Could someone please tell me where the download for the F4e bios is? Amazing it's mentioned on numerous sites but no link anywhere, especially gigabyte's lazy site.
Back in stock at the egg. $349 at time of this post. From what I gather, that seems to be the MSRP.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128037
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128037
I posted this on another thread but I wanted to get opions here also..
How do you think this board is going to rate against the new Bearlake boards? This board also supports 1333 so it SHOULD support the same processors. Granted this won't do DDR3 that won't matetr for a year or so anyway. I would hope we see the same perfromance...
Smitty
How do you think this board is going to rate against the new Bearlake boards? This board also supports 1333 so it SHOULD support the same processors. Granted this won't do DDR3 that won't matetr for a year or so anyway. I would hope we see the same perfromance...
Smitty
- Apr 5, 2005
- 508
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- 0
Hello Mr. Smitty.
You appear to be in some sort of a decisional loop. We all know that this board works, and works damn well. How it will compare to the BearLake boards is unknown. My bet is that the top of the line BearLake board will likely be comparable to this 680i board.
While we can all appreciate your dilemma, you can't swim if you're not in the water, if you catch my drift. Make a decision and go for it. Remember the grass will usually look greener of the other side of the fence. However, the reality is that it only "sometimes" is actually greener. My simple philosophy has always been to "go with what you know."
In either case, since you're obviously chomping at the bit to upgrade your rig, just GO FOR IT! Enjoy. TheBeagle
You appear to be in some sort of a decisional loop. We all know that this board works, and works damn well. How it will compare to the BearLake boards is unknown. My bet is that the top of the line BearLake board will likely be comparable to this 680i board.
While we can all appreciate your dilemma, you can't swim if you're not in the water, if you catch my drift. Make a decision and go for it. Remember the grass will usually look greener of the other side of the fence. However, the reality is that it only "sometimes" is actually greener. My simple philosophy has always been to "go with what you know."
In either case, since you're obviously chomping at the bit to upgrade your rig, just GO FOR IT! Enjoy. TheBeagle
Hello all. Great thread, lots of helpful information. I just ordered the GA-N680SLI board from newegg and am expecting it shortly. After reading the posts, I have a few questions.
1. Not sure which BIOS my board will have but should I flash to version F4 (assuming it is out) immediately before installing the OS, or should I install the OS first, then flash?
2. Since the BIOS uses +/- offsets instead of actual values is there a list of default values for the BIOS settings anywhere?
3. I seem to remember reading somewhere not to install the nvidia 680i LAN driver/application. Is that true for this board as well?
4. Any other installation tips regarding chipset drivers, install sequence, etc., worth passing on?
Thanks in advance.
Key specs are as follows:
WinXP Pro
QX6700
(2) BFG 8800GTX OC2
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500
(2) 150GB Raptor Sata HD's
X-FI Extreme Gamer
Sony 1.44mb
Plextor 760 CD/DVD
Lite-on CD
1. Not sure which BIOS my board will have but should I flash to version F4 (assuming it is out) immediately before installing the OS, or should I install the OS first, then flash?
2. Since the BIOS uses +/- offsets instead of actual values is there a list of default values for the BIOS settings anywhere?
3. I seem to remember reading somewhere not to install the nvidia 680i LAN driver/application. Is that true for this board as well?
4. Any other installation tips regarding chipset drivers, install sequence, etc., worth passing on?
Thanks in advance.
Key specs are as follows:
WinXP Pro
QX6700
(2) BFG 8800GTX OC2
2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500
(2) 150GB Raptor Sata HD's
X-FI Extreme Gamer
Sony 1.44mb
Plextor 760 CD/DVD
Lite-on CD
- Apr 5, 2005
- 508
- 0
- 0
Hello Mr. Jester.
Welcome aboard! I can offer some advice on the issues you raised as follows:
1. If the Final F4 BIOS is out, use it. If not, use the F4e that Gary posted (on Page 23 of this Thread, 04/17/07). Do this BEFORE installing the OS, so that your OS install routine detects all the proper and latest BIOS features.
2. Start by getting a decent OC using mostly "auto" setting or the simplest setting if auto is not available. Remember to use the Ctrl-F1 to gain access to the advanced features in the BIOS. Set your FSB to obtain between 3.0 and 3.2 GHz to start, with linked memory. That will give you a good starting point. THEN install the OS.
3. I would definitely install the latest nVidia drivers when installing the OS. Get them from the nVidia web site. You will have to completely decompress the nVidia package to get at the install drivers to place on the floppy disk to activate through F6 during the initial stage of the OS install. Unless you are using a RAID array, do NOT install the RAID driver, only install the SATA driver.
