Can not Xfire 2x7970 Vapor-X???

[Gar9]

Hello everyone. I am just built my first system yesterday and have run into a problem.

I have two Sapphire Vapor-X's but because of the giant fan shroud, a 10cm (3.3inch) Xfore bridge cannot connect them.

It appears that a bridge longer than 10cm (3.3 inches) does not exist.

I would rather not chop into one of my new cards and void the warranty.

Does anyone know of a longer Xfire cable? This is a bummer.

 

[philipma1957]

Hello everyone. I am just built my first system yesterday and have run into a problem.

I have two Sapphire Vapor-X's but because of the giant fan shroud, a 10cm (3.3inch) Xfore bridge cannot connect them.

It appears that a bridge longer than 10cm (3.3 inches) does not exist.

I would rather not chop into one of my new cards and void the warranty.

Does anyone know of a longer Xfire cable? This is a bummer.

maybe this company

http://www.moddiy.com/


they make custom cables




maybe this one?

http://www.amazon.com/ATI-CrossFire...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

[zaydq]

Not quite sure how to measure one, but what about this?

If you want it OP, I can post it to you anywhere in North America. It came with my HD 7950.

EDIT: NVM its 10cm i was just a retard with the ruler.

Are you sure you have your two cards in the right slots? Or did your mobo come with a CF connector that may be longer due to the heatsink in the way?

 

[Gar9]

The amazon one is only 10cm.

Haha, thanks for checking zaydq!

I will check my MOBO Xfire cable again but I was almost certain it is the same length.

The will now look at http://www.moddiy.com/ which philipma1957 suggested to see if I can find anything.

 

[Gar9]

I don't see anything that looks longer than 3.3 inches. I will email them though.

 

[3DVagabond]

So, the crossfire bridge that comes with the cards isn't long enough to work with them? I'd contact Sapphire. What the hell is the point of crossfire bridges that aren't long enough?

There are a number of 3 slot cards. Surely proper bidges are available. :\

 

[zaydq]

So, the crossfire bridge that comes with the cards isn't long enough to work with them? I'd contact Sapphire. What the hell is the point of crossfire bridges that aren't long enough?

There are a number of 3 slot cards. Surely proper bidges are available. :\

You would think so... or that the motherboard manufacturer would send you one considering his issue is primarily one of the heatsinks on the motherboard.

EDIT: Misread the opening post, his issue is in fact that the Vapor-X has a large fan shroud... really weird that they didn't send him a longer CF cable. OP could you take a picture of the two slots you're using?

 

[Gar9]

Yes I can! Just having some trouble with my super crappy Notebook one minute...

 

[Gar9]

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[chimaxi83]

Asus includes a connector long enough for trople slot cards with their 3 slot DC II cards. Maybe you can find one, or get one from their webshop if they sell them. Not sure man :/

 

[3DVagabond]

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

There's a compatibility issue.

1, The board is actually designed for 2 slot cards.
2, the card requires 3 slot spacing.

This creates a 4 slot spacing need with your board/card combo. Asus and Asrock both make boards that have wider spacing between their x16 slots. A longer bridge could be available from/for them.

The other option is to get a different board that's better compatible with the cards.

 

[zaydq]

Imo return the board since its a new build. Unless you can get a cf adapter from asus.

 

[jacktesterson]

The board is actually designed for 2 slot cards for sure. sucks

Example - my ol p67 board with triple spacing

http://ca.msi.com/product/mb/P67A-G43--B3-.html

 

[Gar9]

Thanks for the help guys! Crappy news but I'll see if Asus has a longer bridge.

I don't know how to go about RMA-ing a MOBO that works fine though...

 

[Gar9]

http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1608002 "Here is the part number on the outer packaging ASUS P/N 14G030046610. It is a 120mm crossfire bridge that came with my ASUS P8P67 WS Revolution board."

Good news I hope. I gotta run though, I'll be back in 4 hours!

 

[3DVagabond]

Thanks for the help guys! Crappy news but I'll see if Asus has a longer bridge.

