NVIDIA XFX 680i LT SLI User manual

User Guide
XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Installation and Configuration
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Table of Contents
Before You Begin… .....................................................................................xii
Parts NOT in the Kit......................................................................................... xii
Intentions of the Kit ....................................................................................... xiii
Introduction to the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard.......................... 1
Features ...........................................................................................................1
Ultimate Overclocking ....................................................................................1
Guaranteed FSB speeds .................................................................................1
High-speed Memory .......................................................................................1
Comprehensive Overclocking Tools .................................................................2
NVIDIA nTune Utility ..................................................................................2
NV BIOS....................................................................................................2
Designed for NVIDIA SLI Technology..............................................................2
True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support ...............................................................2
NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory ............................................................................2
NVIDIA SLI Certified Components...................................................................3
DualDDR2 Memory Architecture......................................................................3
NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage .......................................................................3
Multiple Disk Setup ........................................................................................3
DiskAlert System ...........................................................................................3
RAID Morphing ..............................................................................................3
Bootable Multidisk Array.................................................................................4
Networking with NVIDIA nForce .....................................................................4
iii
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet ......................................................................4
NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology ...................................................................4
TCP/IP Acceleration .......................................................................................4
High Definition Audio (HDA) ...........................................................................4
USB 2.0.........................................................................................................5
Motherboard Specifications .................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ...............................................................7
Unpacking.........................................................................................................7
Equipment ........................................................................................................7
XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard..................................................................8
Hardware Installation .................................................................................11
Safety Instructions ..........................................................................................11
Preparing the Motherboard ..............................................................................12
Installing the CPU ........................................................................................12
Installing the CPU Fan..................................................................................13
Installing Memory DIMMs .............................................................................13
Installing the Motherboard ...............................................................................14
Installing the I/O Shield ...............................................................................14
Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis....................................................14
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches ...........................................................15
Power Connections ......................................................................................16
24-pin ATX Power (PWR1) ........................................................................16
8-pin ATX 12V Power (PWR2) ...................................................................17
Auxiliary Power for Graphics (PWR3).........................................................17
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives ..................................................................18
Connecting Serial ATA Cables .......................................................................18
Connecting Internal Headers ........................................................................19
Front Panel Header ..................................................................................19
iv
IEEE 1394a..............................................................................................20
USB Headers ...........................................................................................20
Audio ..........................................................................................................22
Fan Connections ..........................................................................................23
COM1 .........................................................................................................24
FDD Connector ............................................................................................24
Speaker ......................................................................................................24
Expansion Slots ...........................................................................................24
Expansion Slots ...........................................................................................24
PCI Slots .................................................................................................25
PCI Express x1 Slot ..................................................................................25
PCI Express x16 Slots...............................................................................25
Jumper Settings ..............................................................................................26
Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS ..................................................................26
Configuring the BIOS ..................................................................................27
Enter BIOS Setup ............................................................................................28
Main Menu......................................................................................................28
Standard CMOS Features Menu ........................................................................31
Date and Time.............................................................................................32
IDE Channel and SATA Channel....................................................................32
Drive A........................................................................................................34
Halt On .......................................................................................................34
Memory ......................................................................................................35
Advanced BIOS Features .................................................................................36
Removable Device Priority ............................................................................37
Hard Disk Boot Priority .................................................................................37
Network Boot Priority ...................................................................................37
v
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
CPU Internal Cache......................................................................................37
Quick Power On Self Test .............................................................................38
First/Second/Third Boot Device.....................................................................38
Boot Other Device .......................................................................................38
Boot Up NumLock Status..............................................................................38
Security Option............................................................................................39
APIC Mode ..................................................................................................39
MPS Version Control For OS .........................................................................39
Full Screen LOGO Show ...............................................................................39
Advanced Chipset Features ..............................................................................40
System Clocks .............................................................................................41
Frequency Settings ..................................................................................42
HT Multiplier ............................................................................................43
Spread Spectrum .....................................................................................43
FSB & Memory Config ..................................................................................44
CPU Configuration .......................................................................................48
System Voltages ..........................................................................................49
NVMEM Memory Test ...................................................................................51
PCI Clocks......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Load Timing/Voltage Set ..............................................................................51
Save Timing/Voltage Set ..............................................................................52
System BIOS Cacheable ...............................................................................52
HPET Function.............................................................................................52
NVIDIA GPU Ex ...........................................................................................52
Integrated Peripherals Menu ............................................................................53
IDE Function Setup ......................................................................................54
RAID Config ................................................................................................55
USB Config..................................................................................................55
vi
MAC Config .................................................................................................56
IEEE1394 controller .....................................................................................56
HD Audio ....................................................................................................56
IDE HDD Block Mode ...................................................................................56
Onboard FDC Controller ...............................................................................56
Onboard Serial Port 1...................................................................................56
Power Management Setup Menu ......................................................................57
ACPI Function..............................................................................................57
ACPI Suspend Type .....................................................................................57
Soft-Off by PBNT .........................................................................................58
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off ...........................................................................58
Power On by Alarm ......................................................................................58
POWER ON Function ....................................................................................58
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu ............................................................................59
Init Display First ..........................................................................................60
Reset Configuration Data .............................................................................60
Resources Controlled By...............................................................................60
IRQ Resources.............................................................................................61
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop ................................................................................61
Maximum Payload Size.................................................................................61
System Monitor Menu ......................................................................................62
Dynamic Fan Control....................................................................................63
Software Installation ..................................................................................65
Windows XP Drivers Install ..............................................................................66
Using the NVIDIA Software .......................................................................67