4. Make damn sure that you have a powerful enough PSU. I would recommend not less than a ToughPower 850 unit for those power hungry components, so that there's plenty of spare juice, and therefore the PSU doesn't have to work too hard, and doesn't get overly warm. I'd also recommend the Zalman 9700 for a proc cooler. You didn't mention the case you are using, but give yourself plenty of room for those dual video cards to get good cooling (those cards are like twin mini-furnaces), and they are likewise rather long. So give yourself enough room in the case depth department as well, with lots of good quality case fans.
Sounds like you spec'd out a very nice rig. Enjoy. TheBeagle
Welcome aboard! I can offer some advice on the issues you raised as follows:
1. If the Final F4 BIOS is out, use it. If not, use the F4e that Gary posted (on Page 23 of this Thread, 04/17/07). Do this BEFORE installing the OS, so that your OS install routine detects all the proper and latest BIOS features.
2. Start by getting a decent OC using mostly "auto" setting or the simplest setting if auto is not available. Remember to use the Ctrl-F1 to gain access to the advanced features in the BIOS. Set your FSB to obtain between 3.0 and 3.2 GHz to start, with linked memory. That will give you a good starting point. THEN install the OS.
3. I would definitely install the latest nVidia drivers when installing the OS. Get them from the nVidia web site. You will have to completely decompress the nVidia package to get at the install drivers to place on the floppy disk to activate through F6 during the initial stage of the OS install. Unless you are using a RAID array, do NOT install the RAID driver, only install the SATA driver.
4. Make damn sure that you have a powerful enough PSU. I would recommend not less than a ToughPower 850 unit for those power hungry components, so that there's plenty of spare juice, and therefore the PSU doesn't have to work too hard, and doesn't get overly warm. I'd also recommend the Zalman 9700 for a proc cooler. You didn't mention the case you are using, but give yourself plenty of room for those dual video cards to get good cooling (those cards are like twin mini-furnaces), and they are likewise rather long. So give yourself enough room in the case depth department as well, with lots of good quality case fans.
Sounds like you spec'd out a very nice rig. Enjoy. TheBeagle
Where is the final version of the F4 bios, cos I dont see it on Gigabytes Web Page ?
Also anyone know what the fixes are, I dont see any visible differences between F3 and F4e bios, thes only physical difference im noticing so far is that the NB isnt needing as much voltage as it needed to keep my OC stable on the F3 bios.
Also anyone know what the fixes are, I dont see any visible differences between F3 and F4e bios, thes only physical difference im noticing so far is that the NB isnt needing as much voltage as it needed to keep my OC stable on the F3 bios.
Oh... I'm not in a loop anymore, I ordered my board on Friday and expect it tomorrow or Wednesday! =) I have waited for this board for a LONG time. I was just curious on the performance between the two.
I can't wait to get this thing up and going this week!
Thanks again for all of your advice and input, it made deciding a lot easier!
BTW - I went with the Crucial PC-8500 instead of the 8000 since they dropped in price so much. Ended up going with 4 gig just for the fun of it. =)
Smitty
I can't wait to get this thing up and going this week!
Thanks again for all of your advice and input, it made deciding a lot easier!
BTW - I went with the Crucial PC-8500 instead of the 8000 since they dropped in price so much. Ended up going with 4 gig just for the fun of it. =)
Smitty
This is from gigabyte tech support, the unlisted default voltage values on n680sli
Memory defaults at 1.8v
CPU vcore defaults at 1.325v
CPU to NB Voltage (FSB) - 1.2v (+.05V ~ +.35V in .05V increments)
NB to SB Voltage (HT link) - 1.3v (+.05V ~ +.35V in .05V increments)
NB Core / PCIe Voltage (spp) - 1.2v (+.05V ~ +.20V in .05V increments)
SB Core / PCIe Voltage - 1.2v (+.05V ~ +.35V in .05V increments)
SB Standby Voltage - 1.5v (+.05V ~ +.15V in .05V increments)
Got this from revenant in another forum
Memory defaults at 1.8v
CPU vcore defaults at 1.325v
CPU to NB Voltage (FSB) - 1.2v (+.05V ~ +.35V in .05V increments)
NB to SB Voltage (HT link) - 1.3v (+.05V ~ +.35V in .05V increments)
NB Core / PCIe Voltage (spp) - 1.2v (+.05V ~ +.20V in .05V increments)
SB Core / PCIe Voltage - 1.2v (+.05V ~ +.35V in .05V increments)
SB Standby Voltage - 1.5v (+.05V ~ +.15V in .05V increments)
Got this from revenant in another forum
- Apr 5, 2005
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- 0
Good Evening Mr. Smitty.
