XFX nForce 680i User Manual

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User Guide

XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Installation and Configuration

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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 SLI Motherboard...............................1

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

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

Ultimate Overclocking ....................................................................................1

Guaranteed FSB speeds..............................................................................1

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

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

Designed for NVIDIA SLI Technology ..............................................................2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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

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

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

NVIDIA DualNet Technology .......................................................................5

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

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

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

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

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

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

XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard ....................................................................10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USB Headers ...........................................................................................22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

viii

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

System Update..............................................................................................104

Motherboard Updates ................................................................................105

Manage Your System BIOS .....................................................................106

BIOS Backup .........................................................................................106

BIOS Flash Options ................................................................................106

Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration...................................107

Building an SLI System ..................................................................................107

Determine Component and Operating System Needs ................................... 107

Install Your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Parts ........................................................... 109

Install NVIDIA SLI Software .......................................................................112

Enable NVIDIA SLI.....................................................................................113

Index .........................................................................................................115

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

List of Figures

Figure 1. XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard Layout ...........................................11

Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors ...........................................................12

Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector...........................................................18

Figure 4. Expansion Slots ................................................................................27

Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu ..................................................31

Figure 6. Standard CMOS Features Menu .........................................................33

Figure 7. Advanced BIOS Features Menu..........................................................38

Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features ...............................................................42

Figure 9. System Clocks Menu .........................................................................43

Figure 10.

Figure 11.

Figure 12.

Figure 13.

Figure 14.

Figure 15.

Figure 16.

Figure 17.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NVIDIA Control Panel, Select a Category ........................................70

Figure 18.

Figure 19.

Figure 20.

Figure 21.

Figure 22.

Figure 23.

Performance Control Panel Categories (nTune) ...............................71

Adjust Motherboard Settings (nTune).............................................73

Adjust GPU Settings (nTune) .........................................................77

Dynamic BIOS Access (nTune).......................................................78

Tune System Menu (nTune) ..........................................................82

View System Information (nTune)..................................................83

Figure 24.

Figure 25.

Figure 26.

Figure 27.

Figure 28.

Figure 29.

Figure 30.

Adjust Custom Rules (nTune) ........................................................85

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

Storage Control Panel Categories (MediaShield) ..............................87

View Storage Configuration (MediaShield) ......................................88

Networking Control Panel Categories..............................................98

System Update Application on the NVIDIA Control Panel ............... 104

Managing Your System Bios Screen..............................................105

Parts NOT in the Kit

This kit contains all the hardware necessary to install and connect your new XFX nForce® 680i SLI motherboard. However, it does not contain the following items that must be purchased separately to make the motherboard functional.



Intel microprocessor: Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Duo Pentium EE, Pentium

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Cooling fan for the microprocessor

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System memory support: Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 1200 MHz SLIReady Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory.



Graphics Card This motherboard is capable of using the NVIDIA SLI technology. To utilize this technology requires an SLI Kit from NVIDIA and two SLIcapable graphics cards. When ordering a graphics card, be sure it is a PCI Express card. The kit does contain the SLI connector used to connect the two graphics cards. See Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration on page 107.



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 cabinet. If you are building a PC, you will use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a motherboard, you will not need many of the cables.

When replacing a motherboard in a PC cabinet, you will need to reinstall an operating system even though the current drives have an operating system.

xiii

Thank you for buying the XFX nForce® 680i SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and performance PC enthusiast’s demand. When combined with two SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce® graphics cards, you get innovative NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology for enhanced system performance.

Features

Introduction to the

XFX nForce 680i

SLI Motherboard

Engineered for Enthusiasts

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

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 MCPs were designed for overclocking.

Guaranteed FSB speeds

The front side bus (FSB) in the NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCP is specified to run at 1333MHz to support existing and future FSB speeds. Through

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

overclocking, however, the NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCP can deliver FSB speeds well beyond specification. Get the headroom today for overclocking and/or future FSB speeds.

Note: While NVIDIA technology is capable of higher FSB, the processor must be

capable of the higher speed as well.

Extreme DDR2 Speeds

NVIDIA nForce 680i MCPs support high-speed SLI-Ready memory up to DDR2-1200 to keep pace with overclocked system components.

Comprehensive Overclocking Tools

Award-winning NVIDIA overclocking tools provide a complete kit of tools giving everyone from the most veteran enthusiast to the novice overclocker the ability to unleash the hardware in their PC.

