Where Are The Gigabyte GA-N680SLI-DQ6 Motherboards?

[Bayard]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, but I've read this thread in particular because I got this board about 3 weeks ago and it's been great so far. I've actually have had pretty decent OCing with my current set-up. I've actually gottten it very stable with my E6600@3.6 ghz (400X9) with 1.425 cpu v, +15 to North bridge and +20 to the FSB. I could have gotten even better results but didn't really want to because 3.6 was fast enoguh for me. after about 3 hours of orthos, the temp was staying around at 59-62C. idles at about 29-33C. I think this MB has good potentials and I've been very happy with it so far.

The Apogee GT waterblock fits the board like a glove. No need to remove the backplate at all. I also took off the vanity (gigabyte) plate and add a 40mm fan right on top of the northbridge heatsink. Will upload some pics eventually.

Hope to chat with you guys some more.

 

[Curr]

Bayard, first welcome! and second, how did you get that name plate of the NB sink, and how much force was required. I would like to take mine off and stick a fan on it, but everything is installed and running right now. Think it would be possilbe to remove it installed?

Here's a couple pics of the room I have to work with.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/LtJames/IMG_0955.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/LtJames/IMG_0954-1.jpg

I'm currently running along at 3465MHz (385*9) / 1026MHz Memory, with 1.45Vcore and +0.1V on FSB/NB. I think if I could stick a fan on the NB I'd be willing to up it another 100mV and try for that last 15MHz of FSB to get to 3600MHz. My temps are 30C idle and about 50C under load.

 

[Smitty1705]

Gary -

Do you think you will still be able to make the F4 Bios review this week?

Thanks,

Smitty

 

[Bayard]

Hey Curr, Actually it was pretty simple to remove it. The plate itself is held on by some really sticky tape. and all I did was take a plier and pulled it off with a little bit of force. (brace the rest of the board and heatsink though because u don't want to break the rest of heatsink off. I kinda just did a twist upward and bend the plate slowly.) I used a couple of wires and tied the fan into the holes on the heatsink.

Also are the load: under orthos? I actually saw my temp kept going higher and higher at 1.5v cpu after like 4 minutes of orthos so at 63C I decided to end the OCing. Under regular gaming (company of hero) I was getting temps of 47C. so seems to be very different with orthos load. I've also noticed that at different Orthos routines, the temps are different. Some of the routines brings my temp up to +63C and other routines are stable at 51C.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/hhtin/overclock1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/hhtin/IMG_0252.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a208/hhtin/IMG_0251.jpg

 

[Curr]

Yep, you can see my "whole" list of specs, temps, etc, in the Intel OC thread over at HardOCP forums;

http://www.hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1030840149&postcount=322

Yep, that is under "Blend" load for a bit over 7 hours. I think I got a pretty "cool" CPU to be honest (Not to mention a good cooler, and good airflow). I'm very happy with it and definitely don't think it's the part holding me back while heading to 3600MHz. If you really want to hammer your CPU, I was instructed that Small FFT and a higher priority will do the job. I'm only really interested in simulating what I'd see in regular gaming.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i157/LtJames/oc-1.jpg

I've been playing a lot of STALKER recently, which I run fullscreen so I haven't been watching temps too closely, but when I play WoW I play in a window and never noticed any temps going north of 40C.

I ordered a high cfm fan (well, high for a 40mm x 20mm fan) for the NB sink and will try and pry that sucker off there tonight Thanks for the great info.

 

[Bayard]

Hmm maybe I should get a more powerful pump. current pump runs at 500L/hour from the specs. The swiftech only offers a 630L/h pump which could help.

 

[TheBeagle]

Good Early Saturday Morning Everyone.

Has anyone fully figured out the network "teaming" features for this new board? Better yet, has anyone found ANY written details on how it works, what options it has, and how to turn it on and off? The propaganda initially issued by Gigabyte didn't have much in the way of concrete details and specifications on this feature. Considering the fact that we have 4 separate GB ports on this beast, we sure as heck ought to learn how to make the most of those items.

