.............................................................................. 41

2-3 Integrated Peripherals ..................................................................................... 43

2-4 Power Management Setup ............................................................................. 49

2-5 PnP/PCI Configurations................................................................................. 51

2-6 PC Health Status ........................................................................................... 52

2-7 MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.) ....................................................................... 54

2-8 Load Fail-Safe Defaults ................................................................................... 57

2-9 Load Optimized Defaults ................................................................................. 57

2-10 Set Supervisor/User Password ..................................................................... 58

2-11 Save & Exit Setup......................................................................................... 59

2-12 Exit Without Saving ....................................................................................... 59

- 4 -

Chapter 3 Drivers Installation ...................................................................................... 61

3-1 Install Chipset Drivers .................................................................................... 61

3-2 Software Applications ..................................................................................... 62

3-3 Driver CD Information .................................................................................... 62

3-4 Hardware Information ..................................................................................... 63

3-5 Contact Us ..................................................................................................... 63

Chapter 4 Appendix ................................................................................................... 65

4-1 Unique Software Utilities ................................................................................ 65

4-1-1 EasyTune 5 Introduction ..................................................................................... 65

4-1-2 Xpress Recovery2 Introduction ......................................................................... 66

4-1-3 Flash BIOS Method Introduction ........................................................................ 68

4-1-4 Configuring SATA Hard Drive(s) ........................................................................ 75

A. nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI Southbridge ........................................................................ 75

B. GIGABYTE SATA2 Controller ...................................................................................... 85

4-1-5 2- / 4- / 6- / 8- Channel Audio Function Introduction ...................................... 97

4-1-6 Windows Vista ReadyBoost ............................................................................ 104

4-2 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 105

- 5 -

Item Checklist

IDE Cable x 1, FDD Cable x 1

SATA 3Gb/s Cable x 4

I/O Shield

e-SATA Cable x 2

SLI Bridge (GC-SLICON6) x 1

Retention Bracket x 1

* The items listed above are for reference only, and are subject to change without notice.

Optional Accessories

 2 Ports USB 2.0 Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1UB030-51/R)

 4 Ports USB 2.0 Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1UB030-21/R)

 2 Ports IEEE 1394 Cable (Part Number: 12CF1-1IE008-01R)

 2 Ports SATA Power Cable (Part Number: 12CF1-2SERPW-01R)

 S/PDIF-IN Cable (Part Number: 12CR1-1SPDIN-01R)

- 6 -

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard Layout

OPTICAL

R_1394

KB_MS

COMA

USB_LAN1

USB_LAN2

DUAL_LAN

AUDIO

Marvell
88E8052

Marvell
88E8056

CODEC

CD_IN

F_AUDIO

Marvell
88E1116

NB_FAN

Marvell
88E1116

PCIE_16_1

PCI1

PCIE_8

PCI2

ATX_12V_2X

PCIE_1

LGA775

®

nVIDIA

nForce 680i SLI

Northbridge

PCIE_12V

CPU_FAN

GA-N680SLI-DQ6

DDRII1

®

nVIDIA

nForce 680i SLI

Southbridge

DDRII2

DDRII3

SATAII0

IT8718

BACKUP
BIOS

MAIN
BIOS

IDE

DDRII4

SATAII2

PWR_FAN

ATX

SYS_FAN

SATAII3

FDD

SATAII4

CI

SATAII5

SPDIF_IN

TSB43AB23

F1_1394

PCI3

F2_1394

PCIE_16_2

TPM

LPT

GSATAII1-0

- 7 -

GIGABYTE
SATA2

GSATAII1-1

GIGABYTE
SATA2

GSATAII2-0

GSATAII2-1

PWR_LED

F_USB3

CLR_CMOS

F_USB1

F_USB2

BATTERY

F_PANEL

SATAII1

Block Diagram

PCIe CLK

(100 MHz)

PCI Express x16

CPU CLK+/-(333/266/200/133 MHz)

LGA775

Processor

Host Interface

DDRII 800/667/533 MHz DIMM

Marvell

88E8052

PCI Express Bus

4 SATA 3Gb/s

PCI Bus

3 PCI

PCI CLK

(33 MHz)