Sounds like you are indeed out of that loop. Good for you! The decision of the higher performance Crucial Ballistix RAM is also a very good choice. We'll all be waiting to hear about your exploits in the realm of the bleeding edge in CyberWorld (that sounds kinda futuristic don't ya think?).
Anyway, remember the old adage, "no one ever hit a home run while standing in the dugout!" You are now running the bases and enjoying the cheers from the crowd.
Enjoy and Congratulations! TheBeagle
Sounds like you are indeed out of that loop. Good for you! The decision of the higher performance Crucial Ballistix RAM is also a very good choice. We'll all be waiting to hear about your exploits in the realm of the bleeding edge in CyberWorld (that sounds kinda futuristic don't ya think?).
Anyway, remember the old adage, "no one ever hit a home run while standing in the dugout!" You are now running the bases and enjoying the cheers from the crowd.
Enjoy and Congratulations! TheBeagle
Thanks for the advice and the default BIOS settings! I will begin preparing the installation disks while I am waiting for my board and CPU to come in. I have been collecting parts for a couple of months now and am really looking forward to this build. Regarding the other specs, it sounds like I should be ok. The other components I have purchased so far:
Coolermaster Stacker RC-832
PC Power 1KW-SR PSU
Zalman 9700NT
4 Scythe SF21D 120mm fans for the side case (33.5 cfm/8.7dBa)
2 Scythe 4710...B19-VB2 120mm fans - 1 top and 1 front (41 cfm/18dBa)
1 Scythe 4710...B29-V52 120mm fan for rear (76cfm/31dBa)
I know I will have some work to do with the zalman backplate, but I intend to modify it so it can work with the crazycool heatplate still in place. Worst case, I am thinking I can use some small nylon spacers to level the backplate brace. Will let you know how it all goes.
Thanks again.
Coolermaster Stacker RC-832
PC Power 1KW-SR PSU
Zalman 9700NT
4 Scythe SF21D 120mm fans for the side case (33.5 cfm/8.7dBa)
2 Scythe 4710...B19-VB2 120mm fans - 1 top and 1 front (41 cfm/18dBa)
1 Scythe 4710...B29-V52 120mm fan for rear (76cfm/31dBa)
I know I will have some work to do with the zalman backplate, but I intend to modify it so it can work with the crazycool heatplate still in place. Worst case, I am thinking I can use some small nylon spacers to level the backplate brace. Will let you know how it all goes.
Thanks again.
Do you really think I need an aftermarket cooler? I was planning on staying at the defauly 2.4 for a while, and MAYBEW pushing it up to 3.0. If I have some good fans in the case in general won' t the default cooler from Intel be good enough? Never used an aftermarket one, but then again I have never overclocked my CPU either.. I always just bought a faster one.. hahaha
Smitty
Smitty
- Apr 5, 2005
- 508
- 0
- 0
Good Evening Mr. Jester.
Sounds like you are gathering all the correct components for a wonderful build. With regard to the 9700, just look back a bunch of pages on this Thread (Page 7, 02/23/07, and continuing to Page 10, 03/03/07) and you will find a complete discussion that I posted on just how to modify the Zalman base plate to work like a charm with this board with the Cray-Cool2 heatsink and piping in place. Do NOT remove the Gigabyte heatsink from the board, it is totally unnecessary to do so. Enjoy your build. TheBeagle
Sounds like you are gathering all the correct components for a wonderful build. With regard to the 9700, just look back a bunch of pages on this Thread (Page 7, 02/23/07, and continuing to Page 10, 03/03/07) and you will find a complete discussion that I posted on just how to modify the Zalman base plate to work like a charm with this board with the Cray-Cool2 heatsink and piping in place. Do NOT remove the Gigabyte heatsink from the board, it is totally unnecessary to do so. Enjoy your build. TheBeagle
- Apr 5, 2005
- 508
- 0
- 0
Good Evening Again Mr. Smitty.
Well, you have bought a Cadillac motherboard, so I wouldn't suggest that you put $25.00 tires on it. Believe me, you won't be satisfied with running your proc at stock speed for very long, if at all. Therefore, spending a couple of bucks now and installing a good CPU cooler from the beginning just makes sense. Besides, you will likely have to remove the motherboard from the case (and all the pain in the butt that is entailed in that process) to eventually install a good quality aftermarket CPU cooler anyway. Therefore, to save yourself all that eventual hassle, DO IT NOW!
The Zalman 9700 has worked very well for me, and it is solid, stable, and won't come off the proc, no matter how you twist and turn the case. Of course, in the final analysis it's up to you, but you asked my honest opinion, and what's written above is that honest opinion. Enjoy. TheBeagle
Well, you have bought a Cadillac motherboard, so I wouldn't suggest that you put $25.00 tires on it. Believe me, you won't be satisfied with running your proc at stock speed for very long, if at all. Therefore, spending a couple of bucks now and installing a good CPU cooler from the beginning just makes sense. Besides, you will likely have to remove the motherboard from the case (and all the pain in the butt that is entailed in that process) to eventually install a good quality aftermarket CPU cooler anyway. Therefore, to save yourself all that eventual hassle, DO IT NOW!