NVIDIA Monitor...............................................................................................68
NVIDIA nTune 5.0 ...........................................................................................69
vii
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Manual Tuning ............................................................................................70
Adjust Motherboard Settings.....................................................................70
System Voltages ......................................................................................72
System Fans ............................................................................................72
Memory Timing........................................................................................73
Adjust GPU Settings .................................................................................75
Dynamic BIOS Access ..................................................................................76
Available BIOS Pages ...............................................................................77
General Settings ......................................................................................77
Advanced Settings ...................................................................................77
Boot up Setting........................................................................................78
Automatic Tuning ........................................................................................79
Management ...............................................................................................81
View System Information..........................................................................81
Adjust Custom Rules ................................................................................83
System Stability ..............................................................................................84
Perform Stability Test...................................................................................84
Storage...........................................................................................................85
Health.........................................................................................................86
View Storage Configuration ......................................................................86
Management ...............................................................................................87
Delete Array ............................................................................................87
Rebuild Array...........................................................................................89
Migrating Array ........................................................................................91
Synchronize Array ....................................................................................93
NVIDIA Networking .........................................................................................95
Performance................................................................................................96
First Packet..............................................................................................96
viii
TCP/IP Acceleration .....................................................................................98
Teaming ........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
System Update .......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Accessing System Update ...................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration...................................102
Building an SLI System ..................................................................................102
Determine Component and Operating System Needs ...................................102
Install Your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Parts ...........................................................105
Install NVIDIA SLI Software .......................................................................107
Enable NVIDIA SLI.....................................................................................108
Index .........................................................................................................110
ix
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
List of Figures
Figure 1. XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Layout ........................................9
Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors ...........................................................10
Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector...........................................................16
Figure 4. Expansion Slots ................................................................................25
Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu ..................................................29
Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu .........................................................31
Figure 7. Advanced BIOS Features Menu..........................................................36
Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features ...............................................................40
Figure 9. System Clocks Menu .........................................................................41
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
FSB & Memory Config Menu ..........................................................44
CPU Configuration Menu................................................................48
System Voltages Menu ..................................................................49
Integrated Peripherals Menu..........................................................53
Power Management Setup Menu....................................................57
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu..........................................................59
System Monitor Menu....................................................................62
NVIDIA Control Panel, Select a Category ........................................67
Figure 18.
Figure 19.
Figure 20.
Figure 21.
Figure 22.
Figure 23.
x
Performance Control Panel Categories (nTune) ...............................69
Adjust Motherboard Settings (nTune).............................................71
Adjust GPU Settings (nTune) .........................................................75
Dynamic BIOS Access (nTune).......................................................76
Tune System Menu (nTune) ..........................................................80
View System Information (nTune)..................................................81
Figure 24.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
Figure 27.
Figure 28.
Figure 29.
Adjust Custom Rules (nTune) ........................................................83
Perform Stability Test ....................................................................84
Storage Control Panel Categories (MediaShield) ..............................85
View Storage Configuration (MediaShield) ......................................86
Networking Control Panel Categories..............................................96
SLI Slots on the Motherboard ......................................................105
xi
Parts NOT in the Kit
This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new XFX nForce® 680i LT SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.
Intel microprocessor: Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Duo Pentium EE, Pentium
Cooling fan for the microprocessor
System memory support: Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 800 MHz SLI-Ready Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory.
Graphics Card This motherboard is capable of using the NVIDIA SLI technology. To utilize this technology requires two SLI-capable graphics cards. When ordering a graphics card, be sure it is a PCI Express card. The kit does contain the SLI connector used to connect the two graphics cards. See Installing Graphics Cards
in an SLI Configuration on page 102.
Power Supply The power supply requirement is dependent upon the power and the number of the GPUs you install. If you are going to SLI two graphics cards, you are going to require more power. As a rule, for one GPU you need a minimum of a 300 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.
Before You Begin…
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.
xii
Introduction
Intentions of the Kit
This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary to install the motherboard into a PC chassis. 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 chassis, you will need to reinstall an operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.
xiii
Thank you for buying the XFX NFORCE 680i LT SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users demand. When combined with two SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you get innovative NVIDIA SLI Technology for enhanced system performance.
Features
Introduction to the
XFX nForce 680i LT
SLI Motherboard
Ultimate Overclocking
Unleash the underlying hardware. With comprehensive overclocking tools to push the limits on front side bus (FSB) speed and support for higher memory speeds, the NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCPs were designed for overclocking.
Guaranteed FSB speeds
Reach FSB speeds of 1333MHz with a CPU that supports this specification.
High-speed Memory
This board supports high-speed SLI-Ready memory up to DDR2-800 to keep pace with overclocked system components.
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
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
NVIDIA nTune™ is a Windows-based utility that has added access to more settings. Adjust CPU and memory speeds without rebooting. You can also access most BIOS settings from inside Windows without having to go into the BIOS. Save and automatically load profiles for each application you run.
NV BIOS
NV BIOS delivers easy-to-use tuning to let you have full control over your hardware including processor voltage tables and memory drive strengths.
Designed for NVIDIA SLI Technology
NVIDIA SLI technology is a revolutionary platform innovation that allows users to intelligently scale graphics performance by combining multiple NVIDIA graphics solutions in a single system with an NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCP.
True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support
Two full-bandwidth, 16-lane PCI Express links ensure maximum graphics performance for next-generation GPUs and games. True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support offers twice the PCI Express bandwidth of x8 SLI solutions.
NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory
NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCP automatically increases bandwidth when select SLI Certified memory modules are detected.
2
Introduction
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 XFX nForce 680i LT SLI motherboards. For more information on SLI Certified components, visit
DualDDR2 Memory Architecture
A state-of-the-art Dual DDR2 memory controller allows high bandwidth and low latency data access to the CPU and GPU. Ensures data and information are relayed through the system as quickly as possible for incredible performance.
NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage
NVIDIA MediaShield is a suite of features that safeguards your most important digital media assets; always reliable, scalable, and accessible. MediaShield includes RAID and SATA drive support.
www.SLIZone.com\nForce
.
Multiple Disk Setup
Through a simple wizard-based interface, you can effortlessly set up your drives for better data protection, faster disk access or maximum storage capacity. MediaShield automatically selects RAID 0, 1, 0+1 or 5 configurations according to your needs. Advanced users can access RAID options directly.
DiskAlert System
The event of a disk failure, MediaShield users see an image that highlights which disk has failed to make it easier to identify, replace, and recover.
RAID Morphing
MediaShield allows users to change their current RAID set-up to another configuration in a one-step process called morphing. This eliminates the need to back up data and follow multiple steps in the process.
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Bootable Multidisk Array
MediaShield storage fully supports the use of multi-disk array for loading the operating system at power-up.
Networking with NVIDIA nForce
NVIDIA networking delivers the highest network throughput at the lowest CPU utilization. The manageable and stable NVIDIA networking solution results in better networking management and a lower total cost of ownership. Only NVIDIA integrates this level of networking features to allow you to take your online experience to the next level.
NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet
The industry’s fastest Gigabit Ethernet performance eliminates network bottlenecks and improves overall system efficiency and performance.
NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology
Be the ‘King of Ping’ with NVIDIA FirstPacket technology. Get the crystal­clear phone conversations and online gaming performance you expect. NVIDIA FirstPacket technology assures your game data, VoIP conversations, and large file transfers are delivered according to preferences set by you in an intuitive wizard.
TCP/IP Acceleration
TCP/IP Acceleration delivers the highest system performance by offloading CPU-intensive packet filtering tasks in hardware, providing users with a PC networking environment that is faster.
High Definition Audio (HDA)
High definition audio brings consumer electronics quality sound to the PC delivering high quality sound from multiple channels. Using HDA, systems can deliver 192 kHz/32-bit quality for eight channels, supporting new audio formats.
4
Introduction
USB 2.0
USB 2.0 is standard plug-and-play interface that provides easy-to-use connectivity for USB devices.
Motherboard Specifications
Size ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch
Microprocessor support Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Quad, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE, Pentium