LAN

RJ45

x1

LAN2

LAN1

TSB43AB23

LAN

RJ45

Marvell

88E8056

x1

GIGABYTE
SATA2 x 2

RJ45

RJ45

3 IEEE1394a

Surround Speaker Out

®

nVIDIA

nForce 680i SLI

Northbridge

®

nVIDIA

nForce 680i SLI

Marvell

88E1116 x 2

Southbridge

LPC BUS

CODEC

Line-In

SPDIF In

10 USB

Ports

SPDIF Out

PCI Express x8

MIC

Line-Out

Side Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

Dual Channel Memory

1 PCI Express x1

PCIe CLK
(100 MHz)

6 SATA 3Gb/s

ATA33/66/100/133
IDE Channel

IT8718

PCI Express x16

Floppy

LPT Port

COM Port

PS/2 KB/Mouse

Dual BIOS

- 8 -

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

1-1 Considerations Prior to Installation

Preparing Your Computer

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can
become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Thus, prior to installation, please
follow the instructions below:

1. Please turn off the computer and unplug its power cord.

2. When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.

3. It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) cuff when handling electronic components

(CPU, RAM).

4. Prior to installing the electronic components, please have these items on top of an antistatic pad or

within a electrostatic shielding container.

5. Please verify that the power supply is switched off before unplugging the power supply connector

from the motherboard.

Installation Notices

1. Prior to installation, please do not remove the stickers on the motherboard. These stickers are required

for warranty validation.

2. Prior to the installation of the motherboard or any hardware, please first carefully read the information

in the provided manual.

3. Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors are connected.

4. To prevent damage to the motherboard, please do not allow screws to come in contact with the

motherboard circuit or its components.

5. Please make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or

within the computer casing.

6. Please do not place the computer system on an uneven surface.

7. Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to system

components as well as physical harm to the user.

8. If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the product,

please consult a certified computer technician.

English

Instances of Non-Warranty

1. Damage due to natural disaster, accident or human cause.

2. Damage as a result of violating the conditions recommended in the user manual.

3. Damage due to improper installation.

4. Damage due to use of uncertified components.

5. Damage due to use exceeding the permitted parameters.

6. Product determined to be an unofficial Gigabyte product.

Hardware Installation- 9 -

English

1-2 Feature Summary

TM

CPU  LGA775 for Intel® Core

2 Extreme quad-core / Core
CoreTM 2 Quad / CoreTM 2 Duo / Pentium® processor Extreme Edition /
Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D

 L2 cache varies with CPU
Front Side Bus  Supports 1333/1066/800/533 MHz FSB
Chipset  nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI

(Northbridge: C55XE, Southbridge: MCP55P)

LAN  Onboard Marvell 88E8052/88E8056 chip (10/100/1000 Mbit)

 2 Onboard Marvell 88E1116 phy (10/100/1000 Mbit)
Audio  Onboard Realtek ALC888 DD chip

 Supports High Definition Audio

 Supports 2 / 4 / 6 / 8 channel audio

 Supports DTS (dts NEO : PC) function

 Supports Dolby Digital Live

 Supports S/PDIF In/Out connection

 Supports CD In connection
IEEE 1394  Onboard T.I. TSB43AB23 chip

 3 IEEE 1394a ports

Storage  nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI Southbridge

- 1 FDD connector supported by I/O controller, allowing connection of
1 FDD device

- 1 IDE connector with Ultra DMA-33, ATA-66/100/133 support,
allowing connection of 2 IDE devices

- 6 SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3, SATAII4,
SATAII5), allowing connection of 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices

- Supports data RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for
Serial ATA

 GIGABYTE SATA2 x 2 Controller

- 4 SATA 3Gb/s connectors (GSATAII1-0, GSATAII1-1, GSATAII2-0,
GSATAII2-1), allowing connection of 4 SATA 3Gb/s devices

- Supports data RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD for Serial ATA

O.S Support  Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
Memory  4 DDRII DIMM memory slots (supports up to 8 GB memory)

 Supports dual channel DDRII 800/667/533 unbuffered DIMMs
 Supports 1.8V DDRII DIMMs
 Supports ECC type DRAM