Early on, Gary stated that his "Follow Up Review" of this board would include that information along with an analysis of the audio features.

HELLO TO GARY!!! How's the Follow Up Review Coming Along??

Now of course, since Gigabyte has only recently released any kind of an applet for controlling the audio (and that applet is a piece of crapola!), we can certainly excuse Gary's tardiness on reporting on that item. But I'm really interested to get some more info on the multiple networking features, and especially the teaming feature if someone has the solid info on it.

Many thanks to all for anything that you can contribute to the "cause" on this issue. BTW, the board is now humming along just fine, and the Vista "issues" have subsided considerably. Have a GREAT day! TheBeagle

 

[ALV7]

First of all i must say you guys know your stuff, unlike me I'm just a beginner with all this. I actually in the process of building my first very own Rig, although I've been building many computers for the past months since i worked as a builder at a computer store back where i live, this is my first home build.

Anyways i just received my new Gigabyte GA-N680SLI board 4 days ago and i was just wondering for the sake of memory, in the motherboard memory support list, it states that i could use Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/2GN memory and out of all the possible places i could order memory from the only type of Kingston memory they all have is KHX600D2LLK2/2G (notice no GN just G). My question is could i still use this kind of memory for my motherboard????? Any help would be grateful thanks

 

[TheBeagle]

Hello Mr. ALV7 - Welcome aboard!

As a general rule, I would shy away from non-premium memory sticks for this board. Please don't misunderstanding my statement. In most ordinary instances, the Kingston memory that you asked about will do a reasonably good job. However, you purchased a motherboard that sits in the very upper tier of the current boards that provide bleeding-edge performance. The GA-N680SLI-DQ6 board is probably one of the best iterations of the nVidia 680i board chip sets (and an outstanding implementation of same), that we have ever seen (no disrespect to the ASUS Stryker Extreme, et al). Since you have purchased one of the best, you would be ill-advised to put middle-of-the -road primary components on this board.

Again, please don't misunderstand my meaning here. If you want to obtain the premium performance potential that you paid for this in board, then don't cut it short. This goes just as well for hard drives, video cards, etc. This board was meant to rock-n-roll, and it will do just that providing you equip it with premium components. It's like buying a high performance car that is built to run on premium fuel. Sure, it will run on regular gas, but it will never deliver the performance that it was designed to give, unless you put premium fuel in the tank. The same thing goes for building a wildcat computer.

You may have noted from the numerous posts by the various forum members, that there is a fairly constant theme here, namely, that there is a minimal level of components that are required for proper performance. Ask yourself a simple question. Are all of the forum contributors misguided in their collective approach to obtaining the best performance from this board? I would respectfully suggest that the answer is within that rhetorical question.

Additionally, this board has clear, untapped future potential. It is my firm belief that nVidia has quite a few tweaks left for this board via BIOS upgrades, etc. Also, Intel has some nifty new procs waiting in the wings that will make the current procs look like child's play, and which will very likely be pin compatible with this nVidia 680i chip set and the 775 socket. All of those enhancements will only put greater stress on the memory components.

Unless you have a rather unlimited budget, then I would suggest that you buy the best possible memory sticks you can reasonably afford for this board, and thereby reduce the potential of having to replace them should you wish to upgrade the proc in the future.