Operating systems: Supports Windows XP 32bit/64bit and Windows Vista 32bit/64bit
Contains NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCP and SPP
System Memory support Supports dual channel JEDEC DDR2-800 and SLI-Ready memory up to 800 MHz. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memories.
USB 2.0 Ports
Supports hot plug Eight USB 2.0 ports (four rear panel ports, four onboard USB headers) Supports wake-up from S1 and S3 mode Supports USB 2.0 protocol up to 480 Mbps transmission rate
Onboard Serial ATA II
300MBps data transfer rate Six Serial ATA II connectors NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )
Onboard LAN
Single LAN interface built-in onboard Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Onboard 1394
Support hot plug Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate of
transmission at 400 Mbps
Onboard Audio
Azalia High-Definition audio Supports 8-channel audio Supports S/PDIF output Supports Jack-Sensing function
Dual PCI Express x16 Support
Supports 4 GB/sec (8 GB/sec concurrent) bandwidth Low power consumption and power management features
Green Function
Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) Supports S0 (normal), S1 (power on suspend), S3 (suspend to RAM), S4
(Suspend to disk - depends on OS), and S5 (soft - off)
Expansion Slots
Two PCI slots Two PCI Express x1 slot Two PCI Express x16 Graphics slots
6
Unpacking
The XFX nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for adding a motherboard to a new chassis. If you are replacing a motherboard, you may not need many of these cables.
Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing box. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your reseller.
All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.
Unpacking and
Parts Descriptions
Equipment
The following equipment is included in the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard box.
XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard This PCI Express motherboard contains the
NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI SPP and MCP and is
7
SLI-ready.
I/O Shield Installs in the chassis to block radio frequency
transmissions, protect internet components from dust and foreign objects and aids in proper airflow within the chassis.
Floppy Cable Used to attach a floppy drive to the motherboard.
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
2-Port SATA Power Cable
1394 Cable Provides two additional 1394 ports to either the
front or back panels of the chassis.
USB 2.0 4-Port Cable Provides four additional USB ports to either the
front or back panels of the chassis.
SATA Signal Cable (Qty Two) Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and each
one connects a single drive to the motherboard
IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable
SLI Connector Used to connect two graphic cards installed in the
x16 PCI Express slots in an SLI configuration.
XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
The XFX nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard with the NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI SPP and MCP processors is a PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard. Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.
8
Unpacking and Parts Description
4
5
9
8
11
10
7
6
14
15
16
14
18 19 18
21
21 19
23
24
22
9
12
13
20
17
2
3
1. CPU Socket 9. Serial-ATA connectors 17. Front Audio connector
2. NVIDIA SPP with Active fan 10. NVIDIA MCP 18. PCI slots
3. CPU fan connector 11. Floppy drive connector 19. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)
4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3 12. USB headers 20. NVIDIA MCP fan connector
5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector 13. Motherboard battery 21. PCI Express x1 slot
6. IDE Connector 14. Fan Headers 22. NVIDIA SPP fan connector
7. Front panel connector 15. Serial connector 23. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2)
8. AUX PEX Power connector 16. Clear CMOS 24. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector
Figure 1. XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Layout
9
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
2 5
6
8
7 3 4
1
1. PS/2 Mouse Port
2. PS/2 Keyboard Port
3. 1394a (Firewire) Port
4. USB 2.0 ports (two)
5. SPDIF output
6. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange Center/Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Grey
7. USB 2.0 Ports (two)
8. Lan Port with LEDs to indicate status.
Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity
Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/link/Activity
Green/Light Up/Blink = 1000 Mbps/Link/Activity
10
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
Installing the CPU Installing the CPU fan Installing the memory
Installing the motherboard
Connecting cables and setting switches
Safety Instructions
Hardware Installation
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic safety precautions.
Remember to remove power from your computer by disconnecting the AC main source before removing or installing any equipment from/to the computer chassis.
11
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
notches on the CPU
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.
1. Remove the protective socket cover on the load
plate which is used to protect the socket when there is no CPU installed.
2. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and away
from the socket.
3. Lift the load plate.
4. Remove the processor from its protective cover,
making sure you hold it only by the edges. It is a good idea to save the cover so that whenever you remove the CPU, you have a safe place to store it.
5. Align the notches in the processor with the
notches on the socket.
6. Lower the processor straight down into the socket
with out tilting or sliding it into the socket
not
contain a CPU or memory. You
Align notches with
12
Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level in the
socket.
7. Close the load plate over the CPU and press down
while you close and engage the socket lever.
Hardware Installation
CPU side
Installing the CPU Fan
There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard. Follow the instructions that came with your 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. (See Figure 1 on page 9 for the location of the memory slots on the card)
One DIMM: Install into slot 0. You can install the DIMM into any slot, however, slot 0 is preferred.
Two DIMMs: Install into either slots 0 and 1 or 2 and 3. To take full advantage of dual-channel memory, alternating slots should be populated. For example with two DIMMs, slots 0 and 1 should be used.
Four DIMMS: Install into slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.
DIMM Slot 0
DIMM Slot 2
DIMM Slot 1
DIMM Slot 3
Card-edge side
Use the following procedure to install memory DIMMs into the slots on the motherboard. Note that there is only one gap near the center of the DIMM slot. This slot matches the slot on the memory DIMM to ensure the component is installed properly.
1. Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the module clips outward.
2. Align the memory module to the DIMM slot, and insert the module
vertically into the DIMM slot. The plastic clips at both sides of the DIMM slot automatically lock the DIMM into the connector.
13
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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 mother board to be secured to the chassis and help to prevent short circuits. If there are studs that do not align with a mounting hole on the motherboard, it is recommended that you remove that stud to prevent the possibility of a short circuit.
1. Carefully place the motherboard onto the studs/spacers located inside the
chassis.
2. Align the mounting holes with the studs/spacers.
3. Align the connectors to the I/O shield.
4. Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to
the fan assembly instruction.
5. Secure the motherboard with a minimum of eight-to-ten screws.
14
Hardware Installation
Connecting Cables and Setting Switches
This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary on the motherboard. This will include:
Power Connections
24-pin ATX power ( 8-pin ATX 12V power (Auxiliary power for graphics (
Internal Headers
Front panel IEEE 1394a USB Headers Audio Speaker COM
FDD
IDE
Serial ATA II
Chassis Fans
Rear panel USB 2.0 Adapter
Expansion slots
CMOS jumper settings
PWR1
PWR2
)
)
PWR3
)
See Figure 1 on page 9 to locate the connectors and jumpers referenced in the following procedure.
15
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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
is the main power supply connector located along the edge of the board
(PWR1)
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.
PWR1 connector Plug power cable from system power supply to PWR1
Card edge
Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector
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
16
Hardware Installation
8-pin ATX 12V Power (
PWR2
, the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the
PWR2
)
CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated.
Backpanel connector edge.
12V
5
8
1
GND
Connect a four-pin
4
power plug to pins
5
1
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 (
The
PWR3
connector is an auxiliary power connection for graphics cards.
PWR3
)
Exclusive power for the graphics card provides better graphics performance.
+5V GND
Card Edge
17
GND +1.2
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
SATA
3
SATA
4
SATA
2 (top)
SATA
1 (bottom)
Connecting IDE Hard Disk Drives
The IDE connector supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66 IDE hard disk drives.
1. Connect the blue connector (the cable end with a single connector) to the
motherboard.
2. Connect the black connector (the cable with the two closely spaced black
and gray connectors) to the Ultra ATA master device.
3. Connect the gray connector to a slave device.
If you install two hard disk drives, you must configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk documentation for the jumper settings.
Note: If an ATA-66/100 disk drive and a disk drive using any other IDE transfer
protocol are attached to the same cable, the maximum transfer rate between the drives may be reduced to that of the slowest drive.
Connecting Serial ATA Cables
18
The Serial ATA II connector is used to connect the Serial ATA II device to the motherboard. These connectors support the thin Serial ATA II cables for primary storage devices. The current Serial ATA II interface allows up to 300MB/s data transfer rate.
There are six serial ATA connectors on the motherboard that support RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1 and JBOD configurations.
SATA 6 SATA 5
1. Connect the locking cable end to the
motherboard connector.
2. Connect the end without the lock to the drive.
Hardware Installation
No
Connect
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
PWRSW
HD_LED RESET - +
9
10
Blank
PWRSW - + PWRLED
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.
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.
1
2
19
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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 No Connect
10 Empty
IEEE 1394a
The IEEE 1394 expansion cable bracket is provided in the box but if you do not require the additional external connections, you do not need to install it.
20
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 IEEE 2394 connectors on the motherboard.
Table 3. IEEE 1394a Connector Pins
Connector
IEEE 1394a Connector
10
8 6 4 2
9 7 5 3 1
Pin Signal
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
10
8
6
1 5V_DUAL 2 5V_DUAL
3 D- 4 D-
5 D+ 6 D+
7 GND 8 GND
9 Empty 10 No Connect
3
1
4
2
21
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Audio
The audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of audio output choices: the Front Audio, the Rear Audio. The front Audio supports re-tasking function.
Table 5. Front Audio Connector
Connector
Front Audio Connector
10
8
6
4
2
9
7
5
3
1
Pin Signal
1 PORT1_L 2 AUD_GND 3 PORT1_R 4 PRECENCE_J 5 PORT2_R 6 SENSE1_RETURN 7 SENSE_SEND 8 Empty 9 PORT2_L 10 SENSE2_RETURN
22
Hardware Installation
The nForce 680i LT SLI SPP and MCP have active
fans to help to cool the chips. The fans plug into a
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.
nForce 680i LT SLI MCP fan connector.
nForce 680i LT SLI SPP fan connector.
3-pin connector.
PC Health Status
section of the CMOS Setup.
Fan Connector
3 2 1
GND
+12V
SENSE
CPU Fan Connector
23
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.
4 3 2 1
GND SENSE
PWR CONTROL
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
COM1
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).
Expansion Slots
The XFX nForce 680i LT 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.nvidia.com/estore.
1
2
1
3
4
3
24
1 – PCI slots 2 – Secondary PCIe x16
slot (GPU2/SLI) 3 – x1 PCIe slots 4 – Primary PCIe x16 slot
(GPU1)
Hardware Installation
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.
PCI Express x1 Slot
There are 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.
To configure for SLI, follow the instructions that come with the SLI kit (the kit is purchased separately from the motherboard).
25
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
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 3 together with the jumper
cap).
3. Turn the AC power supply back on.
26
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
27
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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.
Del
key when the following message briefly displays at the bottom
Pressing
Note: It is strongly recommended that you do not change the default BIOS
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.
Del
takes you to the Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility.
settings. Changing some settings could damage your computer.
Page Up
Enter
to display the associated submenu. Use the  arrow
Esc
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through the
.
28
Configuring the BIOS
F10 :
Save & Exit Setup
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Standard CMOS Features