Expanstion Slots  2 PCI Express x16 slots

 1 PCI Express x8 slot
 1 PCI Express x1 slot
 3 PCI slots

TM

2 Extreme dual-core /

(Note 1)

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 10 -

Internal Connectors  1 24-pin ATX power connector

 1 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
 1 4-pin PCIe 12V power connector
 1 floppy connector
 1 IDE connector
 10 SATA 3Gb/s connectors
 1 CPU fan connector
 1 system fan connector
 1 power fan connector
 1 North Bridge fan connector
 1 front panel connector
 1 front audio connector
 1 CD In connector
 1 S/PDIF In connector
 3 USB 2.0/1.1 connectors for additional 6 ports by cables
 2 IEEE 1394a connectors for additional 2 ports by cables
 1 TPM connector
 1 LPT connector
 1 power LED connector
 1 Chassis Intrusion connector

Rear Panel I/O  1 PS/2 keyboard port

 1 PS/2 mouse port
 1 serial port
 1 IEEE 1394a port
 1 S/PDIF out port (optical)
 4 RJ-45 port
 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
 6 audio jacks (Line In / Line Out / MIC In / Surround Speaker Out (Rear

Speaker Out) / Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out / Side Speaker Out)
I/O Control  IT8718 chip
Hardware Monitor  System voltage detection

 CPU / System temperature detection
 CPU / System / Power fan speed detection
 CPU warning temperature
 CPU / System / Power fan failure warning
 CPU / System smart fan control

BIOS  2 4 Mbit flash ROM

 Use of licensed AWARD BIOS
 Supports Dual BIOS
 PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 1.0b

English

Hardware Installation- 11 -

English

Additional Features  Supports @BIOS

 Supports Download Center
 Supports Q-Flash
 Supports EasyTune

(Note 2)

 Supports Xpress Install
 Supports Xpress Recovery2
 Supports Xpress BIOS Rescue

Bundle Software  Norton Internet Security (OEM revision)
Overclocking  Over Voltage via BIOS (CPU, DDRII, NB/PCIE, SB/PCIE, FSB,

HT-Link, SB Standby)

- CPU Voltage :
Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.025V

(Note 3)

- DDRII Voltage :
Adjustable DDRII voltage at 0.025V
(Adjustable range from 0.025V to 0.775V)

- NB/PCIE Voltage :
Adjustable PCIe voltage at 0.05V
(Adjustable range from 0.05V to 0.20V)

- SB/PCIE Voltage :
Adjustable PCIe voltage at 0.05V
(Adjustable range from 0.05V to 0.55V)

- FSB Voltage :
Adjustable FSB voltage at 0.05V
(Adjustable range from 0.05V to 0.35V)

- HT-Link Voltage :
Adjustable HT-Link voltage at 0.05V
(Adjustable range from 0.05V to 0.35V)

- SB Standby Voltage :
Adjustable SB Standby voltage at 0.10V
(Adjustable range from 0.10V to 0.20V)

 Over Clock via BIOS (CPU, DDRII, PCIE)

- PCI Express x16 Clock:
Allows 1 MHz increment from 100 MHz to 150 MHz

- PCI Express x8 Clock:
Allows 1 MHz increment from 100 MHz to 150 MHz

- Adjustable CPU, DDRII frequencies

Form Factor  ATX form factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm

(Note 1) To use a DDR II 800/667 memory module on the motherboard, you must install a 1333/1066/

800 MHz FSB processor.
(Note 2) EasyTune functions may vary depending on different motherboards.
(Note 3) The adjustable range is dependent on CPUs.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 12 -

1-3 Installation of the CPU and CPU Cooler

Before installing the CPU, please comply with the following conditions:

1. Please make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU.

2. Please take note of the one indented corner of the CPU. If you install the CPU in the
wrong direction, the CPU will not insert properly. If this occurs, please change the
insert direction of the CPU.

3. Please add an even layer of heat sink paste between the CPU and CPU cooler.

4. Please make sure the CPU cooler is installed on the CPU prior to system use,
otherwise overheating and permanent damage of the CPU may occur.