I hope that the foregoing is of some help. There is a very well-know cliché which goes like this: "don't be penny rich, and pound foolish." Have a nice evening. TheBeagle

 

[ALV7]

these are my specs below

 

[ALV7]

WOW thats some of the best info i could ever get from a fellow PC gaming USER ^_^. You do have a very good point there. I have made a conclusion , i was thinking of getting OCZ 2GB DDR2 PC2-8500 / 1066MHz / NVIDIA SLI-Ready Edition / Dual Channel memory, for one its quality certified memory that is compatible with this mother board, second its somewhat of the high end type of memory you were explaining earlier (is it?)

as of other specs that i currently have under this board are as follows
Processor: Core 2 duo e6600 2.4Ghz (should be arriving soon) planning on over-clocking this baby ^_+
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-N680SLI
Memory: (deciding on this, didn't order them yet) OCZ 2GB DDR2 PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI ready
Hard-drive: (ordering it next week) WD Raptor 150GB 10,000RPM
Video card: *what i have ryt now* 2x 7600GTs in SLI* but will replace them with 2x BFG 8800GTS OC 640MB (ordering them sometime this month)
Sound card: just on-board (but any suggestions would be nice hehehehe)
Power Supply: Thermal Take Toughpower 850watt SLI ready
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS9700 ( found a way to clamp it onto the board )
Casing: Thermal Take ARMOR VA8003SWA Full tower
OS: Windows XP SP2 (but thinking of just buying Vista Ultimate)

 

[TheBeagle]

Good Morning Mr. ALV7.

You have made an excellent choice with the OCZ memory sticks that you listed. Also, there's likely enough headroom on those sticks to be able to accommodate a tweak or two (or more) in the future. Since the GA-N680SLI-DQ6 board was DESIGNED for 1333MHz operation, it will utilize that 1066MHz memory quite well. I have used the word "designed" in a quite specific way, in that this board has been engineered and constructed to be a 1333MHz product right out of the box. Of course, a number of other boards are now 1333MHz qualified as a result of BIOS upgrades, and various other revisions, and most all of them will perform OK in that respect, but this board has those features "from birth."

Indeed, that design edge also involves board components that are up to the task from the get-go. If you want a classic example of what I'm referring to, just look at the three (3) revisions of the Gigabyte GA-965P-DQ6 boards. They all now can handle 1333MHz operation, but there is a significant difference in the board components between revisions. But the Rev 1 boards were not initially capable of 1333MHz operation, and had to upgraded to that level via a BIOS flash. When you compare the photos of the three revisions of those boards, you can see the significant evolution of board components. So, which one do you think will handle 1333MHz operation the best?

By the way, I don't know what you meant when you mentioned "clamping" the 9700 cooler to the board, but I utilize the same cooler, and all you have to do is just cut off the four rounded areas on the corners of the Zalman plastic mounting plate, and use them to mount the upper mounting bracket to the board. Shave down one of those cut-off rounded corners a bit more until it fits nicely into the hole in the Gigabyte Crazy-Cool 2 bottom heatsink plate, and you're ready to roll.

Remember, the rigidity objective of the Zalman bottom plate is more than compensated for by the inherent rigidity of the Crazy-Cool bottom plate. The 9700 will mount rock-solid in that fashion, without any need to worry about warping or disfiguring the board on account of the weight of the 9700. Give it a try - you'll like the way it works and fits! TheBeagle

 

[ALV7]

oh i c pretty nice to here that i chose the right choice of memory, to be honest i was actually thinking of this memory since the beginning of this new build, but now Im really glad to choose this type of memory, going to order them in the next couple of days, so that finally solves the memory issue.

As for the CPU heatsink/fan, i noticed some other people modding the same way you modded it to your motherboard at first i was skeptical but now i could actually see it work, gonna try your method soon as my fan comes in. Sorry about using the word "clamping" i was trying to say "mod"

Umm before i end my reply, just have one more question, Ive read the reviews for Gigabyte's version of the 8800GTX (not enough good reviews to give it a consideration), anyways, since Im using a Gigabyte MB, do you think its a good idea to buy the Gigabyte 8800GTX, since the card and mb are from the same brand company, wouldnt give both components some technical advantage??

and just wanna say THANK YOU Beagle for the helpful knowledge.

 

[TheBeagle]

Hello Again Mr. ALV7.