Advanced BIOS Features

Advanced Chipset Features

Integrated Peripherals

Power Management Setup

PnP/PCI Configurations
 System Monitor
Load Defaults
Set Password
Save & Exit Setup
Exit Without Saving
Esc : Quit
Time, Date, Hard Disk Type..,
NVIDIA LinkBoost™ - Not Detected SLI-Ready memory - Disabled
 : 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.
System Monitor
Use this menu to monitor the real-time system status of your PC, including temperature, voltages, and fan speed.
29
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands rather than submenus:
Load Defaults
Load default system settings.
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:
Detected: System detects LinkBoost-capable components. 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:
Enabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected and enabled. Disabled: SLI-Ready memory is detected but disabled. Not Detected: SLI-Ready memory is not detected.
30
Configuring the BIOS
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
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
sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose. To go back to the previous menu, press
keys to scroll through the options or press
Esc
Page Up
Enter
to display the
.
The information shown in
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
Item Help
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Standard CMOS Features
corresponds to the option highlighted.
Main Level 
Change the day, month, year and century
Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu
Item Help
31
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 XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Date and Time
Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use the
Page Up
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through dates and times. Note that 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
Date (mm:dd:yy) Sat, Jul 01 2006 Time (hh:mm:ss) 14 : 48: 43
hour : minute : second
IDE Channel and SATA Channel
Use these functions to detect and configure the individual IDE and SATA channels. Select a channel and press
 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]
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]
.
32
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:
CHS
For HDD less than 528 MB.
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).
Large
For HDD greater than 528 MB but not supporting LBA.
Auto
Recommended mode.
33
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Halt On
[All , But Keyboard]
Press ENTER to display sub
-
menu
Press ENTER to display su
b-menu
Drive A
The
Drive A
Options are:
Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.]
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 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.
option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install.
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. ..... [ ]
Page Up
and
Page Down
keys to scroll
Enter
to display