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NVIDIA nTune™ Utility NVIDIA nTune is a Windows-based utility that has added access to more settings. You can adjust CPU and memory speeds without rebooting and access most BIOS settings from inside Windows without having to go into the BIOS. Save and automatically load profiles for each application you run.

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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 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.

Introduction

NVIDIA SLI-Ready Memory

NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI MCP automatically increases bandwidth when select SLI Certified memory modules are detected.

NVIDIA SLI Certified Components

Look for other components including NVIDIA® GeForce® GPUs and system memory that have been certified by NVIDIA to deliver unmatched performance with XFX nForce 680i SLI motherboards. For more information on SLI Certified components, visit

www.SLIZone.com\nForce

Third PCIe Slot for Graphics Expansion

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

DualDDR2 Memory Architecture

A state-of-the-art DualDDR2 memory controller allows high bandwidth and low latency data access to the CPU and GPU. Ensures data and information are relayed through the system as quickly as possible for incredible performance.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

NVIDIA MediaShield™ Storage

NVIDIA MediaShield is a suite of features that safeguards your most important digital media assets; always reliable, scalable, and accessible. MediaShield includes RAID and SATA drive support.

Multiple Disk Setup

Through a simple wizard-based interface, you can effortlessly set up your drives for better data protection, faster disk access or maximum storage capacity. MediaShield automatically selects a configuration, RAID 0, 1, 0+1 or 5, according to your needs. Advanced users can access RAID options directly.

DiskAlert System

The event of a disk failure, MediaShield users see an image that highlights which disk has failed to make it easier to identify, replace, and recover.

RAID Morphing

MediaShield allows users to change their current RAID set-up to another configuration in a one-step process called morphing. This eliminates the need to back up data and follow multiple steps in the process.

Bootable Multidisk Array

MediaShield storage fully supports the use of multi-disk array for loading the operating system at power-up.

Six SATA 3Gb/s Drives

Combine up to six SATA drives into one volume for bigger, faster RAID. More drives mean more configuration options such as six RAID 0 (striped) drives for maximum throughput, or Dual RAID 5 arrays. Take advantage of the latest SATA-2, 3Gb/s hard disk drives with full support for native and tagged command queuing and hot plug. Native command queuing provides higher disk performance in a multi-threaded environment by performing out-of-order disk accesses.

Introduction

Networking with NVIDIA nForce

NVIDIA networking delivers the highest network throughput at the lowest CPU utilization. The manageable and stable NVIDIA networking solution results in better networking management and a lower total cost of ownership. Only NVIDIA integrates this level of networking features to allow you to take your online experience to the next level.

NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet

The industry’s fastest Gigabit Ethernet performance eliminates network bottlenecks and improves overall system efficiency and performance.

NVIDIA FirstPacket™ technology

Be the ‘King of Ping’ with NVIDIA FirstPacket technology. Get the crystalclear phone conversations and online gaming performance you expect. NVIDIA FirstPacket technology assures your game data, VoIP conversations, and large file transfers are delivered according to preferences set by you in an intuitive wizard.

NVIDIA DualNet Technology

NVIDIA DualNet® technology provides Double-Barrel Gigabit Ethernet with two integrated networking connections on your NVIDIA nForce 680i MCP.

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

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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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

High Definition Audio (HDA)

High definition audio brings consumer electronics quality sound to the PC delivering high quality sound from multiple channels. Using HDA, systems can deliver 192 kHz/32-bit quality for eight channels, supporting new audio formats.

USB 2.0

USB 2.0 is standard plug-and-play interface that provides easy-to-use connectivity for USB devices.

Introduction

Motherboard Specifications



Size ATX form factor of 12 inch x 9.6 inch



Microprocessor support Intel Core 2 Extreme, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium EE, Pentium



Operating systems Supports Windows XP 32bit and Windows XP 64bit. The motherboard is also Vista-capable.



Contains NVIDIA nForce 680i0 MCP and SPP



System Memory support Supports dual channel DDR2 533/667/800, and up to 1200 MHz SLIReady Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory.



USB 2.0 Ports

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

providing four extra ports)

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



Onboard Serial ATA II

 300MBps data transfer rate  Six Serial ATA II connectors  NVIDIA MediaShieldTM RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

 Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing )



Dual Onboard LAN (-K)

 Two LAN interface built-in onboard  Supports 10/100/1000 Mbit/sec Ethernet

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard



Onboard 1394 (-E ) (optional)

 Support hot plug  Two 1394a port with rate of transmission at 400 Mbps  One 1394b port with rate of transmission at 800 Mbps



Onboard Audio (-8)

 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  Three PCI Express x16 Graphics slots



Two are electrical x16 for true dual-graphics SLI configurations



One is electrical x8 for future GPU physics applications

Unpacking

The XFX nForce 680i SLI motherboard comes with all the necessary cables for adding a motherboard to a new chassis. If you are replacing a motherboard, you may not need many of these cables.

Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing box. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your reseller.

All parts shipped in this kit are RoHS-compliant (lead-free) parts.

Unpacking and

Parts Descriptions

Equipment

The following equipment is included in the XFX nForce 680i SLI motherboard box.

XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

This PCI Express motherboard contains the NVIDIA

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.

C55 SPP and C55 MCP

and is SLI-ready.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

2-Port SATA Power Cable (Qty Three)

1394 Cable

Provides two additional 1394 ports to either the front or back panels of the chassis.

USB 2.0 4-Port Cable

Provides four additional USB ports to either the front or back panels of the chassis.

SATA Signal Cable (Qty Six)

Used to support the Serial ATA protocol and each one connects a single drive to the motherboard

IDE-ATA 133 HDD Cable

SLI Connector

Used to connect two graphic cards installed in the x16 PCI Express slots in an SLI configuration.

Chipset Fan

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

XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

The XFX nForce 680i SLI motherboard with the C55 SPP and MCP processors is a PCI Express, SLI-ready motherboard. Figure 1 shows the motherboard and Figures 2 shows the back panel connectors.

Unpacking and Parts Description

5981211

22 23 22 24 25 23

1. CPU Socket 10. NVIDIA MCP 19. Power o/off switch

2. NVIDIA SPP with passive heat sink 11. Floppy drive connector 20. Reset switch

3. CPU fan connector 12. Two Serial-ATA connectors 21. On-board speaker

4. DDR DIMM Slots 0 - 3 13. LED POST codes 22. PCI slots

5. 24-pin ATX Power Connector 14. Motherboard battery 23. PCI Express x16 slots (SLI)

6. FDD Connector 15. Serial connector 24. PCI Express x16 slots (Physics)

7. Front panel connector 16. LPC connector (debug) 25. PCI Express x1 slot

8. AUX PEX Power connector 17. Clear CMOS 26. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2)

9. Serial-ATA connectors 18. Fan header 27. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector

Figure 1. XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard Layout

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

2 3 4 5 6

1. PS/2 Mouse Port

2. PS/2 Keyboard Port

3. 1394a (Firewire) port

4. USB 2.0 ports

5. SPDIF output

6. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Green Line-Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange Center/Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Grey

7. USB 2.0 Ports

8. Lan Ports with LEDs to indicate status.

• Yellow/Light Up/Blink = 10 Mbps/Link/Activity

• Yellow and Green/Light Up/Blink = 100 Mbps/link/Activity

• Green/Light Up/Blink = 1000 Mbps/Link/Activity

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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. Make sure not to bend or break any pins on the back. Hold the processor only by the edges and do not touch the bottom of the processor.

Use the following procedure to install the CPU onto the motherboard.

1. Unhook the socket lever by pushing down and away

from the socket.

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

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

3. Remove the protective socket cover from the load plate.

4. Remove the processor from its protective cover,

making sure you hold it only by the edges. It is a good idea to save the cover so that whenever you remove the CPU, you have a safe place to store it.

5. Align the notches in the processor with the

notches on the socket.

6. Lower the processor straight down into the socket

with out tilting or sliding it into the socket

not

contain a CPU or memory. You

Align notches with

Note: Make sure the CPU is fully seated and level in the

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

while you close and engage the socket lever.

socket.

Hardware Installation

CPU side

Installing the CPU Fan

There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard. Follow the instruction that came with you fan assembly. Be sure that the fan orientation is correct for your chassis type and your fan assembly.

Installing Memory DIMMs

Your new motherboard has four 1.8V 240-pin slots for DDR2 memory. These slots support 256 Mb, 512 Mb and 1 Gb DDR2 technologies for x8 and x16 devices. They also support dual channel DDR2 memory technology up to

10.7GB/s. There must be at least one memory bank populated to ensure normal operation. Use the following the recommendations for installing memory.

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One DIMM: Install into slot 0. You can install the DIMM into any slot; however, slot 0 is preferred.

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Two DIMMs: Install into either slots 0 and 1 or 2 and 3. The idea is to not have the DIMMs in adjacent slots.