Well, I use the Gigabyte GV-NX88S320H-B-RH video card in my rig. I've been VERY pleased with the performance of this card, and it gets a consistent 5.9 out of 6 rating in Vista for performance specs (I know that's just some of M$ bling-bling, but it at least shows the card is capable of satisfying the Vista requirements, with the Aero interface activated). I chose this card and not the larger memory models (GV-NX88S640H-RH or GV-NX88X768H-RH) primarily due to space limitations in my case. Those other versions, especially the GV-NX88X768H-RH, are quite long boards, and they would have never fit in my case.

However, if you have the $, the space and the power supply (which you do with that 850 ToughPower - I use the same PSU), then go for the big boy. That ought to give you frame rates in gaming that will blow the doors off your rig. Just make damn sure you have plenty of air circulation in that case, since that big boy is essentially a mini-furnace, and will get things real toasty in the case if the air flow is at all idle inside.

As far as coordination with the board functions and features, you are also correct. My card is automatically sensed and synchronized by the board, and the FSB for the video is likewise automatically boosted to 125 from 100. BTW, the OCZ memory also has speed synchronization, and will be automatically adjusted by the board as well. Sounds like you're ready to let er rip - have a great ride! TheBeagle

 

[iggycro]

Originally posted by: AstroDogg

Originally posted by: Arctucas
I have followed this thread from the beginning, eagerly anticipating Gary's review. It appears that Gigabyte's 680i offering is not much different from all the others (except for the backup BIOS and four Ethernet ports). I am not particularly impressed with this board, so I bought a Striker ($338.55 USD shipped).

I wonder if Arctucas has gotten his board shipped from chumbo. I checked it on the 6th and the boards were still reserved for the 7th, upon checking it early on the next day the reserve date was pushed to 4/1 still carring the $319+s/h tag.

Gigabyte's motherboard is actually really good. I just managed to buy it on Friday, with its huge box and everything. And right after I bought it, I saw a couple of reviews of the motherboard at NforcersHQ, IT-review, and of course Anandtech. I've been following this motherboard for awhile. I just wonder how good will the MSI's 680i motherboard will be, with four PCI-E's and X-Fi...

 

[TheBeagle]

Hello Mr. Iggycro.

I really can't comment on the latest round of MSI boards. A number of years ago I bought several MSI boards for Athlon XP procs, and they all crapped out within a year. When I asked MSI for some repair/replacement during the warranty period, they gave me the royal run-around. Finally, I got so tired of all the nonsense that MSI customer support (that's actually an oxymoron, since they don't support their customers) was dishing out, I just decided that they would NEVER see any more of my money for the crap they were selling. And you can be very sure that I kept that pledge. Fool me once, shame on you - fool me twice, shame on me! TheBeagle

 

[eklock2000]

Hello all...good discussions coming around today. Well it's been quite a morning. I fired up the trusty dusty Intel 845PEBT2 today only to find that the IDE controller took a dump. I was literally weeks from pulling the trigger on a new system (waiting for the Giga 650i boards) and I've waited so long to build the most "future-proof" system. After scrambling to the local e-store to get a drive enclosure, I have secured the data on the HDs. Given my scenario, I can no longer wait to upgrade and have decided to pull the trigger on the board being discussed here.

Has anyone seen these online, in-stock, from a reputable supplier? Newegg is out-of-stock, and eWiz doesn't list the product anymore.

Thanks,

EK2K

PS - The egg has Crucial Ballistix Sticks (i think the ones in Beagle's system ) with a $50 rebate right now.

Peace

 

[ALV7]

I ordered my gigabyte board from MWAVE.com just a few weeks ago and looked at the website the other night and saw that they still have these boards in stock. And the delivery was superb, i got the board within a week of ordering it.

I hope this info is helpful ^_^ (oh btw its selling for $339.00) good luck!