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Enter
to accept the
Halt On
Halt On
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
Whenever the BIOS detects a nonfatal error, the system stops and prompts you.
No Errors
S
errors.
All, But Keyboard
System boot does not stop for keyboard errors, but does stop for all other errors.
34
determines whether or not the computer stops if an error is detected
Enter
to display the
Page Up
and
Page Down
Halt On
keys to scroll through the
sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys
Enter
to accept the
ystem boot does not stop for any detected
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
The system boot does not stop for a diskette error but will stop for all other errors.
All, But Disk/Key
The system boot does not stop for a keyboard or disk error, but will stop for all other errors.
Memory
These settings are display-only values that are determined by the BIOS POST (Power-On Self Test).
Base Memory
BIOS POST determines the amount of base (or conventional) memory installed in the system.
Extended Memory
BIOS determines how much extended memory is present during the POST.
Total Memory
This value represents the total memory of the system.
Base Memory 640K
Extended Memory 1047552K
35
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Advanced BIOS Features
Advanced BIOS Features
Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup screen. Use the press
Enter
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
Page Up
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through the options or
to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the
Enter
to display the sub-menus.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Esc
.
 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
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.
36
Configuring the BIOS
1.
Floppy Disks
2. Network 1 : <description of network>
2. Bootable Add
-
in Cards
Removable Device Priority
Use this option to select the priority for removable device startup. Press to see the list of removable devices in your system. Use the  arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the + or – keys to move the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press
Hard Disk Boot Priority
Use this option to select the priority for HDD startup. Press list of bootable devices in your system. Use the  arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the + or – keys to move the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press
1. Ch0. : ST3802110A
Network Boot Priority
Use this option to select the priority for network startup. Select
Priority
to go to the various devices. Then use the + or – keys to move the device priority up or down in the list. To go back to the previous menu, press
and press
Enter
to view available networks. Use the  arrow keys
Esc
.
Enter
Esc
.
Use the + and – keys to move the priority of the device within the list
Network Boot
Enter
to see the
Esc.
1. Network 0 : <description of network>
CPU Internal Cache
Use this option to enable or disable the CPU internal cache. Use the and
Page Down
keys to scroll through the options or press
Enter
options in a sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector in the option you choose.
37
Page Up
to display the
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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
in the option you choose.
Page Up
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through the options or press
to display the sub-menu. Use the  arrow keys to position the selector
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 first/second/third boot devices fail.
Enable
, the system boots from some other device if the
Boot Up NumLock Status
This option allows you to select the power-on state of
38
activate the keyboard the
NumLock
key.
NumLock
when the system is started. Select
NumLock
. Select On to
Off
to disable
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 access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select 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.
Setup
System
Page Up
to require a password to gain to require a password to
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
39
Enable
and
Disable
Page Up
and
Page Down
keys to toggle
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Advanced Chipset Features
Advanced Chipset Features
Select
Advanced Chipset Features
press
Enter
to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset Functions menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
 System Clocks [Press Enter]  FSB & Memory Config [Press Enter]  CPU Configuration [Press Enter]  System Voltages [Press Enter]
NVMEM memory test [Disable]
Load timing/voltage set [Press Enter] Save timing/voltage set [Press Enter] System BIOS Cacheable [Disabled]
HPET Function [Enable]
NVIDIA GPY Ex [Enable]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features
Item Help
Main Level 
Voltage control
40
Configuring the BIOS
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
Phoenix
Awar
dBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Clocks
Select
System Clocks
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.
Parameters Settings Current Vale **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 PCIe x16_3, MHz [Auto] 100 PCIe x16_2, MHz [Auto] 100 SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz [Auto] 100
**HT Multiplier**
nForce SPP --> nForce MCP [5 x] nForce SPP <-- nForce MCP [5 x]
**Spread Spectrum**
CPU Spread Spectrum [UP Spread]
HT Spread Spectrum Disabled PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP) [Auto] PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP) Disabled SATA Spread Spectrum Disabled
from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press
System Clocks
Item Help
Main Level 
CPU frequency multiplier. CPU core clock = FSB Ref Clock/4 * CPU Multiplier

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 9. System Clocks 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.
41
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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
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
options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the blue slot in the middle).
PCIe x16_2, MHz
Use the
Page Up
options for the PCI Express Bus, Slot 3 (the black slot farthest from the CPU).
SPP<—>MCP Ref Clock, MHz
Use the
Page Up
options for the reference clock between the SPP chip and the MCP chip.
Page Up
and
Page Down
and
Page Down
and
Page Down
and
Page Down
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through the options.
keys to scroll through the frequency
PCIe Spread Spectrum(SPP)
keys to scroll through the frequency
keys to scroll through the frequency
keys to scroll through the frequency
is
42
Configuring the BIOS
HT Multiplier
nForce SPP
Use the options and set the link speed from the SPP chip to the MCP chip. Values are
[1 x]
through
nForce MCP <
Use the options and set the link speed from the MCP chip to the SPP chip. Values are
[1 x]
through
— —
Page Up
Page Up
> nForce MCP
and
Page Down
[5 x].
[5 x]
— —
nForce SPP
and
Page Down
.
keys to scroll through the HT multiplier
keys to scroll through the HT multiplier
Spread Spectrum
CPU Spread Spectrum
Use the options for the CPU. Option values are
[UP Spread]
HT Spread Spectrum
Disabled
PCIe Spread Spectrum (SPP)
Use the options for the SPP PCIe. Option values are
[UP Spread]
cannot be changed when the value for PCIe x16_1 exceeds 100MHz.
PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP)
Disabled
SATA Spread Spectrum
Disabled
Page Up
, and
Page Up
, and
and
Page Down
[Center Spread].
and
Page Down
[Center Spread].
keys to scroll through the Spread Spectrum
keys to scroll through the Spread Spectrum
[Disabled]
,
[Disabled]
,
This option reverts to
Disabled
and
43
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
stability
FSB & Memory Config
Select
FSB & Memory Config
press
Enter
to display the FSB & Memory Config menu. This menu provides
the means to set SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
FSB & Memory Config
44
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
Figure 10. FSB & Memory Config Menu
SLI-Ready Memory
Use the Memory options. The options are:
Disabled
CPUOC 0% CPUOC 1% CPUOC 2% CPUOC 3%
CPUOC 5% CPUOC MAX
Page Up
CPUOC 4%
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
Configuring the BIOS
When you select one of the
Clock Mode Ready Memory
FSB and Memory Clock Mode
Use the
is set to
Page Up
is set to
and
Page Down
CPUOC x%
Unlinked
Disable
options, the
and cannot be changed until
FSB - Memory
SLI-
.
keys to scroll through the FSB and
Memory Clock Mode options. The options are:
Auto
This is the optimal setting since it sets the FSB and memory speeds automatically.
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
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 + or – keys to scroll through new values for the CPU FSB frequency or type in a new value. Note that the
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
45
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
or type in a new value. Note that the
Actual MEM (DDR)
frequency that takes effect when the system reboots.
Memory Timing Setting
Press
Enter
to display the Memory Timing Setting menu. Use this menu to
set optimal timings or to manually enter timings.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
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
Memory Timing Setting
reflects the actual
Item Help
Main Level 
Select [Expert] to enter timings manually
46

