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XFX nForce 680i LT User Manual

Installation and configuration
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XFX nForce 680i LT
SLI Motherboard
Installation and Configuration

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Summary of Contents for XFX XFX nForce 680i LT

  • Page 1 User Guide XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Installation and Configuration...
  • Page 2 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Before You Begin… ..................xii Parts NOT in the Kit..................xii Intentions of the Kit ..................xiii Introduction to the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard......1 Features ......................1 Ultimate Overclocking ..................1 Guaranteed FSB speeds .................1 High-speed Memory..................1 Comprehensive Overclocking Tools ..............2...
  • Page 4 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard NVIDIA Native Gigabit Ethernet ..............4 NVIDIA FirstPacket™ Technology ..............4 TCP/IP Acceleration ..................4 High Definition Audio (HDA) ................4 USB 2.0......................5 Motherboard Specifications .........Error! Bookmark not defined. Unpacking and Parts Descriptions ...............7 Unpacking......................7...
  • Page 5 IEEE 1394a....................20 USB Headers ...................20 Audio ......................22 Fan Connections ..................23 COM1 ......................24 FDD Connector ....................24 Speaker ......................24 Expansion Slots ...................24 Expansion Slots ...................24 PCI Slots ....................25 PCI Express x1 Slot ..................25 PCI Express x16 Slots................25 Jumper Settings ....................26 Clear CMOS Jumper: CLR_CMOS ..............26 Configuring the BIOS ..................27 Enter BIOS Setup ....................28 Main Menu......................28...
  • Page 6 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard CPU Internal Cache..................37 Quick Power On Self Test................38 First/Second/Third Boot Device..............38 Boot Other Device ..................38 Boot Up NumLock Status................38 Security Option....................39 APIC Mode ....................39 MPS Version Control For OS .................39 Full Screen LOGO Show ................39...
  • Page 7 Reset Configuration Data ................60 Resources Controlled By................60 IRQ Resources.....................61 PCI/VGA Palette Snoop ................61 Maximum Payload Size.................61 System Monitor Menu ..................62 Dynamic Fan Control..................63 Software Installation ..................65 Windows XP Drivers Install ................66 Using the NVIDIA Software ...............67 NVIDIA Monitor....................68 NVIDIA nTune 5.0 ...................69...
  • Page 8 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Manual Tuning ....................70 Adjust Motherboard Settings..............70 System Voltages ..................72 System Fans ....................72 Memory Timing..................73 Adjust GPU Settings .................75 Dynamic BIOS Access ..................76 Available BIOS Pages ................77 General Settings ..................77 Advanced Settings ...................77 Boot up Setting..................78...
  • Page 9 Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration........102 Building an SLI System .................. 102 Determine Component and Operating System Needs ........102 Install Your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Parts ............105 Install NVIDIA SLI Software ............... 107 Enable NVIDIA SLI..................108 Index ......................110...
  • Page 10 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard List of Figures Figure 1. XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Layout ........9 Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors ............10 Figure 3. PWR1 Motherboard Connector............16 Figure 4. Expansion Slots ................25 Figure 5.
  • Page 11 Figure 24. Adjust Custom Rules (nTune) ............83 Figure 25. Perform Stability Test ..............84 Figure 26. Storage Control Panel Categories (MediaShield) ......85 Figure 27. View Storage Configuration (MediaShield) ........86 Figure 28. Networking Control Panel Categories..........96 Figure 29. SLI Slots on the Motherboard ............105...

  • Page 12: Before You Begin

    Memory. Supports up to 8 GBs DDR2 memory. Graphics Card This motherboard is capable of using the NVIDIA SLI technology. To utilize this technology requires two SLI-capable graphics cards. When ordering a graphics card, be sure it is a PCI Express card. The kit does contain the SLI connector used to connect the two graphics cards.

  • Page 13: Intentions Of The Kit

    Introduction Intentions of the Kit This kit provides you with the motherboard and all connecting cables necessary to install the motherboard into a PC chassis. If you are building a PC, you will use most of the cables provided in the kit. If however, you are replacing a motherboard, you will not need many of the cables.

  • Page 15: Introduction To The Xfx Nforce 680I Lt Sli Motherboard

    Introduction to the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Thank you for buying the XFX NFORCE 680i LT SLI Motherboard. This motherboard offers the tools and performance PC users demand. When combined with two SLI-Ready NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, you get innovative NVIDIA SLI Technology for enhanced system performance.

