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My New Rig: K8NXP-SLI is up and running!

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Yeah, I tried that too...still no luck. I think I've got a bad SLI bridge connecting the cards, because both cards work and everything else works. Even when I boot the rig up without the SLI bridge on the cards I'm replicating the same scenerio as if I have the SLI bridge on there...so I guess what I'm left to do is RMA the mobo back...man this sucks. It would even suck more if I get the same problem even with a replacement.
 
madgett said:
Yeah, I tried that too...still no luck. I think I've got a bad SLI bridge connecting the cards, because both cards work and everything else works. Even when I boot the rig up without the SLI bridge on the cards I'm replicating the same scenerio as if I have the SLI bridge on there...so I guess what I'm left to do is RMA the mobo back...man this sucks. It would even suck more if I get the same problem even with a replacement.
just so i am clear (which i may not be as i've been awake for four hours and it'll take another three before i am alert) have you gone through a clean install of your OS yet? so far by the sounds of it just about everything has been covered short of replacing hardware. Skeetman is right that this shouldn't be a PSU issue. i'd also venture to say that this wouldn't likely be an issue with the Motherboard/Bridge Adapter either as the display driver glitches obviously pertain more so to the Video Card(s) and the drivers for such. as for flashing the cards from what i have read the Leadtek Winfox 2.0 Utility works on any 6800 series card regardless of manufacturer but this of course is a risk. you can download the necessary files to a bootable floppy from here.

good luck!

- (PmR)DeathInJune
 
Sli Works

Swatdog said:
Did you try flashing both card's with a different BIOS?
Go here: http://www.mvktech.net/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=26&func=selectcat&cat=2 and re-flash your BIOS using the BFG BIOS or something. Do it to BOTH cards.

SLI Works!!!!!!!

I finally figured it out!!! Except I get nasty artifacts and stutters...so that sucks, might be a bad card.

One of my eVGA cards had a different BIOS revision, same BIOS number but they had different revisions so I flashed them with the same revision and boom I get the option for SLI popup on the desktop.

THIS IS WHAT I DID TO RE-FLASH AND GET SLI TO WORK ON MY GA-K8NXP-SLI

Directions for Flashing, do this at your own risk…I don’t know what else to tell you, other than that I had no problems doing this.

I used this program to reflash my cards -> nvFlash 5.13 http://www.mvktech.net/index.php?op...=26&func=fileinfo&parent=folder&filecatid=859 really easy, you need a floppy drive in your comp though (which I did luckily).

Main section with all NVIDIA stuff (BIOS, Utility files, Driver files): http://www.mvktech.net/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=26&func=selectcat&cat=2

First Off, you need to do 1 card at a time so hook one up in normal mode, and label the things with some piece of tape or something. You need to label them, write down the serial numbers cause you need to know which bios goes with which when you copy the backup bios just in case there are problems and you need to revert back.

1) Under NVIDIA Util Files you will see “nvFlash Version 5.13” I used that.
2) Then under NVIDIA BIOS Files I used eVGA 6800GT Rev 2.0 BIOS.
3) Download both files
4) Get a blank floppy disk, stick it in then under “My Computer” right click on 3 ½ Floppy and go to “Format”
5) Check the option that says “Create an MS-DOS startup disk” -> then format it
6) Next copy the BIOS you downloaded and the nvFlash utility exe files (should be two) onto the ms-dos disk
7) Rename the BIOS.rom file of the eVGA bios to “NEW.rom”, this is because the freakin dos can’t read the default name lol, wasted my time trying to do it so I renamed it as a solution
8) Then you’re startup disk is set with everything you need.

FLASHING

1) Reboot with startup disk in the floppy drive
2) First thing is to backup the BIOS currently on the card…so with the card in and at the A prompt type: nvflash –b originalBIOS1.rom and hit enter; you can customize what’s in italic. This will create a backup.rom file with the filename you specify, you really need to match this bios backup with the right card so write down that bios name with the serial number of the card that’s hooked up.
3) Then you are ready to flash: nvflash -5 -6 NEW.rom -> if you want to know what the numbers mean then look in the help file that has all the commands. Depending on your situation you might have to force flash which I didn’t have to do so check the MVK forums for help.
4) Then when it’s done, shutdown and then reboot.
5) Do steps 1-4 with the second card in normal mode as well.

INSTALLING

Note: You must install (1) card in normal mode and then the next one in SLI mode.

1) Boot up with (1) card in normal mode. If you haven’t uninstalled all the drivers yet then do so.
2) When you have all the drivers uninstalled and you’ve rebooted then install the newest forceware drivers from eVGA or nVIDIA’s site, both worked for me. It will install for that first card.
3) Reboot completely with the new drivers.
4) Shutdown then install the second card in SLI mode.
5) Boot up and let windows auto install the second card.
6) Then reboot after it says that it’s installed.
7) SLI should pop-up.

This is exactly what I did to get the SLI to work.
 
madgett said:
SLI Works!!!!!!!

I finally figured it out!!! Except I get nasty artifacts and stutters...so that sucks, might be a bad card.

One of my eVGA cards had a different BIOS revision, same BIOS number but they had different revisions so I flashed them with the same revision and boom I get the option for SLI popup on the desktop.

THIS IS WHAT I DID TO RE-FLASH AND GET SLI TO WORK ON MY GA-K8NXP-SLI

Directions for Flashing, do this at your own risk…I don’t know what else to tell you, other than that I had no problems doing this.

I used this program to reflash my cards -> nvFlash 5.13 http://www.mvktech.net/index.php?op...=26&func=fileinfo&parent=folder&filecatid=859 really easy, you need a floppy drive in your comp though (which I did luckily).

Main section with all NVIDIA stuff (BIOS, Utility files, Driver files): http://www.mvktech.net/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=26&func=selectcat&cat=2

First Off, you need to do 1 card at a time so hook one up in normal mode, and label the things with some piece of tape or something. You need to label them, write down the serial numbers cause you need to know which bios goes with which when you copy the backup bios just in case there are problems and you need to revert back.

1) Under NVIDIA Util Files you will see “nvFlash Version 5.13” I used that.
2) Then under NVIDIA BIOS Files I used eVGA 6800GT Rev 2.0 BIOS.
3) Download both files
4) Get a blank floppy disk, stick it in then under “My Computer” right click on 3 ½ Floppy and go to “Format”
5) Check the option that says “Create an MS-DOS startup disk” -> then format it
6) Next copy the BIOS you downloaded and the nvFlash utility exe files (should be two) onto the ms-dos disk
7) Rename the BIOS.rom file of the eVGA bios to “NEW.rom”, this is because the freakin dos can’t read the default name lol, wasted my time trying to do it so I renamed it as a solution
8) Then you’re startup disk is set with everything you need.

FLASHING

1) Reboot with startup disk in the floppy drive
2) First thing is to backup the BIOS currently on the card…so with the card in and at the A prompt type: nvflash –b originalBIOS1.rom and hit enter; you can customize what’s in italic. This will create a backup.rom file with the filename you specify, you really need to match this bios backup with the right card so write down that bios name with the serial number of the card that’s hooked up.
3) Then you are ready to flash: nvflash -5 -6 NEW.rom -> if you want to know what the numbers mean then look in the help file that has all the commands. Depending on your situation you might have to force flash which I didn’t have to do so check the MVK forums for help.
4) Then when it’s done, shutdown and then reboot.
5) Do steps 1-4 with the second card in normal mode as well.

INSTALLING

Note: You must install (1) card in normal mode and then the next one in SLI mode.

1) Boot up with (1) card in normal mode. If you haven’t uninstalled all the drivers yet then do so.
2) When you have all the drivers uninstalled and you’ve rebooted then install the newest forceware drivers from eVGA or nVIDIA’s site, both worked for me. It will install for that first card.
3) Reboot completely with the new drivers.
4) Shutdown then install the second card in SLI mode.
5) Boot up and let windows auto install the second card.
6) Then reboot after it says that it’s installed.
7) SLI should pop-up.

This is exactly what I did to get the SLI to work.


Well, congratulations! :santa:
 
Update:

The stutters were from not setting the SLI settings properly for that application, so stutters are gone and I don't have to RMA anything...good deal. Thanks Swatdog for that link :)
 
madgett said:
Update:

The stutters were from not setting the SLI settings properly for that application, so stutters are gone and I don't have to RMA anything...good deal. Thanks Swatdog for that link :)

No problem man, just here to help. :)

Glad you got it working. :thup:
 
OldOne said:
Oh yes one more K8NXP-SLI up and running :clap: :thup:

Always a good thing. I'll toast to that. :beer:

I'm glad you got it working madgett. Good job at working through every possible problem. Congrats!

Skeetman
 
I am gonna go with this board because the price on it now is excellent. I have one Chaintech 6600GT pci-e now just looking for a seond, if all goes the way it has so far I will have put all 3 pieces together for $460, I think that is a great deal!!
 
Cisco Kid said:
I am gonna go with this board because the price on it now is excellent. I have one Chaintech 6600GT pci-e now just looking for a seond, if all goes the way it has so far I will have put all 3 pieces together for $460, I think that is a great deal!!

You're gonna love it, and will have a pretty sweet set up for $460. That is a very good price for the basis of a system that will run all new games at close to max settings for the next 12-18 months. :cool:

Skeetman
 
Skeetman said:
You're gonna love it, and will have a pretty sweet set up for $460. That is a very good price for the basis of a system that will run all new games at close to max settings for the next 12-18 months. :cool:

Skeetman


you can expect questions from me on timings and other stuff no doubt. I will leave my ram as it is OCZ 2x512 PC3500EL and see how I can do with it.

The hunt is on for a second 6600GT pci-e by Chaintech

CK
 
Cisco Kid said:
The hunt is on for a second 6600GT pci-e by Chaintech

CK

If you can't find another Chaintech card, you should be able to flash the same bios onto each card (see madgett's post above). It worked for him. Even if you find another Chaintech, it may have a different bios than your current card. Just something to keep in mind. Keep us informed on your search, and I will try to answer any questions.

Skeetman
 
Skeetman said:
If you can't find another Chaintech card, you should be able to flash the same bios onto each card (see madgett's post above). It worked for him. Even if you find another Chaintech, it may have a different bios than your current card. Just something to keep in mind. Keep us informed on your search, and I will try to answer any questions.

Skeetman


How does your system bench compared to a single 6800GT, I hear so many people say"why bother with 2x6600GT" My answer is cause I do not wanna shell the cash out for a 6800GT now and a board but I can easily swing a 6600GT and GB board. Next I hear steer clear of the GB board it is crap? I have not had much experience with them but the other choices are taking gamble on the non SLI DFI board and trying the mod then searching hi and low for a bridge or spending more on the DFI SLI board or the Asus and possibly deal with a whiny fan on it.

Seem here people are having good success with the GB board. If you were to buy over would you still pick GB especially at 155 shipped no tax new??

CK
 
Need some opinions here !! i am thinking to get ga-k8nxp-sli, but from anadtech, it seems the board having problem getting more than 230fsb,but a lot of user here get beyond that. I am thinking to have it overclock to 290fsb ,but not sure if the board can do that. otherwise i will go for dfi board.
DFI board seems to get the highest fsb among others, but in terms of features, gigabyte one stand on the top.. so, what do you guys think ? i can easily get a gigabyte with a lot cheaper price than the dfi one, just not sure what's the best for me. thx.
 
Skeetman may i ask what BIOS your board has running? i'm beginning to think the issues with my board stem from the F6 BIOS (which Gigabyte claims only added support for their GV-3D1). a beta BIOS exists (F7H) but it's the last thing i've got left to try as still anything over 210 results in some whacked out glitching at boot with the IDE/SATA which then carries over into the OS.

i'm still in shock that after setting all of my IDE ports to NONE the system boots into the OS with full accessability to my DVD-R/Ws on both Primary/Secondary of which the BIOS shows nothing and can't boot off of either :bang head
 
slyon said:
Need some opinions here !! i am thinking to get ga-k8nxp-sli, but from anadtech, it seems the board having problem getting more than 230fsb,but a lot of user here get beyond that. I am thinking to have it overclock to 290fsb ,but not sure if the board can do that. otherwise i will go for dfi board.
DFI board seems to get the highest fsb among others, but in terms of features, gigabyte one stand on the top.. so, what do you guys think ? i can easily get a gigabyte with a lot cheaper price than the dfi one, just not sure what's the best for me. thx.


As stated at at.com , that seemed to a board specific issue as other reviews I read showed the board doing alot better. AT.com also contatced GB and they were going to look into the issue and said they would make sure this was not a common case. At 155 shipped no tax for me I am ordering one soon and giving it a whirl. The DFI is to costly imho as I will nt use it to its fullest potential

Also many here are running far higher than 230 but 290 may be a bigger stretch as I have read that 270 seemed to be a limit in many cases

CK
 
pmrdij said:
Skeetman may i ask what BIOS your board has running? i'm beginning to think the issues with my board stem from the F6 BIOS (which Gigabyte claims only added support for their GV-3D1). a beta BIOS exists (F7H) but it's the last thing i've got left to try as still anything over 210 results in some whacked out glitching at boot with the IDE/SATA which then carries over into the OS.

i'm still in shock that after setting all of my IDE ports to NONE the system boots into the OS with full accessability to my DVD-R/Ws on both Primary/Secondary of which the BIOS shows nothing and can't boot off of either :bang head

I am still running the original bios that came with the board. I believe it is F4. I haven't had any issues with the current bios yet, so i'm just going to leave it for now. You are certainly having some strange behavior.

No guarantee this will work but here is something to try. Set your OC to stock in bios. Boot up and open the OC utility Easy Tune 5. Set your HTT to 201 and lock it there. Close the program and shut down windows. Go back into bios and set your overclock from there. There is no logical reason for this to work, but my reasoning is it acts like a "HTT lock" for the OS. I did this long ago at the suggestion of some thread I read somewhere (sounds cryptic, but I can't remember where I read it:)) I have not even opened Easy Tune since then. I would not recommend using it to overclock, except to try this.

Since you are out of options, you may as well give this a try. Let me know if it helps.

Skeetman
 
Cisco Kid said:
How does your system bench compared to a single 6800GT, I hear so many people say"why bother with 2x6600GT" My answer is cause I do not wanna shell the cash out for a 6800GT now and a board but I can easily swing a 6600GT and GB board. Next I hear steer clear of the GB board it is crap? I have not had much experience with them but the other choices are taking gamble on the non SLI DFI board and trying the mod then searching hi and low for a bridge or spending more on the DFI SLI board or the Asus and possibly deal with a whiny fan on it.

Seem here people are having good success with the GB board. If you were to buy over would you still pick GB especially at 155 shipped no tax new??

CK

I have a few posts about how my system performs in this thread. My system stacks up just fine versus a 6800 Ultra, except at super high resolutions with 4x FSAA. Personally, I think you are making a good decision. You already have one 6600 GT, so adding another is the way to go. That option is the major benefit of SLI. Like I said, it will play all new games at high resolutions for the next 12-18 months. (I believe, for a person building from scratch, 1x 6800 GT would be the way to go if they only had ~$400 to spend on video cards. Then adding a second when/if needed.)

As far as GB motherboards, I have two different boards as you can see in my sig. I have never had any problems with either of them. I don't know anything about the DFI MB, but I think you are getting a great deal on what will be a great system. Especially for $155 for the MB.

Skeetman
 
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