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help[
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.
Configuring the BIOS
tREF
[Auto]
6.1uS
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
tCLtRDC
: CAS# latency (options are 1 through 6).
: RAS#-to-CAS# Delay for Read/Write commands to the
same bank (options are 1 through 7).
tRP
: Row Precharge time. This is the Precharge-to-Active or Auto-
to-Refresh of the same bank (options are 1 through 7).
tRAS
: This is the minimum RAS# active time (options are 1 through
31).
Command Per Clock
: This is the command timing setting on a per
clock unit basis (options are 1T and 2T).
tRRD
: RAS#-to-RAS# delay of different banks (options are 1
through 15).
tRC
: RAS#-to-RAS# or auto refresh time of the same bank (options
are 1 through 31).
tWRtWTR
: The Write recovery time (options are 2 through 7).
: This is the minimum write-to-read delay with the same chip
selected (options are 1 through 10).
tREF
: This is the DRAM refresh rate (options are
3.9uS
).
Auto, 7.8uS
, and
47
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
CPU Configuration
Select
CPU Configuration
press
Enter
to display the CPU Configuration menu.
from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
CPU Configuration
48
Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled] x Intel SpeedStep Disabled
CPU Thermal Control [Disabled]
C1E Enhanced Halt State [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Virtualization Technology [Enabled]
CPU Core 0 Enabled CPU Core 1 [Enabled]
x CPU Core 2 Disabled x CPU Core 3 Disabled

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 11. CPU Configuration Menu
Limit CPUID MaxVal
Use this function to enable the set limit of the CPUID MaxVal to 3. Set to Disable for Win XP.
CPU Thermal Control
Use this function to enable or disable TM1 and TM2 support. The options are:
Disable
Disable support for TM1 and TM2.
TM1 Only
The CPU is thermally throttled by cutting active processor clock cycles.
TM2 Only
Thermal throttling is achieved by reducing the CPU multiplier and CPU core voltage.
Item Help
Main Level 
Set linit CPUID MaxVal to 3, should be “Disabled” for WinXP
Configuring the BIOS
F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults
TM1 & TM2
Enables support for both TM1 and TM2.
C1E Enhanced Halt State Enabled, this function reduces the CPU power consumption when the CPU
is idle. Idle occurs when the operating system issues a halt instruction.
Execute Disable Bit
When this function is disabled, it forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).
Virtualization Technology
When this function is enabled, it allows a VMM to utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.
CPU Core 1
This function allows you to enable or disable CPU Core.
System Voltages
Select
System Voltages
Enter
to display the System Voltages menu.
from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
System Voltages
Parameters Settings Current Value CPU Core [Auto] 1.28 Memory [Auto] 1.85V
nForce SPP [Auto] 1.20V

