No SLI option Vista 64 w/ GTX 260 & x58

[cbns]

I bought another GTX 260 (216sp) and popped it in today.
Windows found it and I set up SLI in a blast and everything was dandy.
Then I restarted and I got error code 43. Device driver failed to load.
Reinstalling the driver will allow the driver to work again, but then SLI cannot be enabled.
Both cards are detected in the device manager + nvidia control panel.
They are both connected properly, power cables + sli bridge etc, to a new 750W multi-gpu Be Quiet! PSU.
If I uninstall the driver, remove 1 of the cards, boot, power down and install the 2nd, I then can enable SLI,
but only until the next reboot, after which I get error code 43 again.

Both cards work fine, I tested them out by themselves.

If anyone has any experience with this help would very much be appreciated.
Thanks!

p.s. system specs are

core i7 920
6gb ddr3
asus rampage 2 extreme x58
gtx 260 from gainward (216sp)
gtx 260 from zotac (216sp)
750W be quiet multi-gpu PSU

the computer is pretty much brand new.

 

[TantrumusMaximus]

I know that you only have to have to of the same GPU level to SLI however there "may" be an issue between the 2 seperate manuf. cards together. Bios revs may be whacky. I would make some phone calls.

It's also possible you have a flaky powersupply when both are drawing power together. Even though it's 750W it's possible that it's not up to snuff. I'm not saying run out and buy a 1000W psu that's not necessary, just saying your PSU could have issues.

I know you tried them seperately and they work... did you try swapping which one is the 1st board?

 

[krnmastersgt]

It is almost definitely the PSU. Differences in manufacturers are minute when it comes to SLIing, as long as it's the same brand/model of the card (in the case of overclocked editions, runs at the lower speeds). The watt rating on the PSU doesn't matter squat if it's not delivering enough amps to each line for modern cards. Chances are there aren't enough amps powering your 12v rails, in which case you either run these cards vastly below stock clocks, or get a new PSU that's able to deliver the amps they need.

 

[cars10]

i've had some other people tell me they think it might be the PSU, though this would disappoint me greatly.
I specifically bought the PSU that I have because it has 56 amps on the 12v rail, which is supposed to be enough. Its quiet and has removable cables.

how come it works when I reinstall the drivers and insert one card after the other then?
I can run crysis with SLI enabled and decent frame rates, and my pc doesn't crash or anything. surely then they draw a lot more power then on my desktop in 2d idle mode.
shouldn't it at least run until they start to draw more power?

edit : i'm cbns, i forgot i had a 2nd account when i forgot the pw on my first one ^^

 

[GaryJohnson]

Which drivers have you tried? Might want to try a few different versions (betas, non-betas, the oldest one you can find, etc).

Also I found this: GTX 295 Vista ForceWare Problem (error code 43)

Here's a trick that might work: Install the driver -> you'll notice that one GPU installs. Now go to the device manager. Manually removed the unknown device (un-install) in device manager, then hit the refresh button then the 2nd GPU is properly detected as 295, and after installing restart. This works on my end.

 

[cbns]

Originally posted by: GaryJohnson
Which drivers have you tried? Might want to try a few different versions (betas, non-betas, the oldest one you can find, etc).

Also I found this: GTX 295 Vista ForceWare Problem (error code 43)

Here's a trick that might work: Install the driver -> you'll notice that one GPU installs. Now go to the device manager. Manually removed the unknown device (un-install) in device manager, then hit the refresh button then the 2nd GPU is properly detected as 295, and after installing restart. This works on my end.

thanks gary, but i've seen that post, and it only applies to the 295, unfortunately.
when i install drivers, both are detected in device manager and nvidia CP, just can't enable SLI.

only drivers 18x.xx and up support SLI on the x58.
SO far i've tried 180.48 and 181.22. I'm going to try some 'hacked' drivers from Xtreme-G, maybe they will work

 

[cbns]

Originally posted by: krnmastersgt
It is almost definitely the PSU

k well i did a bit of research and found out the following:

GeForce GTX 260 has a max TDP of 182W
Intel Core i7 920 has a max TDP of 130W

On top of that I have a 6GB Tri-channel ddr3 kit, which I assume shouldnt use more in the worst case scenario than 50W, if at all.
Then there are 2 hard drives, 1 raptor 150gb, 1 seagate 7200.11 1TB, and a couple fans with 1 dvd writer.

The total wattage

2x GTX 260 = 182 + 182 W
Core i7 920 = 130W
The Rest = about 100-200W

Total: 600-700W max! most likely around 600W.


someone from another forum did a test on his system (very similiar, only Geforce 280s instead of 260s) with a wattage meter and his showed 700Watts.
the difference between Geforce 280s & 260s ist about 50W each, so 600W is accurate