5. Please set the CPU host frequency in accordance with the processor specifications. It
is not recommended that the system bus frequency be set beyond hardware specifica­tions since it does not meet the required standards for the peripherals. If you wish to set
the frequency beyond the proper specifications, please do so according to your hard­ware specifications including the CPU, graphics card, memory, hard drive, etc.

HT functionality requirement content :

Enabling the functionality of Hyper-Threading Technology for your computer system requires
all of the following platform components:

- CPU: An Intel® Pentium 4 Processor with HT Technology

- Chipset: An Intel® Chipset that supports HT Technology

- BIOS: A BIOS that supports HT Technology and has it enabled

- OS: An operation system that has optimizations for HT Technology

1-3-1 Installation of the CPU

Metal Lever

Fig. 1
Gently lift the metal
lever located on the
CPU socket to the
upright position.

English

Fig. 2
Remove the plastic
covering on the CPU
socket.

Fig. 3
Notice the small gold
colored triangle located
on the edge of the CPU
socket. Align the
indented corner of the

CPU with the triangle and gently insert the CPU into
position. (Grasping the CPU firmly between your
thumb and forefinger, carefully place it into the socket
in a straight and downwards motion. Avoid twisting or
bending motions that might cause damage to the CPU
during installation.)

Fig. 4
Once the CPU is
properly inserted,
please replace the
load plate and push the
metal lever back into
its original position.

Hardware Installation- 13 -

1-3-2 Installation of the CPU Cooler

Male Push Pin

English

Fig.1
Please apply an even layer of CPU cooler paste
on the surface of the installed CPU.

Fig. 3
Place the CPU cooler atop the CPU and make
sure the push pins aim to the pin hole on the
motherboard.Pressing down the push pins
diagonally.

The top of Female Push Pin

Female Push Pin

Fig. 2
(Turning the push pin along the direction of arrow is to
remove the CPU cooler, on the contrary, is to install.)
Please note the direction of arrow sign on the male
push pin doesn't face inwards before installation. (This
instruction is only for Intel boxed fan)

Fig. 4
Please make sure the Male and Female push pin
are joined closely. (for detailed installation
instructions, please refer to the CPU cooler instal­lation section of the user manual)

Fig. 5
Please check the back of motherboard after
installing. If the push pin is inserted as the picture,
the installation is complete.

The CPU cooler may adhere to the CPU as a result of hardening of the heat paste. To prevent
such an occurrence, it is suggested that either thermal tape rather than heat paste be used for
heat dissipation or using extreme care when removing the CPU cooler.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 14 -

Fig. 6
Finally, please attach the power connector of the
CPU cooler to the CPU fan header located on the
motherboard.

1-4 Installation of Memory

Before installing the memory modules, please comply with the following conditions:

1. Please make sure that the memory used is supported by the motherboard. It is
recommended that memory of similar capacity, specifications and brand be used.

2. Before installing or removing memory modules, please make sure that the computer
power is switched off to prevent hardware damage.

3. Memory modules have a foolproof insertion design. A memory module can be installed
in only one direction. If you are unable to insert the module, please switch the direction.

The motherboard supports DDRII memory modules, whereby BIOS will automatically detect memory
capacity and specifications. Memory modules are designed so that they can be inserted only in one direction.
The memory capacity used can differ with each slot.

Notch

DDRII

English

Fig.1
The DIMM socket has a notch, so the DIMM memory
module can only fit in one direction. Insert the DIMM memory
module vertically into the DIMM socket. Then push it down.

Fig.2
Close the plastic clip at both edges of the DIMM sockets to
lock the DIMM module.
Reverse the installation steps when you wish to remove
the DIMM module.

Hardware Installation- 15 -

English

Dual Channel Memory Configuration

The GA-N680SLI-DQ6 supports the Dual Channel Technology. After operat­ing the Dual Channel Technology, the bandwidth of memory bus will double.

The GA-N680SLI-DQ6 includes 4 DIMM sockets, and each Channel has two DIMM sockets as
following:

Channel 0 : DDRII1, DDRII2

Channel 1 : DDRII3, DDRII4
If you want to operate the Dual Channel Technology, please note the following explanations due to the
limitation of chipset specifications.

1. Dual Channel mode will not be enabled if only one DDRII memory module is installed.

2. To enable Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules (it is recommended to use
memory modules of identical brand, size, chips, and speed), you must install them into DIMM
sockets of the same color.