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Four DIMMS: Install into slots 0, 1, 2, and 3.

DIMM Slot 0

DIMM Slot 2

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Installing the Motherboard

The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or working with an empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then make all the connections.

Use the following procedure to install the I/O shield and secure the motherboard into the chassis.

Note: Be sure that the CPU fan assembly has enough clearance for the chassis

covers to lock into place and for the expansion cards. Also make sure the CPU Fan assembly is aligned with the vents on the covers.

Installing the I/O Shield

The motherboard kit comes with an I/O shield that is used to block radio frequency transmissions, protects internal components from dust and foreign objects, and promotes correct airflow within the chassis.

Before installing the motherboard, install the I/O shield from the inside of the chassis. Press the I/O shield into place and make sure it fits securely. If the I/O shield does not fit into the chassis, you would need to obtain the proper size from the chassis supplier.

Securing the Motherboard into the Chassis

Most computer chassis have a base with mounting studs or spacers to allow the 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.

Hardware Installation

4. Ensure that the fan assembly is aligned with the chassis vents according to

the fan assembly instruction.

5. Secure the motherboard with a minimum of eight-to-ten screws.

Connecting Cables and Setting Switches

This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary on the motherboard. This will include:



Power Connections

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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Power Connections

This motherboard requires an ATX power supply. To support a PCI Express motherboard with the addition of dual graphics cards using NVIDIA SLI technology, you are going to need a minimum of a 500W power supply. Make sure you have enough power to cover all the expansion cards you will be installing. To determine what you power requirements are for your specific configuration, refer to www.slizone.com.

24-pin ATX Power

PWR1

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

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

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.

12V

GND

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

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

Auxiliary Power for Graphics (

The

PWR3

connector is an auxiliary power connection for graphics cards.

PWR3

)

Exclusive power for the graphics card provides better graphics performance.

+5V GND

GND +1.2

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

SATA 4

SATA

ATA 5

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

SATA 6

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 3 SATA 1

1. Connect the locking cable end to the

motherboard connector.

2. Connect the end without the lock to the drive.

GND GND GND

TX+ RX+

TX- TX-

Hardware Installation

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

 PWRSW

HD_LED RESET - +

Blank

PWRSW - + PWRLED

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

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

 HD_LED

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

 RESET

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

RESET

switch is pressed.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Table 2. Front Panel Header Pins

Pin Signal In/Out Description

HD_LED

PWRLED

RESET

PWRSW

No Connect

Empty

1 HD_PWR Out Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V

3 HDA# Out Hard disk active LED

2 HDR_BLNK_GRN Out Front panel green light

4 HDR_BLNK_YEL Out Front panel yellow light

5 GND Ground

7 FP_RESET# In Reset switch

6 SWITCH_ON# In Power switch

8 GND Ground

IEEE 1394a (Optional)

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.

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 1934a Connector Pins

Connector

IEEE 1394a Connector

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

1 5V_DUAL 2 5V_DUAL

3 D- 4 D-

5 D+ 6 D+

7 GND 8 GND

9 Empty 10 No Connect

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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

1 3 5 7 9 2

2 4 6 8 10

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

Hardware Installation

The nForce SPP and MCP have a passive

Fan Connections

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

PC Health Status

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.

section of the CMOS Setup.

CPU Fan Connector

4 3 2 1

GND SENSE

PWR CONTROL

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

SPP Connector

3 2 1

GND

+12V

Secure fan assembly using two screws

SENSE

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

COM1 (Optional)

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

FDD Connector

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

Speaker

The speaker connector is used to connect the chassis speakers to the motherboard.

Hardware Installation

1 - Primary PCIe

Expansion Slots

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

x16 Slot (GPU1) 2 - Secondary PCIe x16 (GPU2/SLI) 3 - x16 Graphics Expansion slot 4 - x1 PCIe 5 - PCI Slots

Figure 4. Expansion Slots

PCI Slots

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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

PCI Express x1 Slot

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

PCI Express x16 Slots

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

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

Jumper Settings

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

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

Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS

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

Use the following procedure to clear CMOS:

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

jumper cap.

2. Return the jumper setting to normal (pins 2 and 3 together with the jumper

cap).

3. Turn the AC power supply back on.

Configuring the BIOS

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

This section includes the following information:



Enter BIOS Setup



Main Menu



Standard CMOS Features



Advanced BIOS Features



Advanced Chipset Features



Integrated Peripherals



Power Management Setup



PnP/PCI Configurations



System Monitor

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Enter BIOS Setup

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

Use the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings.