  • Page 16: Comprehensive Overclocking Tools

    NVIDIA SLI technology is a revolutionary platform innovation that allows users to intelligently scale graphics performance by combining multiple NVIDIA graphics solutions in a single system with an NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI MCP. True 2 x16 PCI Express SLI Support Two full-bandwidth, 16-lane PCI Express links ensure maximum graphics performance for next-generation GPUs and games.

  • Page 17: Nvidia Sli Certified Components

    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.

  • Page 18: Bootable Multidisk Array

    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.

  • Page 19: Usb 2.0

    Onboard Serial ATA II 300MBps data transfer rate Six Serial ATA II connectors NVIDIA MediaShield RAID with support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD Supports hot plug and NCQ (Native Command Queuing ) Onboard LAN...
  • Page 20 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Onboard 1394 Support hot plug Two 1394a ports (one rear panel port, one onboard header) with rate of transmission at 400 Mbps Onboard Audio Azalia High-Definition audio Supports 8-channel audio...

  • Page 21: Unpacking And Parts Descriptions

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

  • Page 22: Xfx Nforce 680I Lt Sli Motherboard

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

  • Page 23: Figure 1. Xfx Nforce 680I Lt Sli Motherboard Layout

    14. Fan Headers 22. NVIDIA SPP fan connector 7. Front panel connector 15. Serial connector 23. Backpanel connectors (Figure 2) 8. AUX PEX Power connector 16. Clear CMOS 24. 8-pin ATX_12V power connector Figure 1. XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Layout...

  • Page 24: Figure 2. Chassis Backpanel Connectors

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 1. PS/2 Mouse Port 2. PS/2 Keyboard Port 3. 1394a (Firewire) Port 4. USB 2.0 ports (two) 5. SPDIF output 6. Port 2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel/8-Channel Blue Line-In Line-In Line-In Green...

  • Page 25: Hardware Installation

    Hardware Installation 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 To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury, always follow basic safety precautions.

  • Page 26: Preparing The Motherboard

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Preparing the Motherboard The motherboard shipped in the box does contain a CPU or memory. You need to purchase a CPU, a CPU fan assembly, and memory to complete this installation.

  • Page 27: Installing The Cpu Fan

    Hardware Installation Installing the CPU Fan There are many different fan types that can be used with this motherboard. Follow the instructions that came with your fan assembly. Be sure that the fan orientation is correct for your chassis type and your fan assembly. Installing Memory DIMMs Your new motherboard has four 1.8V 240-pin slots for DDR2 memory.

  • Page 28: Installing The Motherboard

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Installing the Motherboard The sequence of installing the motherboard into the chassis depends on the chassis you are using and if you are replacing an existing motherboard or working with an empty chassis. Determine if it would be easier to make all the connections prior to this step or to secure the motherboard and then make all the connections.

  • Page 29: Connecting Cables And Setting Switches

    Hardware Installation Connecting Cables and Setting Switches This section takes you through all the connections and switch settings necessary on the motherboard. This will include: Power Connections 24-pin ATX power ( PWR1 8-pin ATX 12V power ( PWR2 Auxiliary power for graphics ( PWR3 Internal Headers Front panel...

  • Page 30: Power Connections

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Power Connections This motherboard requires an ATX power supply. To support a PCI Express motherboard with the addition of dual graphics cards using NVIDIA SLI technology, you are going to need a minimum of a 500W power supply. Make sure you have enough power to cover all the expansion cards you will be installing.

  • Page 31: 8-Pin Atx 12V Power (Pwr2)

    Hardware Installation 8-pin ATX 12V Power ( PWR2 , the 8-pin ATX 12V power connection, is used to provide power to the PWR2 CPU. Align the pins to the connector and press firmly until seated. Backpanel connector edge. Connect a four-pin power plug to pins 1, 2, 5, and 6.

  • Page 32: Connecting Ide Hard Disk Drives

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

  • Page 33: Connecting Internal Headers

    Hardware Installation Connecting Internal Headers Front Panel Header The front panel header on this motherboard is one connector used to connect the following four cables: PWRLED Attach the front panel power LED cable to HD_LED Connect RESET these two pins of the connector. The Power LED indicates the system’s status.

  • Page 34: Ieee 1394A

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Table 2. Front Panel Header Pins Signal In/Out Description HD_PWR Hard disk LED pull-up to +5V HD_LED HDA# Hard disk active LED HDR_BLNK_GRN Front panel green light PWRLED HDR_BLNK_YEL Front panel yellow light...

  • Page 35: Usb Headers

    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.

  • Page 36: Audio

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Audio The audio connector supports HD audio standard and provides two kinds of audio output choices: the Front Audio, the Rear Audio. The front Audio supports re-tasking function. Table 5.

  • Page 37: Fan Connections

    Hardware Installation Fan Connections There are two fan connections, the system fan and the CPU fan. The fan speed can be detected and viewed in the section of the CMOS Setup. PC Health Status Both fans are automatically turned off after the system enters S3, S4 and S5 mode.

  • Page 38: Com1

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

  • Page 39: Pci 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.

  • Page 40: Jumper Settings

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Jumper Settings The motherboard contains a 3-pin BIOS configuration jumper that enables all board configurations to be done in the BIOS Setup program. The silk screen on the motherboard shows a next to pin 1.

  • Page 41: Configuring The Bios

    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...

  • Page 42: Enter Bios Setup

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Enter BIOS Setup The BIOS is the communication bridge between hardware and software. Correctly setting the BIOS parameters is critical to maintain optimal system performance. Use the following procedure to verify/change BIOS settings.

  • Page 43: Figure 5. Bios Cmos Setup Utility Main Menu

        : Select Item F10 : Save & Exit Setup Time, Date, Hard Disk Type.., NVIDIA LinkBoost™ - Not Detected SLI-Ready memory - Disabled Figure 5. BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Menu Standard CMOS Features Use this menu to set up the basic system configuration.
  • Page 44 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard The following items on the CMOS Setup Utility main menu are commands rather than submenus: Load Defaults Load default system settings. Set Password Use this command to set, change, and disable the password used to access the BIOS menu.

  • Page 45: Standard Cmos Features Menu

    Configuring the BIOS Standard CMOS Features Menu The Standard CMOS Features menu is used to configure the standard CMOS information, such as the date, time, HDD model, and so on. Use the Page Up keys to scroll through the options or press to display the Page Down Enter...

  • Page 46: Date And Time

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Date and Time Using the arrow keys, position the cursor over the month, day, and year. Use keys to scroll through dates and times. Note that Page Up Page Down the weekday (Sun through Sat) cannot be changed.
  • Page 47 Configuring the BIOS Press to auto-detect IDE and SATA channels in the system. Once the Enter 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.

  • Page 48: Drive A

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Drive A option allows you to select the kind of FDD to install. Drive A Options are: Press ENTER to display sub-menu Drive A [1.44, 3.5 in.] Halt On [All , But Keyboard]...

  • Page 49: Memory

    Configuring the BIOS All, But Diskette The system boot does not stop for a diskette error but will stop for all other errors. All, But Disk/Key The system boot does not stop for a keyboard or disk error, but will stop for all other errors.

  • Page 50: Advanced Bios Features

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Advanced BIOS Features Access the Advanced BIOS Features menu from the CMOS Utility Setup screen. Use the keys to scroll through the options or Page Up Page Down press to display the sub-menu. Use the...

  • Page 51: Removable Device Priority

    Configuring the BIOS Removable Device Priority Use this option to select the priority for removable device startup. Press Enter to see the list of removable devices in your system. Use the arrow keys to go to the various devices. Then use the keys to move the device priority up –...

  • Page 52: Quick Power On Self Test

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Quick Power On Self Test Enabling this option allows the system to skip certain test while booting, which reduces the time needed to boot the system. Use the Page Up...

  • Page 53: Security Option

    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 to require a password to gain Setup access to the CMOS Setup screen. Select to require a password to System access the CMOS Setup screen and when the system boots.

  • Page 54: Advanced Chipset Features

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Advanced Chipset Features Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and Advanced Chipset Features press to display the functions of the Advanced Chipset Functions menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility...

  • Page 55: System Clocks

    Configuring the BIOS System Clocks Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and press System Clocks to display the System Clocks menu. From this menu, you are able to Enter specify frequency settings, HT multipliers, and Spread Spectrum settings. Note that in Figure 9, all of the options are listed.

  • Page 56: Frequency Settings

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Frequency Settings CPU Freq, MHz This value is set by the CPU Multiplier (value cannot be changed by the user). FSB Reference Clock, MHz This value is set by the system (value cannot be changed by the user). To change the SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing, go to the FSB &...

  • Page 57: Ht Multiplier

    Configuring the BIOS HT Multiplier nForce SPP — — > nForce MCP Use the keys to scroll through the HT multiplier Page Up Page Down options and set the link speed from the SPP chip to the MCP chip. Values are through [1 x] [5 x].

  • Page 58: Fsb & Memory Config

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard FSB & Memory Config Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and FSB & Memory Config press to display the FSB & Memory Config menu. This menu provides Enter the means to set SLI-Ready memory, FSB memory, and memory timing.
  • Page 59 Configuring the BIOS When you select one of the options, the CPUOC x% FSB - Memory is set to and cannot be changed until Clock Mode Unlinked SLI- is set to Ready Memory Disable FSB and Memory Clock Mode Use the keys to scroll through the FSB and Page Up Page Down...

  • Page 60: Memory Timing Setting

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard or type in a new value. Note that the reflects the actual Actual MEM (DDR) frequency that takes effect when the system reboots. Memory Timing Setting Press to display the Memory Timing Setting menu. Use this menu to Enter set optimal timings or to manually enter timings.
  • Page 61 Configuring the BIOS Expert Use the keys to select . When Expert Page Up Page Down 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.

  • Page 62: Cpu Configuration

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard CPU Configuration Select from the Advanced Chipset Features menu and CPU Configuration press to display the CPU Configuration menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility CPU Configuration Limit CPUID MaxVal...

  • Page 63: System Voltages

    Configuring the BIOS 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).
  • Page 64 Page Down [Auto] voltage. nForce SPP This function defines the core voltage level for the NVIDIA nForce SPP chip. Use the keys to select a voltage (1.20V, 1.30V, Page Up Page Down 1.40V, 1.50V) or select to automatically set the voltage.

  • Page 65: Nvmem Memory Test

    Configuring the BIOS NVMEM Memory Test This function defines whether you run the NVIDIA memory testing module during POST. The options are Fast, Medium, Slow, and Disable. Load Timing/Voltage Set This function loads the system voltages and timing settings that were defined in the System Voltages menu.

  • Page 66: Save Timing/Voltage Set

    , the APIC Disabled 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.

  • Page 67: Integrated Peripherals Menu

    Configuring the BIOS Integrated Peripherals Menu Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and Integrated Peripherals press to display the Integrated Peripherals menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Integrated Peripherals IDE Function Setup [Press Enter] Item Help RAID Config [Press Enter] USB Config [Press Enter]...

  • Page 68: Ide Function Setup

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard IDE Function Setup Press to display the IDE Function Setup menu. Enter OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Primary Master [Auto] Primary Slave [Auto] Primary Master UDMA [Auto] Primary Slave UDMA [Auto]...

  • Page 69: Raid Config

    Configuring the BIOS RAID Config Press to display the RAID Config menu. 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...

  • Page 70: Mac Config

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard MAC Config Press to display the MAC Config menu. Enter MAC0 LAN [Enabled] MAC1 LAN [Disabled] MACx LAN Use these functions to set the MAC0 and/or MAC1 LANs to Auto disable their functions.

  • Page 71: Power Management Setup Menu

    Configuring the BIOS Power Management Setup Menu Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and Power Management Setup press to display the Power Management Setup menu. Enter Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Management Setup ACPI function [Enabled] Item Help APCI Suspend Type [S1&S3] Soft-Off by PBTN...

  • Page 72: Soft-Off By Pbnt

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Soft-Off by PBNT This function on the Power Management Setup menu allows you to set Soft- Off 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.

  • Page 73: Pnp/Pci Configuration Menu

    Configuring the BIOS Hot Key Power On When is selected, the function is enabled [Hot Key] Hot key Power On so that you must select a keyboard key as the hot key. To select a hot key use though Ctrl+F1 Ctrl+F12 POWER ON Function [Hot key]...

  • Page 74: Init Display First

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 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] [PCIEx].

  • Page 75: Irq Resources

    Configuring the BIOS IRQ Resources To enable this field for input, set Resources Controlled By . With this field enabled, press to see options. [Manual] Enter 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...

  • Page 76: System Monitor Menu

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard System Monitor Menu Select from the CMOS Setup Utility menu and press Enter System Monitor display the System Monitor menu. Phoenix – AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility System Monitor Dynamic Fan Control...

  • Page 77: Dynamic Fan Control

    Configuring the BIOS Dynamic Fan Control Press to display the Dynamic Fan Control menu. Enter CPU Fan Speed Control [SmartFan] If temp > 70ºC, Set Fan Speed 100% If temp < 30ºC, Set Fan Speed Manual Fan Speed, % AUX Fan Speed Control, % [100] nForce Fan Speed Control, % [100]...
  • Page 78 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard This page is blank.

  • Page 79: Software Installation

    The motherboard supports Windows XP 32bit and 64bit and is Vista-capable. The kit comes with a CD that contains utility drivers and additional NVIDIA software. The CD that has been shipped with your NVIDIA motherboard contains the...

  • Page 80: Windows Xp Drivers Install

    When installing the graphics drivers, the resolution defaults to the lowest setting (typically 800 x 600), making your display very large. Adjust accordingly. 1. Insert the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI installation CD for the graphics drivers included in the kit. Note: If you have multiple graphics cards installed, you will be asked multiple times for all events once the drivers are installed.

  • Page 81: Using The Nvidia Software

    Using the NVIDIA Software This section describes how to configure the following NVIDIA software that is included on the CD in the kit from the NVIDIA Control Panel: NVIDIA Monitor Performance (NVIDIA nTune) Storage (NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Manager) Networking (NVIDIA FirstPacket) System Update Figure 17.

  • Page 82: Nvidia Monitor

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard NVIDIA Monitor The NVIDIA Monitor application can be used at any time with any applications to view the real-time status of various system components. To display the NVIDIA Monitor, select Start All Programs NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA .

  • Page 83: Nvidia Ntune 5.0

    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.

  • Page 84: Manual Tuning

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Management View system information Adjust custom rules Manual Tuning The Manual Tuning option provides the ability to adjust motherboard settings, adjust CPU settings, and make changes to the BIOS. Adjust Motherboard Settings...

  • Page 85: Figure 19. Adjust Motherboard Settings (Ntune)

    Adjust Motherboard Settings (nTune) CAUTION: Increasing the voltage or the clock speed of a component may void its warranty due to exceeding recommended specifications. NVIDIA and the board manufacturer are not responsible for damage that may occur when component tolerances are exceeded.

  • Page 86: System Voltages

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard System Voltages CAUTION: Overvoltaging any component can result in damage. In this section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings you must understand what you are changing. Overvoltaging any of the components can result in damage to the components.

  • Page 87: Memory Timing

    Using NVIDIA Software Memory Timing This section of the Adjust Motherboard Settings allows you to adjust various memory timings and cycles. When you select an option, information explaining the selection is displayed in the area below the Memory Timing box.
  • Page 88 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard RAS to RAS Delay The RAS-to-RAS delay (tRRD) is the is the amount of cycles it takes to activate the next bank of memory (this is the opposite of tRAS). The lower the timing the better the system performance.

  • Page 89: Adjust Gpu Settings

    Using NVIDIA Software Clock Drive Strength This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user. Command Per Clock The Command Per Clock (tCPC) sets the Command Rate for the memory controller. The value shown cannot be changed Async Latency This value is filled in by the system and can not be changed by the user.

  • Page 90: Dynamic Bios Access

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Dynamic BIOS Access Dynamic BIOS Access allows you to change some of your system BIOS settings. The changes do not go into effect until you reboot your system. Since these changes are made to actual BIOS settings in the CMOS, the settings remain active until you change them again or restore the CMOS to the default settings.

  • Page 91: Available Bios Pages

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

  • Page 92: Boot Up Setting

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Boot up Setting This section of the Dynamic BIOS Access menu allows you to set the following options: First/Second/Third Boot Device Removable Hard Disk CDROM Legacy LAN Disable Swap Floppy Drive...

  • Page 93: Automatic Tuning

    Using NVIDIA Software Automatic Tuning The NVIDIA nTune performance manager uses a complex searching algorithm to determine the best possible and most stable performance for you system. The nTune tuning engine pushes your system to the limits to test the highest possible performance settings.

  • Page 94: Figure 22. Tune System Menu (Ntune)

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Figure 22. Tune System Menu (nTune)

  • Page 95: Management

    Using NVIDIA Software Management The Management option on the View System Information screen allows you to view hardware, software, and system information and adjust profiles. View System Information This screen is for information purposes only (you cannot make any changes to the information).
  • Page 96 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Hardware and driver version information can be viewed and saved using this interface. The status of the system, including current system clock speeds, system temperatures, memory timings, and system voltages can be logged.

  • Page 97: Adjust Custom Rules

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

  • Page 98: System Stability

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard System Stability System Stability lets you view your system’s status and perform system stability testing. To access the System Stability menu, select Start All Programs NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Control and select...

  • Page 99: Storage

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

  • Page 100: Health

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Health The Health option on the Storage menu provides the ability for you to view the current storage configuration. View Storage Configuration The View Storage Configuration screendisplays the current configuration of your storage devices.

  • Page 101: Management

    The Management options on the Storage menu provides you with the ability to delete, rebuild, migrate, and synchronize arrays. Delete Array Use the following procedure to delete an array: 1. Click on under Management to launch the NVIDIA Delete Delete Array Array Wizard. 2. Click to continue with...
  • Page 102 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 3. Select an array you want to delete and press Next screen displays to verify that Completing the NVIDIA Delete Array Wizard you still want to delete the array selected.

  • Page 103: Rebuild Array

    Use the following procedure to rebuild an array: 1. Identify the affect disk in the array and replace it. 2. Click on under Management to launch the NVIDIA Rebuild Rebuild Array Array Wizard. 3. Click...
  • Page 104 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 5. Select the disk in the array that was replaced and needs to be rebuilt. 6. Click Next screen displays to verify that Completing the NVIDIA Rebuild Array Wizard you still want to rebuild the array selected.

  • Page 105: Migrating Array

    Changing a RAID array to a different array type An example would be to change a Mirroring array to a Strip Mirroring array. Use the following procedure to rebuild an array: 1. Click on under Management to launch the NVIDIA Migrate Migrate Array Array Wizard. 2. Click...
  • Page 106 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 3. Select the array to migrate and click to display the RAID Mode Next Selection window. 4. Select the RAID mode you want to migrate to and click Next screen displays to verify that Completing the NVIDIA Migrate Array Wizard you still want to migrate the array selected.

  • Page 107: Synchronize Array

    Synchronize Array This option is used to synchronize a selected array. Use the following procedure to rebuild an array: 1. Click on under Management to launch the NVIDIA Synchronize Array Synchronize Array Wizard. 2. Click to continue with the wizard and display the RAID Array Next Selection window.
  • Page 108 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 3. Select the array to synchronize and click Next screen displays to verify Completing the NVIDIA Synchronize Array Wizard that you still want to synchronize the array selected. 4. Click to begin synchronizing the array.

  • Page 109: Nvidia Networking

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

  • Page 110: Performance

    Networking Control Panel Categories First Packet NVIDIA FirstPacket offers a new way to manage the traffic on your personal computer, allowing you to more effectively manage and improve the performance of networked games and other applications that are sensitive to network delay (latency), such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP).
  • Page 111 Using NVIDIA Software Use the following procedure to enable or disable the ability to have network traffic to prioritized for optimal performance: 1. Select under Performance on the Configure FirstPacket Settings Networking Control Panel Categories screen to display the Configure FirstPacket Settings screen.

  • Page 112: Tcp/Ip Acceleration

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard 4. Define the applications to accelerate by clicking Program Prioritized by FirstPacket. 5. Click to browse for an executable gamming applications. For example, if you want to accelerate a game such as Serious Sam 2, look for the and add it.
  • Page 113 In traditional networking environments, inspecting packets is laborious and affects CPU overhead, memory bandwidth, and overall system latency. In comparison, the NVIDIA TCP/IP Acceleration engine discards bad packets before the CPU detects them. In addition, good packets take an “express lane”...

  • Page 114: Accessing System Update

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Accessing System Update The System Update application is used to configure XXX. The System Update application is accessible from the NVIDIA Control Panel.
  • Page 115 Using NVIDIA Software...