The following is a Dual Channel Memory configuration table:
(DS: Double Side, SS: Single Side, "--": Empty)

DDRII1 DDRII2 DDRII3 DDRII4

2 memory modules

4 memory modules

If two memory modules are to be used to achieve Dual Channel mode, we recommend
installing them in DDRII1 and DDRII3 DIMM sockets.

DS/SS - - DS/SS - -

- - DS/SS - - DS/SS

DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 16 -

1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards

To install your expansion card, follow the steps below.

1. Disconnect your system from its power source and read the expansion card's installation manual
before installing the expansion card in the computer.

2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer. Ground
yourself to prevent damage to your computer resulting from Electrostatic discharge (ESD).

3. Press the expansion card firmly into the expansion slot in the motherboard.

4. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are fully seated in the slot.

5. Replace the screw to secure the slot bracket of the expansion card.

6. Replace your computer's chassis cover.

7. Power on the computer, if necessary, configure required settings for the expansion card in system
BIOS Setup.

8. Install related driver in the operating system.

For example: Installing a PCI Express x16 VGA card:

To install the VGA card:
Please align the VGA card with the PCI Ex­press x16 slot and press down on the card.
Make sure the VGA card is locked by the
small white drawable bar.

To remove the VGA card:
When you try to uninstall the VGA card on the PCI Express x16 slot, you
can press the latch as the picture to the left shows to release the card.

English

The motherboard includes a PCIE_12V power connector, which provides
extra power to the onboard PCI Express x16 slot. When installing two
graphics cards, please connect the power cable from the power supply to
this connector.

Hardware Installation- 17 -

English

1-6 Connecting the e-SATA Cable Kit

The e-SATA cable kit allows you to connect external SATA device(s) to your system by expanding the
internal SATA port(s) to the chassis back panel.

• Turn off your system and the power switch on the power supply before installing or
removing the SATA bracket and SATA power cable to prevent damage to hardware.

• Insert the SATA signal cable and SATA power cable securely into the corresponding connec­tors when installing.

SATA Bracket

SATA Signal Cable SATA Power Cable

The e-SATA cable kit includes one SATA bracket,

e-SATA

Connector

Power

Connector

e-SATA

Connector

one SATA signal cable, and one SATA power cable.

Follow the steps below to install the e-SATA cable kit:

Step 1:
Locate one free PCI
slot and secure the
SATA bracket to the
chassis back panel
with a screw.

Step 3:
Connect the power
cable from the
bracket to the power
supply.

Step 5:
Connect the other ends of the SATA signal cable and SATA power cable
to your SATA devices. For SATA device in external enclosure, you only
need to connect the SATA signal cable. Before connecting the SATA signal
cable, make sure to turn off the power of the external enclosure.

Step 2:
Connect the SATA
cable from the
bracket to the SATA
port on your
motherboard.

Step 4:
Plug one end of the
SATA signal cable into
the e-SATA connec­tor on the bracket.
Then attach the SATA
power cable to the
power connector on
the bracket.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 18 -

1-7 Setup of SLI (Scalable Link Interface) Configuration

nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI offers blistering graphics performance with the ability to bridge two NVIDIA SLI­ready PCI ExpressTM graphics cards! The SLI design takes advantage of the increased bandwidth of
the PCI ExpressTM bus architecture, features hardware and software innovations within NVIDIA GPU
(graphics processing unit) and the nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI chipset. Together, the NVIDIA SLI technolo­gies work seamlessly to allow two graphics cards to operate in parallel and share the work and deliver
heart-pounding PC performance. This section introduces steps to configure an SLI system on the
GA-N680SLI-DQ6 motherboard.

Before you begin--

The exact power requirements will depend on your overall system configurations. You need
a power supply that can provide sufficient and stable power to your system and the two SLI
graphics cards. Please refer to the table below to check recommended power for different
systems.