1. Power on the computer,

2. Press the

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

Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter Setup.

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

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard



System Monitor

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

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



Load Defaults

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



Set Password

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



Save & Exit Setup

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



Exit Without Saving

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

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



NVIDIA LinkBoost (Status indication at bottom of screen)

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

 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.

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

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 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 Auto-Detect [Press Enter]

Extended IDE Drive [None}

Access Mode Auto

Capacity 0 MB

Cylinder 0 Head 0 Precomp 0 Landing Zone 0 Sector 0

Press ENTER to display SATA Channel sub-menu

Enter

to display the IDE/SATA sub-menu.

Press ENTER to display IDE Channel sub-menu

IDE HDD Auto-Detect [Press Enter]

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

Capacity 0 MB

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

Configuring the BIOS

Press

Enter

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



None

There is no HDD installed or set.



Auto

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



Manual

When you set the channel to

[Manual]

and change

Access Mode

[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

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Halt On

[All , But Keyboard]

Press ENTER to display sub

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.

Page Up

and

Page Down

keys to scroll

Enter

to display

Drive A

None ..... [ ]

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

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

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

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

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



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

Enter

to accept the

Halt On

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]



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

All Errors

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

No Errors

ystem boot does not stop for any

detected errors.

All, But Keyboard

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

Halt On

All Errors ..... [ ]

No Errors ..... [ ]

All , But Keyboard ..... [

All , But Diskette ..... [ ]

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



:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

]

Configuring the BIOS



Memory

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



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.

Base Memory 640K

Base Memory

Extended Memory 1047552K

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

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.

Configuring the BIOS

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.

Page Up

to display the

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Quick Power On Self Test

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

Enable

and

Disable

First/Second/Third Boot Device

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

Enter

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

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

Enable

and

Disable

Page Up

and

Page Down

keys to toggle

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

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] PCI Clocks [Auto]

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

HPET Function [Enable]

NVIDIA GPY Ex [Enable] LinkBoost [Enable]



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

Figure 8. Advanced Chipset Features

Item Help

Main Level 

Voltage control

Configuring the BIOS

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

Phoenix

–

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

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Frequency Settings



CPU Freq, MHz

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



FSB Reference Clock. MHz

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



CPU Multiplier

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



PCIe x16_1, MHz

Use the

Page Up

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). Note that as you go higher in value, disabled and cannot be changed from this status.



SPP<—>MCP Ref Clock, MHz

Use the

Page Up

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

Page Up

and

Page Down

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

PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP)

keys to scroll through the frequency

HT Spread Spectrum

is disabled and

Configuring the BIOS

HT Multiplier



nForce SPP

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

[1 x]



nForce MCP <

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

[1 x]

— —

Page Up

through

Page Up

through

> nForce MCP

and

Page Down

[5 x].

— —

and

[5 x]

nForce SPP

Page Down

keys to scroll through the HT multiplier

Spread Spectrum



CPU Spread Spectrum

Use the Spectrum options for the CPU. Option values are

[UP Spread]



HT Spread Spectrum

Use the Spectrum options for the HyperTransport. Option values are

[UP Spread],

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



PCIe Spread Spectrum (SPP)

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

[UP Spread]

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



PCIe Spread Spectrum(MCP)

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

[UP Spread],

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



SATA Spread Spectrum

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

[Down Spread]

Page Up

, and

Page Up

and

Page Up

, and

Page Up

and

Page Up

and

Page Down

[Center Spread].

and

Page Down

[Center Spread].

and

Page Down

[Center Spread].

and

Page Down

[Center Spread]

and

Page Down

keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled]

keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled],

This option reverts to

Disabled

keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled]

This option reverts to

Disabled

keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled]

. This option reverts to

Disabled

keys to scroll through the Spread

[Disabled]

and

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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

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

CPUOC x%

Unlinked

Disable

Page Down

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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

F5: Previous Values F7:Defaults

or type in a new value. Note that the

Actual MEM (DDR)

actual 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

Item Help

Main Level 

Select [Expert] to enter timings manually



: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

 tCL  tRDC

: 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).

 tWR  tWTR

: 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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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

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 CPU Load Line Rate (mV/A) [1.0]

CPU FSB [Auto] 1.2V

Memory [Auto] 1.85V nForce SPP [Auto] 1.20V nForce MCP [Auto] 1.500V HT nForce SPP <-> MCP [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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard



CPU Core

Use the select



CPU Load Line Rate (mV/A)

Page Up

[Auto]

and

Page Down

keys to scroll through the voltages or

to automatically set the voltage level for the CPU Core.