I don't know how to go about RMA-ing a MOBO that works fine though...

Go through your (e/re)tailer and talk to them about an exchange. If you bought the cards and mobo from the same place at the same time you might want to ask them why they let you buy parts that weren't compatible. Not that I think you can actually make them take responsibility, but they might feel like you deserve consideration for the oversight. If it's a retailer (physical store) then I would definitely ask the clerk who served you why he didn't point out the problem to you.

 

[Gar9]

Erm...maybe not "Just double checked and I was incorrect. it is an SLI bridge. The part number is ASUS P/N: 14G030046610. I compared the physical connection to the 3-way's connection and they are the same size (narrower than crossfire)."

I don't know anymore. I gotta leave for 4 hrs.

 

[Gar9]

I'm afraid that I got the Motherboard from CanadaComputers.com and the Vapor-X's through special order with a local store here in Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

This is a nightmare. I'm a n00b and have never even RMA'ed anything before. How do I return a MOBO that is running fine?
What can I do?

 

[Gar9]

So I calmed down and sent this message to Gigabyte Global Technical Service...
"The 10cm Crossfire Bridge that came with my Motherboard, which I received 4 days ago, as well as the ones that came with my Vapor-X 7970 GPU's is too short to connect them for Crossfire. This is due to the spacing on the motherboard slots as well as the large fan-shrouds on the GPU's.
-Do you carry a longer Crossfire cable? None exist for sale on the internet.
-Alternatively, could I exchange my Motherboard for a different model that will work to Crossfire two Sapphire Vapor-X 7970's?
Image attached.
Thank you for your time."

Is there anything I can do other than wait for a reply?

 

[Gar9]

Couldn't sleep...did checked the Asus store again and look at this!!!!.....

http://us.estore.asus.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=4812

Please tell me this is compatible! I think it is but I am a n00b! I will order it in the morning if you guys say its legit/

Do you think it will reach? I will post a picture. 3.9" vs 3.3" hmmmm that's only delta 1.524cm. I dunno...

 

[zaydq]

Looks good. That might be what you need. Hopefully 3.9" is plenty long. Hope they dont measure it like i did to get the 3.9" measurement. Do they have other CF cables that say 3.3"?

Also, canada comps should take the mobo back for an exchange to a different model if need be.

 

[3DVagabond]

Couldn't sleep...did checked the Asus store again and look at this!!!!.....

http://us.estore.asus.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=4812

Please tell me this is compatable! I think it is but I am a n00b! I will order it in the morning if you guys say its legit/

Is 100mm long enough? If it is, then that's what you need. Keep in mind you are going to be using the 1st and the 5th slots. Pop your cards into the board and check it, if you aren't sure.

Looking at their selection of bridges they make 3 sizes and that one's the longest. Looks promising.

 

[Gar9]

I got it! I got it!!!

I compared the bridge that came with the Sniper.1 MOBO to the Sapphire one and it is very about a quarter inch longer.
Then I grew a brain and realized (with a little research) that there are two Xfire male ends on each GPU! I hooked up the MOBO xfire bridge to the male GPU spot closer to the back of the case and SHABAM!!!

It works! I will take pics and post them here tomorrow! Thanks a ton guys!

 

[Gar9]

Haha, they are connected alright, but Catalyst does not detect that they are.
I guess tomorrow morning will be time to play the infamous "try to get X-fire working game."

Does anyone have any advice about this. How do I make my pc know that my cards are Xfired? Pull one out or something? Reinstall drivers?

Or do I have to have the GPU's plugged into the pci-16 ports? If so, I guess I can electrical tape the NH-D14 middle fan clasp for now...

 

[Gar9]

BOO-YEAH!!!
Haha I decided that before I finally went to sleep I would try shutting down and plugging my display into the original (top) gpu and presto-chango it is registering Crossfire!!!

Tomorrow morning I will hook up my other 2 monitors and install BF3 and have my first "real" gaming experience in 9 years
Then to figure out folding and overclocking!