 

[Fallen Kell]

Does anyone know where you can buy the backplate that Zalman uses for their heatsinks for this board? I clearly remember seeing someone linking to a place where you could buy simply the backplate mounting kit but without a heatsink. I wanted to use it to mount my Tuniq Tower as I can use a dremel to cut away at the plastic to make it fit properly.

Anyone have any other ideas either? I would like to be able to keep the crazy cool whatever they call it backplate heatsink on the board as well as use the Tuniq Tower.

 

[ALV7]

oh btw Beagle, m planning on using Quad SLI with the cards Im getting (8800 GTX versions) but the board only comes with one SLI bridge, dont i need another bridge to make my future cards SLI?? do you happen to know a website that carries the bridge on its own??? coz no one sells them i dont think i want to go Quad SLI since it seems i cant.

anyways thanks again for your well dependable info

 

[Gary Key]

I've been following this motherboard for awhile. I just wonder how good will the MSI's 680i motherboard will be, with four PCI-E's and X-Fi...

We will tell you this Thursday.

I have another meeting with Gigabyte tonight to go the F4 BIOS, hopefully they can break something free to us this week.

 

[TheBeagle]

Hello Mr. Fallen Kell.

Yep, I know where to buy one. Look here: Sharka Computers. The Item # is: zm-cs2, and it sells for $6.95 (USD). How's that for service?

I believe that you can still keep the Crazy-Cool-2 backplate in place and mount the Tuniq unit. I was personally thinking of buying an extra couple of those mounting kits, since a number of Zalman units use them, and the plastic backplate is rather easy to cut the four rounded corners off and custom mount the unit. Hope that helps. TheBeagle

 

[TheBeagle]

Hello Mr. ALV7.

That's a pretty fierce video setup that you're planning. To begin with, if you're really gonna put four of those mini-furnaces online in your case, you damn well better have thoroughly considered the thermal situation. Also, that kind of a rig will definitely need a bigger PSU. For that kind of wattage situation, you should go with the ToughPower 1200 unit (I believe they are just becoming available about now).

I haven't seen extra SLI bridges, but you might be able to purchase one directly from Gigabyte at their California office. Give them an email and ask - the worse that can happen is that they tell you that you're SOL!

Good luck with that rig, and BTW, if it gets a bit chilly where you live, I think that you'll be able to heat a room or two in the house with the exhaust from that beast! Enjoy. TheBeagle

 

[eklock2000]

Quote: I mounted a Zalman 7700 on a GA-965P-DQ6 which as the same type of back plate. I had to carefully cut the four corners off the Zalman plastice bottom mounting plate with a sharp knife. Then I used the cut off parts (with embedded nuts) to secure the top mounting unit. It worked very well, you just have to be patient, have a sharp knife, and keep your fingers out of the way of the knife blade. Contrary to our colleague Gary's opinion, I would NOT advise removing the underside back plate - since there is no need to do so. However, if you're going to leave the Gigabyte back plate in place, make damn sure you use 5mm mounting studs on your case, instead of the 3mm ones. Only the 5mm studs will give you enough clearance to mount the board without hitting the case mounting plate. Enjoy. TheBeagle

Mr. Beagle...do the above directions also apply to the 680i-DQ6 with a Zalman 9700? Isn't that what you have on your rig...any pics?

Thanks,

EK2K

 

[TheBeagle]

Hello Mr. EKlock.

You are quite perceptive, and have been cruising the other threads. Yes, that's exactly my previous post, and with one slight exception it applies here as well. The Gigabyte Crazy-Cool (NOT version 2) metal backplate on that other board was smaller, and therefore didn't have the need for a hole in the plate. The GA-N680SLI-DQ6 board has a much more exotic backplate with a heatpipe to the topside. It is also quite a bit larger, and therefore has a hole cut on the metal plate to accommodate a mounting stud. However, the basic installation premise is the same, just carefully cut the rounded corner portions off the Zalman plastic backplate, and then shave down one of them a bit further to fit snuggly in the hole. All I can say is that it works, and works quite well at that! TheBeagle