System configuration System A System B

Processors Intel QX6700 Intel X6800

PCIE x16 video cards 2±iNVIDIA 6800 Ultra cards 2±iNVIDIA 6600 GT cards

DDR memory modules 4 DIMMs 2 DIMMs

Hard drives/Optical drives 4 hard drives + 2 optical drives 1 hard drives + 1 optical drives

Expansion cards 1 PCIE x1 card + 2 PCI cards 0

USB devices 10 4

IEEE 1394 devices 1 0

Required +12V current 25A or above 20A or above

Power supply requirement 500W or above 350W or above

English

If you wish to enable the SLI function, install two SLI-ready graphics cards into the PCIE_16_1 and
PCIE_16_2 slots. (It is recommended to use graphics cards of identical brand and chips. For example:
GIGABYTE GV-NX76T256D-RH).
If you want to set up a single graphics card system, we recommend installing the graphics card on the
PCIE_16_1 slot to ensure better display performance.

Hardware Installation- 19 -

English

Connecting Two Graphics Cards:

Step 1: Observe the steps in "1-5 Installation of Expansion Cards"

and install two SLI-ready graphics cards of the same
model to the PCIE_16_1 and PCIE_16_2 slots.

Step 2: Insert the SLI bridge (the GC-SLICON6) to the SLI gold

edge connector on top of both cards. Make sure the two
mini female slots on the bridge connector securely fit
onto the SLI gold edge connetors of both cards.

Female slots on the bridge

connector

Gold edge connector on the top

of graphics card

Step 3: In order to securely fix the bridge connector beween the

two cards, you must install the retention bracket in­cluded with the motherboard and secure the retention
bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

place this part on the top of

the bridge connector.

retention bracket

Step 4: Plug the display cable into the graphics card which on

the PCIE_16_1 slot

(Note)

.

(Note) If you want to enable the SLI function, you must plug the display cable into the graphics card

which on the PCIE_16_1 slot.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 20 -

Graphics Card Driver Setting:

Step 1: After installing graphics card driver in operating system,

right-click the NVIDIA icon in your system tray and then
select NVIDIA Display. The NVIDIA control panel will
appear.

Step 2: Select SLI multi-GPU from the side menu and then

select the Enable SLI multi-GPU checkbox in the SLI
multi-GPU dialog box. System will restart after you
click Apply. Then the SLI configuration is completed.

English

Hardware Installation- 21 -

English

1-8 I/O Back Panel Introduction

PS/2 Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Connector

To install a PS/2 port keyboard and mouse, plug the mouse to the upper port (green) and the
keyboard to the lower port (purple).

COMA

Connects to serial-based mouse or data processing devices.

OPTICAL

The S/PDIF optical output port is capable of providing digital audio to external speakers or
compressed AC3 data to an external Dolby Digital Decoder via an optical cable.

IEEE 1394 Port (4 Pins Connector)

Serial interface standard set by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which has features
like high speed, high bandwidth and hot plug.

LAN Port

The provided Internet connection is Gigabit Ethernet , providing data transfer speeds of 10/100/
1000 Mbps.

USB Port

Before you connect your device(s) into USB connector(s), please make sure your device(s) such
as USB keyboard, mouse, scanner, zip, speaker...etc. have a standard USB interface. Also
make sure your OS supports USB controller. If your OS does not support USB controller, please
contact OS vendor for possible patch or driver upgrade. For more information please contact your
OS or device(s) vendors.

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out

The default Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack. Center/Subwoofer speakers can be connected to
Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out jack.

Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out)

The default Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack. Rear surround speakers can be
connected to Surround Speaker Out (Rear Speaker Out) jack.

Side Speaker Out

The default Side Speaker Out jack. Surround side speakers can be connected to Side Speaker Out
jack.

Line In

The default Line In jack. Devices like CD-ROM, walkman etc. can be connected to Line In jack.

Line Out (Front Speaker Out)

The default Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack. Stereo speakers, earphone or front surround
speakers can be connected to Line Out (Front Speaker Out) jack.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 22 -

MIC In

The default MIC In jack. Microphone must be connected to MIC In jack.

In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be reconfigured to
perform different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected
to the default Mic In jack ( ). Please refer to the 2-/4-/6-/8- channel audio setup steps for
detailed software configuration information.