This function defines the output of the CPU drops at a rate of 0.8 or 1.0 mV/A. Use the



CPU FSB

Page Up

and

Page Down

keys to select either setting.

This function defines the voltage level for the CPU FSB I/O (CPU VTT). Use the

1.5V) or select



Memory

Page Up

[Auto]

and

Page Down

keys to select a voltage (1.3V, 1.4V or

to automatically set the voltage.

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

Page Up

and

Page Down

keys to select a voltage (1.25V,

1.30V, 1.35V, 1.40V, 1.45V, 1.50V, or 1.55V) or select automatically set the voltage.



nForce MCP

This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce MCP chip. Use the

Page Up

and

Page Down

keys to select a voltage (1.525V,

1.550V, 1.575V, 1.600V, 1.625V, 1.650V, 1.675V, 1.700V, 1.725V. or 1.750) or select



HT nForce SPP<-->MCP

[Auto]

to automatically set the voltage.

This function defines the voltage level for the HyperTransport interface between the NVIDIA nForce SPP and MCP chips. Use the

Page Down

1.50V, or 1.55V) or select

keys to select a voltage (1.25V, 1.30V, 1.35V, 1.40V, 1.45V,

[Auto]

to automatically set the voltage.

Page Up

and

to automatically set the

[Auto]

Page Up

and

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.

PCI Clocks

This function allows you to enable the PCI clocks or select PCI clocks automatically enabled/disabled.

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

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

function.

to see the options.

]

[Auto]

to have the

Auto

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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.

LinkBoost

The LinkBoost® function enables or disables the NVIDIA LinkBoost technology, which guarantees higher clocks with certified GPUs.

, 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 

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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]

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]

is set to

[Enabled]

[Auto]

, and

[Disabled]

IDE Prefetch mode

, you can select a

Auto

, you can disable the

, or

Mode 1

[SATA-0]

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 all SATA functions are changed to cannot be changed.



SATA x Primary/Secondary

When

RAID Enable

various SATA functions.

to display the RAID Config menu.

RAID Enable [Disabled]

SATA 0 Primary RAID Disabled

SATA 0 Secondary RAID Disabled

[Disabled]

Disabled

and

is set to

SATA 1 Primary RAID Disabled

SATA 1 Secondary RAID Disabled

SATA 2 Primary RAID Disabled

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]

USB Keyboard Support Enabled

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

[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.

, the keyboard and mouse

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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

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

[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]

Day of Month Alarm 0

Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm 0 : 0 : 0

POWER ON Function [BUTTON ONLY]

KB Power ON Password Enter

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)]

[S1&S3], [S1(POS)]

, and

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

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]

[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]

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

enabled 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]

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

Init Display First [PCI Slot] Reset Configuration Data [Disabled]

Resources Controlled By [Auto(ESCD)]

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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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

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.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i 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

 Dynamic Fan Control [Press Enter]

CPU 47ºC/ 117ºF Board 51ºC/ 124ºF MCP 45ºC/ 113ºF

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 MCP Fan Speed 4891 RPM SPP Fan Speed 0 RPM Mem Fan Speed 0 RPM Sys Fan 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

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%

Manual Fan Speed, % 100

Chassis Fan Speed Control [Manual]

If temp > 60ºC, Set Fan Speed 100%

If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed 0%

Manual Fan Speed, % [100]

MCP Fan Speed Control, % [100] SPP Fan Speed Control, % [100] Mem Fan Speed Control, % [100]

Use this menu to control the speed of the various fans on the motherboard. Set CPU and Chassis fan speed to fans automatically controlled based on temperature. To set the fan speed to a constant rate, select

[Manual]

[SmartFan]

when you want the speed of the

and then enter the speed from 0% to 100%.

Set the desired speed for the MCP, SPP, and memory fans from 0% to 100%. The system defaults to 100%.

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

This page is blank.

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 XFX 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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Windows XP Drivers Install

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

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

1. Insert the XFX nForce 680i 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.

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

Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i SLI Motherboard

Figure 17. NVIDIA Control Panel, Select a Category

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.

StartAll ProgramsNVIDIA CorporationNVIDIA

To view temperatures and fans, click the button.

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

XFX nForce 680i User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual