Dual non SLI video cards with 680i lt not working

[calvados]

Hello,

I've built myself a quad core system based upon the xfx 680i lt motherboard. I am attempting to run 2 single head non SLI PCIe video cards. When both cards are installed, only the one located in the first PCIe slot functions (closest to the cpu). When that card is removed the second one functions. I have tried to swap the cards, but experience the same symptoms. The device manager in windows shows an yellow exclamation point and a status of "This device cannot start. (Code 10)".

Both PCIe video cards are identical. I have also tried running one of the PCIe cards and an old PCI video card, and the same thing happens...the 2nd card won't work, and shows the same message in the device manager..."This device cannot start. (Code 10)".

I have checked in the bios, and the SLI-Ready Memory is grayed out, and is not present.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how to get these two cards working at the same time? I'm under the impression that I need to disable SLI, but am not sure how to go about that. I have read the 680i lt's manual cover to cover, but it only discusses setting up a dual SLI system.

Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you.

Cal.

[david.hill64]

Do not worry about the SLI-memory being greyed-out: it's not relevant as it refers to EPP enabled memory that is labled as SLI. It has nothing to do with SLI GPU's.

Check in device manager that you have not got a conflict with the IRQ's. Perhaps you will need to manually reset one. I am not sure if it is possible to run with two GPU's: hopefully one of the more experienced members can help you out.

[srpeters18]

Which cards are they? That would help a lot in diagnosing your issues.

[Miker]

SLI Memory is nothing.

Set the cards up in SLI, with bridge and then turn SLI off and the 2 cards will work on there own.

[calvados]

Hey Guys,

The 2 cards are both Asus nvidia cards. I don't know the exact model number, but by reading off the card, the model is "cardinal" I googled for that model, but came up blank.

The cards are not SLI cards, so I cannot bridge then un-bridge them as Miker suggests. There are no 'ports' on the cards to connect the SLI bridge to.

I have checked the device manager, and the functional card lists no IRQ conflicts or any other conflicts, but the unfunctional card lists "the device isn't using any resources because it has a problem" That 'unfunctional card does indeed work if i pull the first one out. It also works if i switch the 2 cards positions.

In talking to the staff at my local computer store, and they inform me that most SLI enabled mobos have a 'card' or jumper on the mobo to disable SLI functionality, and allow one to use 2 single headed cards in a dual monitor setup. I don't see anyway to do this with the 680i lt...

david.hill64...how would one go about "manually resetting" one of the cards?


Thank-you for your continued help with this...

Cal.

[srpeters18]

Don't know how it works with non-SLI capable cards, as I've never tried using two of them.

[DemonicDerek]

I am clueless honestly, I suggest spending the extra money for that sli ready video card?

[Miker]

We can't help you unless you tell us what cards you have...

[david.hill64]

My comment about manually resetting referred to the IRQ's if there was a conflict.

Doesn't device manager (Display Adaptors) tell you what GPU you have?

I have a 680LT board but cannot find any obvious way in the BIOS to make the board accept non-SLI cards and give a dual display.

Some early SLI boards had a finger that you changed position to activate SLI graphics: the first system I built had an ASUS board with this feature, but the 680-LT does not have this.

Post a complete set of your system specs as it is very difficult to comment otherwise.

I suggest you raise a query with XFX tech support and ask if there is any way of doing this.

[Pablo 54]

Have you tried one in the Third PCI slot? The xfx Manual says it can be used by a third non-SLI card or a Physics card. You may be able to get one to work through the "SLI" slot closest to the CPU and the Third Slot.

Just a thought.

Paul

[BigVEvil]

Maybe i'm stoned but I thought in order to run SLI you had to have 2 SLI ready cards. Unless it like the 8400 GS which are application controled SLI. I've head that that isn't true SLI mode from others though.

[srpeters18]

Maybe i'm stoned but I thought in order to run SLI you had to have 2 SLI ready cards. Unless it like the 8400 GS which are application controled SLI. I've head that that isn't true SLI mode from others though.

Read the original post again. He's not trying to run SLI. He's trying to run 2 cards not in SLI, probably for additional monitor support.

[Miker]

At my dads work they do it all the time, I asked him and he said they always use SLI ready cards (FX5500), in slots 1 and 3 for better cooling. It was VERY helpful... :wink:

If you could I would return the cards and get a 8600 or 8800GT as it will be better then 2 cards running 2 monitors.

[calvados]

Thanks everyone...I guess I'll take your advice, and go get myself a dual head card. I'm not a gamer or even watching movies on my machine...I'm doing audio production, and some photoshop work. What in your opinion is the cheapest option for a video card given what i'm doing with it, and that it has dual monitor support?

Thanks again...

Cal.

[Miker]

A 8600Gt or 8800GT, single card.