  • Page 116: Installing Graphics Cards In An Sli Configuration

    Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration NVIDIA SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is a revolutionary technology that allows two NVIDIA SLI graphics cards to work together to deliver incredible 3D graphics performance. Your new motherboard can support up to two PCI Express graphics cards linked using SLI.
  • Page 117 Minimum Recommended PCI Express System Type Power Supply Extreme SLI PC NVIDIA has tested the majority of power supplies in this high power category and therefore only recommends an SLI-ready power supply. Ultra High-end SLI PC You must have a power supply that can provide a minimum of +12V @ 22A of dedicated power for the two graphics cards.
  • Page 118 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard XFX nForce 680 SLI or XFX nForce 590 SLI motherboard with 2GB system memory Two HDDs in Raid 0 configuration Two optical drives PCI Sound Card LCD at 2560x1600 resolution...

  • Page 119: Install Your Nvidia Sli-Ready Parts

    Install Your NVIDIA SLI-Ready Parts Now that you have obtained the necessary NVIDIA SLI-Ready parts, and confirmed your power supply requirements, it is time to configure the system. This procedure assumes you have already installed the motherboard. The XFX nForce 680i LT SLI motherboard has two PCI Express slots used for the SLI configuration.
  • Page 120 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Use the following procedure to build your NVIDIA SLI-Ready PC system: 1. Install two SLI-Ready graphic cards into the two black PCI Express x16 slots on the motherboard (see Figure 29). Be sure to seat the graphic cards into the connectors.

  • Page 121: Install Nvidia Sli Software

    Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration 3. Install the NVIDIA SLI connector across the two outer graphics cards as shown below. Each SLI-Ready graphics card has an SLI finger on the upper side of the card. Install the SLI connector onto the two outer cards.

  • Page 122: Enable Nvidia Sli

    Capable System message. Click on this message to enable your NVIDIA SLI. Enable NVIDIA SLI At this point, you need to enable NVIDIA SLI. You can do this either by clicking on the balloon or by going to the NVIDIA SLI capable system Control Panel.
  • Page 123 Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration Click and click Enable SLI technology (recommended) Apply. You now have an NVIDIA SLI-enabled PC! The system reboots to apply the setting and display the following message upon reboot: Congratulations on your new NVIDIA SLI-Ready PC system.

  • Page 124: Index

    Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard Index 1394 Cable ........9 Advanced BIOS Features menu ...37 2-Port SATA Power Cable ....8 Advanced Chipset Features ..41 3D Settings ....... 111 CMOS Setup Utility menu ....30 ACPI function.........58 CPU Configuration ......49 ACPI Suspend Type......58...
  • Page 125 Installing Graphics Cards in an SLI Configuration Clock Drive Strength ......76 date and time, setting in BIOS ..33 CMOS RAM jumper......26 DDR2 memory .......14 Comm2 Bracket Cable ......9 drivers, shipped in kit .....66 Command Per Clock..... 48, 76 dual channel DDR2 ......14 Dynamic BIOS Access ....77 configure IDE and SATA channels, BIOS .........33...
  • Page 126 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard GPU, adjust settings.......76 set disk priority ......38 Halt On sub-menu ......35 set fan speeds in BIOS ....63 hard disk audio function ....57 set fan speeds with BIOS ....64 Hard Disk Boot Priority ....38 set IDE functions in BIOS....55...
  • Page 127 Intel microprocessor ...... xii nForce SLI........2 internal headers......20 nTune ...........70 PWRHD_LED......20 NumLock status ......39 PWRLED ........20 NVIDIA Control Panel .....69 PWRSW ........20 NVIDIA EX support......53 IRQ Resources .......62 NVIDIA memory testing module..52 LBA ..........34 NVIDIA Monitor application.....69 Legacy ISA ........62 NVIDIA Networking function ...96...
  • Page 128 Installing and Configuring the XFX nForce 680i LT SLI Motherboard power button cable ......20 removable device startup priority ..38 Power Management Setup menu..58 RESET ..........20 power supply requirement ....xii Reset switch cable ......20 Power-on by alarm function....59 Row Address Strobe .......74 power-on function......59...
  • Page 129 View System Information screen ..82 Virtualization Technology..50 tRC..........48 W to R Termination Turnaround..74 tRDC..........48 Write Recovery Time ......74 tRDRD...........75 Write-to-Write timing .....75 tREF..........48 XFX nForce 680i LT Motherboard ..8 tRP..........48 XFX nForce 680i SE Motherboard tRRD..........48 Layout ........11 Tune System Menu ......81...
  • Page 131 No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of NVIDIA Corporation. Specifications mentioned in this publication are subject to change without notice. This publication supersedes and replaces all information previously supplied.

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