The Zalman 9700 has worked very well for me, and it is solid, stable, and won't come off the proc, no matter how you twist and turn the case. Of course, in the final analysis it's up to you, but you asked my honest opinion, and what's written above is that honest opinion. Enjoy. TheBeagle
If its the Ballistix you ordered, you should of Just brought the 667mhz Stuff and saved yourself some money like I did.
Basically the Crucial Ballistix Moduals use Micron Chips, these are highley overclockable, the 667mhz stuff is 2.2v 3-3-3-8 and will do 800mhz 4-4-4-12 and 1000mhz 5-5-5-15, therefore as I overclock my CPU the only thing I have to change is my timmings, I dont have to worry about putting my memory on a seperate divider, as you will running 1000mhz stuff.
BTW the difference in the 2 bioses are I am now able to run my mem at 1000mhz 4-3-3-12 2T 2.2v, which I could never do on the F3 bios.
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6426/memteststablegu7.jpg
Basically the Crucial Ballistix Moduals use Micron Chips, these are highley overclockable, the 667mhz stuff is 2.2v 3-3-3-8 and will do 800mhz 4-4-4-12 and 1000mhz 5-5-5-15, therefore as I overclock my CPU the only thing I have to change is my timmings, I dont have to worry about putting my memory on a seperate divider, as you will running 1000mhz stuff.
BTW the difference in the 2 bioses are I am now able to run my mem at 1000mhz 4-3-3-12 2T 2.2v, which I could never do on the F3 bios.
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6426/memteststablegu7.jpg
Looks like Kyle & Co. got around to reviewing our DQ6's over at HardOCP.com... check it out! I won't spoil the surprise, but let's just say the results of the review won't be very shocking to us
jester99
Pick up a ZALMAN Socket 775 clip support (CNP7000Series) from the egg. works perfect with the 9500 or the 9700 on this board without all the modifications to the original backing plate. It's around $8.00 plus shipping.
Pick up a ZALMAN Socket 775 clip support (CNP7000Series) from the egg. works perfect with the 9500 or the 9700 on this board without all the modifications to the original backing plate. It's around $8.00 plus shipping.
This is the exact clip you are talking about for the Zalman right?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118219
Will that clip work with the Zalman 9700 cooler so you don't have to mess with any mods or is this clip only for older coolers?
This 9700 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118020 looks like it has the clip included in the package if you check out the pictures. If I just get the above link I don't need the clip you are talking about right?
Thanks..
Smitty
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118219
Will that clip work with the Zalman 9700 cooler so you don't have to mess with any mods or is this clip only for older coolers?
This 9700 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118020 looks like it has the clip included in the package if you check out the pictures. If I just get the above link I don't need the clip you are talking about right?
Thanks..
Smitty
eklock2000
Senior member
- Jan 11, 2007
- 292
- 0
- 0
Smitty,
Yes, that clip (the blue anodized one) will work with the 9700. Check out pics of my setup on page 20 of this thread.
The 9700 does come with a clip and back support, but neither of those work without modifications like TheBeagle talked about. I started to mod the clip and got a little frustrated so I went with the Zalman bracket and it's a clean install. The backplate support is not needed because the crazy cool backplate stiffens up the whole setup.
Hope that helps.
Peace,
EK2K
Yes, that clip (the blue anodized one) will work with the 9700. Check out pics of my setup on page 20 of this thread.
The 9700 does come with a clip and back support, but neither of those work without modifications like TheBeagle talked about. I started to mod the clip and got a little frustrated so I went with the Zalman bracket and it's a clean install. The backplate support is not needed because the crazy cool backplate stiffens up the whole setup.
Hope that helps.
Peace,
EK2K
Smitty
Although this clip was made for the older coolers it will work with the 9500 and the 9700 without a problem..messed up on the price though..$4.00 +
Although this clip was made for the older coolers it will work with the 9500 and the 9700 without a problem..messed up on the price though..$4.00 +
Hmm the HardOCP review wasn't stunning. Seems like they think it could do better with the overclocking. Now that the reference board has matured, they are a pretty decent alternative to our boards.
Thanks all for the tips on mounting the ZALMAN 9700. I will order the bracket tonight just in case I need it. I am glad there are options for using the 9700 and keeping the crazycool backplate intact. Think I'll order a couple of 90 degree sata connectors while I am at it.
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