1-9 Connectors Introduction

422

1

3

6

English

7

15

16

17

19

21

1) ATX_12V_2X

2) ATX (Power Connector)

3) PCIE_12V

4) CPU_FAN

5) SYS_FAN

6) PWR_FAN

7) NB_FAN

8) FDD

9) IDE

10) SATAII0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

11) GSATAII1-0 / GSATAII1-1 / GSATAII2-0 /

GSATAII2-1

2

8
9

5

10

18
23

13

20

11

12

14

12) PWR_LED

13) BATTERY

14) F_PANEL

15) F_AUDIO

16) CD_IN

17) SPDIF_IN

18) F_USB1 / F_USB2 / F_USB3

19) F1_1394 / F2_1394

20) LPT

21) TPM

22) C I

23) CLR_CMOS

Hardware Installation- 23 -

English

1/2) ATX_12V_2X / ATX (Power Connector)

With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the
components on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, please make sure that
all components and devices are properly installed. Align the power connector with its proper
location on the motherboard and connect tightly.
The ATX 12V (2x4-pin) power connector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the ATX 12V (2x4)
power connector is not connected, the system will not start. If you wish to install a power supply
that provides ATX 12V (2x2-pin) power connector, please connect the ATX 12V power connector
to the Pin 3, 4, 7, 8 of the onboard ATX_12V_2X power connector according to the pin definitions.
Important Use of a power supply providing an ATX 12V (2x4-pin) power connector is recom­mended by processor manufacturer when using Intel® Pentium® Extreme Edition series processors
(130W or greater).
Caution! Please use a power supply that is able to handle the system voltage requirements. It is
recommended that a power supply that can withstand high power consumption be used (400W or
greater). If a power supply is used that does not provide the required power, the result can lead to an
unstable system or a system that is unable to start. If you use a power supply that provides a 24-pin
ATX or 2x4 pin ATX 12V power connector, please remove the small cover on the power connector on
the motherboard before plugging in the power cord; otherwise, please do not remove it.

Pin No. Definition

8

5

ATX_12V_2X

4

1

1 GND

2 GND

3 GND

4 GND

5 +12V

6 +12V

7 +12V

8 +12V

12

24

131

ATX

Pin No. Definition

1 3.3V

2 3.3V

3 GND

4 +5V

5 GND

6 +5V

7 GND

8 Power Good

9 5V SB(stand by +5V)

10 +12V

11 +12V(Only for 24-pin ATX)

12 3.3V(Only for 24-pin ATX)

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 24 -

Pin No. Definition

13 3.3V

14 -12V

15 GND

16 PS_ON(soft On/Off)

17 GND

18 GND

19 GND

20 -5V

21 +5V

22 +5V

23 +5V (Only for 24-pin ATX)

24 GND(Only for 24-pin ATX)

3) PCIE_12V (Power Connector)

This power connector provides extra power to the onboard PCI Express x16 slot. When installing
two graphics cards, please connect the power cable from the power supply to this connector, or
system instability may occur.

English

1

PIin No. Definition

1NC

2 GND

3 GND

4 +12V

4/5/6) CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN / PWR_FAN (Cooler Fan Power Connector)

The cooler fan power connector supplies a +12V power voltage via a 3-pin/4-pin(CPU_FAN/
SYS_FAN) power connector and possesses a foolproof connection design.
Most coolers are designed with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire
indicates a positive connection and requires a +12V power voltage. The black connector wire is
the ground wire (GND).
Remember to connect the CPU/system/power fan cable to the CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN/PWR_FAN
connector to prevent CPU damage or system hanging caused by overheating.

CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN :

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V / Speed Control

1

CPU_FAN / SYS_FAN

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

PWR_FAN

PWR_FAN :

1

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V

3 Sense

Hardware Installation- 25 -

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7) NB_FAN (North Bridge Fan Header)

Connect the North Bridge fan cable to this header. The fan header has a foolproof insertion design.
When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation. Most fans are designed
with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a positive connec­tion and requires a +12V voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire.

1

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2 +12V

3NC

8) FDD (Floppy Connector)

The FDD connector is used to connect the FDD cable while the other end of the cable connects to
the FDD drive. The types of FDD drives supported are: 360 KB, 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB and

2.88 MB. Before attaching the FDD cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the FDD
connector.

34

33

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 26 -

2

1

9) IDE (IDE Connector)

An IDE device connects to the computer via an IDE connector. One IDE connector can connect to one
IDE cable, and the single IDE cable can then connect to two IDE devices (hard drive or optical drive).
If you wish to connect two IDE devices, please set the jumper on one IDE device as Master and the
other as Slave (for information on settings, please refer to the instructions located on the IDE device).
Before attaching the IDE cable, please take note of the foolproof groove in the IDE connector.

English

40

2

39

1

10) SATAII0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 (SATA 3Gb/s Connector, Controlled by nVIDIA® nForce 680i SLI

Southbridge)

SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300 MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the SATA
3Gb/s and install the proper driver in order to work properly.

1

7

SATAII5

SATAII4

7

7

1

SATAII0

SATAII1

17

17

1

17

SATAII3

SATAII2

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

2TXP

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

Hardware Installation- 27 -

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11) GSATAII1-0 / GSATAII1-1 / GSATAII2-0 / GSATAII2-1 (SATA 3Gb/s Connector, Controlled

by GIGABYTE SATA2)

SATA 3Gb/s can provide up to 300 MB/s transfer rate. Please refer to the BIOS setting for the SATA
3Gb/s and install the proper driver in order to work properly.

Pin No. Definition

1 GND

17

2TXP

3 TXN

4 GND

5 RXN

6 RXP

7 GND

12) PWR_LED

The PWR_LED connector is connected with the system power indicator to indicate whether the
system is on/off. It will blink when the system enters suspend mode(S1).

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 28 -

1

Pin No. Definition

1 MPD+

2 MPD-

3 MPD-

13) BATTERY

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the

manufacturer.

Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you want to erase CMOS...

1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Gently take out the battery and put it aside for about one minute.

(Or you can use a metal object to connect the positive and negative

pins in the battery holder to make them short for five seconds.)

3. Re-install the battery.

4. Plug the power cord in and turn on the computer.

14) F_PANEL (Front Panel Jumper)

Please connect the power LED, PC speaker, reset switch and power switch etc. of your chassis
front panel to the F_PANEL connector according to the pin assignment below.

Message LED/

Power/

Sleep LED

2
1

MSG+

HD+

Switch

MSG-

HD-

Power

PW+

PW-

RES+

RES-

Speaker Connector

SPEAK+

NC

SPEAK-

20

19

English

Reset Switch

IDE Hard Disk Active LED

MSG (Message LED/Power/Sleep LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Yellow) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
PW (Power Switch) Open: Normal
(Red) Cl ose: Pow er O n/Of f
SPEAK (Speaker Connector) Pin 1: Power
(Amber) Pin 2- Pin 3: NC

Pin 4: Data(-)
HD (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) Pin 1: LED anode(+)
(Blue) Pin 2: LED cathode(-)
RES (Reset Switch) Open: Normal
(Green) Close: Reset Hardware System
NC ( Purple) NC

Hardware Installation- 29 -

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15) F_AUDIO (Front Audio Connector)

This connector supports either HD (High Definition) or AC97 front panel audio module. If you wish
to use the front audio function, connect the front panel audio module to this connector. Check the pin
assignments carefully while you connect the front panel audio module. Incorrect connection
between the module and connector will make the audio device unable to work or even damage it.
For optional front panel audio module, please contact your chassis manufacturer.

910

2

1

HD Audio:

Pin No. Definition

1 MIC2_L

2 GND

3 MIC2_R

4 -ACZ_DET

5 LINE2_R

6 FSENSE1

7 FAUDIO_JD

8 No Pin

9 LINE2_L

10 FSENSE2

By default, the audio driver is configured to support HD Audio. To connect an AC97 front panel
audio module to this connector, please refer to the instructions on page 101 about the software
settings.

AC'97 Audio:

Pin No. Definition

1 MIC

2 GND

3 MIC Power

4NC

5 Line Out (R)

6NC

7NC

8 No Pin

9 Line Out (L)

10 NC

16) CD_IN (CD IN Connector)

Connect CD-ROM or DVD-ROM audio out to the connector.

GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboard - 30 -

Pin No. Definition

1 CD-L

2 GND

3 GND

4 CD-R

1