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Item Help
Main Level 
Voltage level for CPU Core (CPU VID)
Figure 12. System Voltages Menu
49
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
CPU Core
Use the
[Auto]
Memory
Page Up
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through the voltages or select
to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU Core.
This function defines the voltage level for the DRAM. Use the
Page Down
keys to select a voltage or select
[Auto]
voltage.
nForce SPP
This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce SPP chip. Use the
1.40V, 1.50V) or select
Page Up
and
Page Down
[Auto]
keys to select a voltage (1.20V, 1.30V,
to automatically set the voltage.
Page Up
and
to automatically set the
50
Configuring the BIOS
NVMEM Memory Test
This function defines whether you run the NVIDIA memory testing module during POST. The options are Fast, Medium, Slow, and Disable.
Load Timing/Voltage Set
This function loads the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. You can set up to four profile settings using the
Save timing/voltage set
function.
There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is for all settings. Press
Load timing/voltage set
Press Enter to Exit ..... [
Select Profile 1 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 2 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 3 ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Enter
to see the options.
]
Auto
51
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Save Timing/Voltage Set
This function saves the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu. There are four profile options that can be loaded. The default setting is
Save timing/voltage set
Press Enter to Exit ..... [
Select Profile 1 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 2 ..... [ ]
Select Profile 3 ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Auto
for all settings. Press
]
Enter
System BIOS Cacheable
This function allows you to enable or disable caching the system BIOS.
to see the options.
HPET Function
This function allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Even Timer (HPET). When
Enabled
and other time-sensitive application. When HPET is timer is used.
NVIDIA GPU Ex
To enable or disable this function you need to have the NVIDIA® ForceWare® graphics driver with NVIDIA EX support. When enabled, the system uses the optimized NVIDIA EX graphics driver.
52
, HPET is used as the timing hardware for multimedia
Disabled
, the APIC
Configuring the BIOS
Integrated Peripherals
Integrated Peripherals Menu
Select
Integrated Peripherals
press
Enter
to display the Integrated Peripherals menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
 IDE Function Setup [Press Enter]  RAID Config [Press Enter]  USB Config [Press Enter]  MAC Config [Press Enter]
IEEE1394 controller [Auto] HD Audio [Auto] IDE HDD Block Mode [Enabled] Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled] Onboard Serial Port 1 [3FB/IRQ4]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 13. Integrated Peripherals Menu
Item Help
Main Level 
53
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
IDE Function Setup
Press
Enter
to display the IDE Function Setup menu.
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Primary Master PIO [Auto] Primary Slave PIO [Auto] Primary Master UDMA [Auto] Primary Slave UDMA [Auto] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Serial-ATA Controller [All Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]
OnChip IDE Channel0
Use this function to enable or disable the onchip IDE Channel0. When disabled, the Primary Master/Slave functions are changed to
Auto
and cannot be
changed.
Primary Master/Slave PIO
When
OnChip IDE Channel0
mode for the primary Master and Slave PIO. Select from through
Primary Master/Slave UDMA
When
Mode 4
.
OnChip IDE Channel0
primary Master and Slave UDMA or set it to
IDE DMA transfer access
Use this function to enable or disable IDE DMA transfer access.
Serial-ATA Controller
This function allows you to enable specific SATA controllers, enable all controllers, or disable all controllers. The options available are
[SATA-0+1], [Enable All]
IDE Prefetch Mode Use this function to enable or disable the
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Disabled]
x
Primary Master PIO Auto
x
Primary Slave PIO Auto
x
Primary Master UDMA Auto
x
Primary Slave UDMA Auto
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Serial-ATA Controller [All Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]
is set to
is set to
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Auto]
, and
[Disabled]
IDE Prefetch mode
, you can select a
Auto
, or
, you can disable the
.
[SATA-0]
.
Mode 1
.
,
54
Configuring the BIOS
RAID Config
Press
Enter
RAID Enable [Enabled] SATA 0 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 0 Secondary RAID [Disabled] SATA 1 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 1 Secondary RAID [Disabled] SATA 2 Primary RAID [Disabled] SATA 2 Secondary RAID [Disabled]
RAID Enable
Use this function to enable or disable RAID. When RAID is set to
[Disabled]
functions are changed to
Disabled
changed.
SATA x Primary/Secondary
When
RAID Enable
various SATA functions.
to display the RAID Config menu.
RAID Enable [Disabled]
x
SATA 0 Primary RAID Disabled
x
SATA 0 Secondary RAID Disabled
x
, all SATA
and cannot be
is set to
SATA 1 Primary RAID Disabled
x
SATA 1 Secondary RAID Disabled
x
SATA 2 Primary RAID Disabled
x
SATA 2 Secondary RAID Disabled
[Enabled]
, you can enable or disable the
USB Config
Press
Enter
to display the USB Config menu.
OnChip USB [Enabled] USB Keyboard Support [Disabled] USB Mouse Support [Disabled]
OnChip USB
Use this function to enable specific versions of the USB
OnChip USB [Disabled]
x
USB Keyboard Support Enabled
x
USB Mouse Support Enabled
or disable the onchip USB. When the onchip USB is set to support functions are set to can be selected are
USB Keyboard/Mouse Support
[V1.1+V2.0]
[Disabled]
Enabled
or
[V1.1]
and cannot be changed. Versions that
Use these function to enable or disable the onchip WSB support of the keyboard and/or mouse.
55
, the keyboard and mouse
.
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
MAC1 LAN
[Disabled
]
MAC Config
Press
Enter
to display the MAC Config menu.
MAC0 LAN [Enabled]
MACx LAN
Use these functions to set the MAC0 and/or MAC1 LANs to disable their functions.
IEEE1394 controller
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the IEEE1394 (Firewire) interface.
HD Audio
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the hard disk audio function.
Auto
or
IDE HDD Block Mode
Using this function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows your IDE hard drive needs to support block mode. Select the optimal number of block read/writes per sector the drive can support. Select
[Disabled]
if your drive does not support block mode.
Onboard FDC Controller
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to enable or disable the onboard FDC controller function.
Onboard Serial Port 1
This function on the Integrated Peripherals menu allows you to select the onboard serial port 1 function. Options are
56
[3E8/IRQ4]
,
[Auto]
, and
[Disabled].
[Enabled]
[3F8/IRQ4]
to automatically detect
,
[2E8/IRQ3]
,
Configuring the BIOS
Power Management Setup
Power Management Setup Menu
Select
Power Management Setup
press
Enter
to display the Power Management Setup menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and
ACPI function [Enabled] APCI Suspend Type [S1&S3] Soft-Off by PBTN [Instant-Off] WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off [Disabled]
Power-on by Alarm [Disabled]
x
Day of Month Alarm 0
x
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm 0 : 0 : 0
POWER ON Function [BUTTON ONLY]
x
KB Power ON Password Enter
x
Hot Key Power On Ctrl-F1

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Figure 14. Power Management Setup Menu
ACPI Function
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable the ACPI function.
Item Help
Main Level 
ACPI Suspend Type
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to select an ACPI Suspend Type. Types to select from are
[S3(STR)]
57
.
[S1&S3], [S1(POS)]
, and
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
x
Hot Key Power On
Ctrl
-F1
Soft-Off by PBNT
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to set Soft­Off by PBNT to
[Instant-Off]
or
[Delay 4 Sec]
WOL(PME#) From Soft-Off
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable WOL(PMW#) from soft-off.
Power On by Alarm
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to enable or disable the Power-on by alarm function. Set to on by alarm. When set to
[Enable]
, you can manually put in the day of the
month and the time of the alarm.
Power-on by Alarm [Disabled] Day of Month Alarm [ 0] Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm [0 : 0 : 0]
To enter a day or time, use the
Page Up
numbers or enter the number using the keyboard number or the + and – keys.
and
Page Down
[Disable]
.
to prevent power-
keys to scroll through
POWER ON Function
This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to define the power-on function. Options for this function are:
BUTTON ONLY
Keyboard 98
Password When
[Password]
enabled so that you must enter a password.
POWER ON Function [Password] KB Power ON Password [Enter]
58
is selected, the
KB Power ON Password
function is
Configuring the BIOS
PnP/PCI Configuration
Hot Key Power On When
[Hot Key]
is selected, the
Hot key Power On
so that you must select a keyboard key as the hot key. To select a hot key use
Ctrl+F1
though
Ctrl+F12
.
POWER ON Function [Hot key]
x
KB Power ON Password Enter
Hot Key Power On [Ctrl-F1]

Mouse Left
Mouse Right
Any Key
PnP/PCI Configuration Menu
Select
PnP/PCI Configuration
Enter
to display the PnP/PCI Configuration menu.
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press
function is enabled
Init Display First [PCI Slot] Reset Configuration Data [Disabled]
Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]
x
IRQ Resources Press Enter
** PCI Express relative items **
Maximum Payload Size [4096]

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Item Help
Main Level 
Figure 15. PnP/PCI Configuration Menu
59
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
IRQ Resources
[Press Enter]
Init Display First
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to define if the initial display is in the PCI slot or in the PCI Express slot. Options are
[PCI Slot]
and
[PCIEx].
Reset Configuration Data
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or disable the resetting of Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) when you exit Setup. Set this to
[Enabled]
if you have installed a new add-on and the system reconfiguration has caused a serious conflict that prevents the OS from booting. The default setting is
[Disabled]
.
Resources Controlled By
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to define if the BIOS can automatically configure all the boot and plug-and-play compatible devices or if you can manually select IRQ, DMA, and memory base address fields. Select these fields. If you select
Resources
[Auto(ESCD)]
if you want the BIOS to automatically populate
[Manual]
is enabled for input.
so you can assign the resources,
IRQ
60
Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]
x IRQ Resources Press Enter
Resources Controlled By [Manual)]
Configuring the BIOS
IRQ Resources
To enable this field for input, set
[Manual]
. With this field enabled, press
IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-9 assigned to [Reserved] IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-14 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI Device]
Use Legacy ISA for devices compliant with the original PC AT Bus specification. Use PCI/ISA PnP for devices compliant with the plug-and-play standard, whether designed for PCI or ISA Bus architecture.
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to enable or disable the Palette Snoop function.
Maximum Payload Size
This function on the PnP/PCI Configuration menu allows you to set the maximum TLP payload size (in bytes) for the PCI Express devices. Use the
Page Up
the keyboard numbers or use the + and – keys to go up and down the list of sizes.
and
Page Down
keys to scroll through sizes or enter the number using
Resources Controlled By
Enter
to see options.
to
61
Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
System Monitor
System Monitor Menu
Select
System Monitor
display the System Monitor menu.
from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press
Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Enter
to
Dynamic Fan Control [Press Enter]
CPU 47ºC/ 117ºF
CPU Core 1.28V CPU FSB 1.19V Memory 1.81V +3.3V 3.16V +3.3V Dual 3/16V +12V 11.92V +5V 4.99V +Vbat 3.00V
CPU Fan Speed 4272 RPM Aux Fan Speed 4891 RPM nForce Fan Speed 0 RPM Chassis Fan Speed 0 RPM Chassis Fan2 Speed 0 RPM

:Move Enter:Select +/-/PU/PD:Value F10:Save ESC:Exit F1:General Help
Main Level 
Figure 16. System Monitor Menu
All of the values shown in voltages of the various components change with system usage.
Blue
are dynamic and change as the speed and
Item Help
62
Configuring the BIOS
Dynamic Fan Control
Press
Enter
to display the Dynamic Fan Control menu.
CPU Fan Speed Control [SmartFan] If temp > 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100% If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 0%
x
Manual Fan Speed, % 100
AUX Fan Speed Control, % [100] nForce Fan Speed Control, % [100] Chassis Fan Speed Control, % [100]
Use this menu to control the speed of the various fans on the motherboard. Set CPU fan speed to
[SmartFan]
when you want the speed of the fans automatically controlled based on temperature. To set the fan speed to a constant rate, select
[Manual]
and then enter the speed from 0% to 100%.
Set the desired speed for the Aux, nForce, and Chassis fans from 0% to 100%. The system defaults to 100%.
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
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Software Installation
Note: 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.
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)
Norton Internet Security
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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 XFX nForce 680i LT SLI installation CD for the graphics drivers
included in the kit.
Note: If you have multiple graphics cards installed, you will be asked multiple times
for all events once the drivers are installed.
2. Run
setup.exe
.
Depending on your system setup, the install disk may automatically run the install
setp.exe
. If it does not run, go to My Computer and click on the CD
to open.
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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)
System Update
Figure 17. NVIDIA Control Panel, Select a Category
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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.
StartAll ProgramsNVIDIA CorporationNVIDIA
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Using NVIDIA Software
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:
1. From the desktop, select
CorporationNVIDIA Control Panel.
2. Select
Performance
Categories
.
StartAll ProgramsNVIDIA
to display
Performance Control Panel
Figure 18. Performance Control Panel Categories (nTune)
The Performance menu provides the following options:
Manual Tuning
Adjust motherboard settings
Adjust GPU settings
Dynamic BIOS access
Automatic Tuning
Tune system
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
Management
View system information
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.
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
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 a setting does not allow a change, it probably requires a reboot and should be changed in the BIOS or from the available).
Adjust Motherboard Settings
Dynamic BIOS Access
are dynamically made when you
Profile
menu item. If
page (if
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Using NVIDIA Software
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.
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
System Voltages
CAUTION: Overvoltaging any component can result in damage.
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.
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System Fans
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.
Using NVIDIA Software
Memory Timing
This section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings allows you to adjust various memory timings and cycles.
When you select an option, information explaining the selection is displayed in the area below the Memory Timing box.
Row Address Strobe
Clicking on View SPD… displays a memory information window. This is for information only and is not editable.
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 XFX nForce 680i LT 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.
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Using NVIDIA Software
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.
When this option is checked, all temperatures are shown in Celsius. When this option is not check, temperatures are shown in Fahrenheit.
Figure 20. Adjust GPU Settings (nTune)
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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.
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Figure 21. Dynamic BIOS Access (nTune)
Using NVIDIA Software
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 OK or
Note: This feature is available only with BIOS support from the motherboard
manufacturer.
Apply
.
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
Setup System
MPS Version Control For
1.1 1.4
APIC Mode
Disabled Enabled
Full Screen LOGO Show
Disabled Enabled
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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
Removable Hard Disk CDROM Legacy LAN Disable
Swap Floppy Drive
Enable Disable
Boot Up Floppy Seek
Enable Disable
Boot UP NumLock Status
On Off
Gate A20 Option
Normal Fast
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Using NVIDIA Software
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
Default.npe
file with current bus speeds and
Bestsystem.npe
with the
highest passing settings.
Fine tuning takes approximately three (3) hours and performs a more 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 XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard
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Figure 22. Tune System Menu (nTune)
Using NVIDIA Software
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 XFX nForce 680i LT 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.
Double-click a processor to display information
82
Double-click a DIMM to display information
Using NVIDIA Software
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 ( 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.
.nsu
files or
.npe
Figure 24. Adjust Custom Rules (nTune)
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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
StartAll ProgramsNVIDIA CorporationNVIDIA Control Panel
and select
Perform Stability Test
Use
Perform Stability Test
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.
System Stability
to quickly diagnose potential system performance
.
All system components
)
84
Figure 25. Perform Stability Test
Using NVIDIA Software
You can designate a specific settings profile to use or check 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.
To launch MediaShield, select
Corporation NVIDIA Control Panel
displays the Storage Control Panel Categories screen.
Use current settings
Start
to begin testing and
StartAll ProgramsNVIDIA
and select
Storage
to
Figure 26. Storage Control Panel Categories
(MediaShield)
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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT 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.
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Figure 27. View Storage Configuration (MediaShield)
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