Asus P5Q Pro Turbo SLI Setup

[racer]

I will be providing you guide on SLI setup. I had below also mentioned how to setup SLI on Asus P5Q Pro Turbo motherboard. I have this board and I had successfully enabled SLI on the same. I am using GeForce 6600 GPU on the same. Before that I would like to put some light on the technology used by Nvidia to run Dual GPU. You can go further to read on ATI Crossfire support also. This is guide is not just limited to setup SLI on Asus board. Below there are some tips to configure the same if you have a Linux based pc. For e.g. Ubuntu.

Any modern graphic ranges from lower to higher ranges now have the ability to work in parallel with other cards of the same or similar conditions. For Nvidia the possibilities are more restrictive, but the results are really interesting. Today we will know the results of the hands of Geforce GTX 480 working paths on high-end platform of Intel. This changes with the addition of PCI Express as a new communication interface. The PCI Express depends only on the ability to link the chipset and therefore allows more variety of configurations depending on the needs of the integrator. He joined the interface capable of returning the possibility of overlap and graphics manufacturers begin to use it.

Years have passed and both AMD and Nvidia have been slow to optimize their solutions but we can say we're on the road where the development of both software and hardware allow maximum use of the joint work of two or more graphics chips on the same PC. The reduced dependence on graphics standards by the processor and also the highest power allows them to work efficiently graphics chips, also achieved through the integrated high-speed links in the form of dedicated bridges in some dual graphics chip, the actual contribution of modern chipsets or bridges by integrating dedicated motherboards higher range.

NVIDIA SLI

SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is a system that allows you to connect two graphics cards to produce a single signal by adding the power of both. This is a parallel processing application developed in its initial release in the year 1998 by 3Dfx Voodoo2 cards, that adding the processing power of both cards generates an increase in processing power equal to the sum of both cards. We must remember that these graphs were connected to PCI slots, as at that time the AGP port was in its infancy and also only allow one port on your motherboard.

The 3Dfx Voodoo2 were marvels of technology for its time, comparable to what is now a GForce 8800. In more developed versions were allowed 12MB of memory and 5000 million operations and 3 million triangles per second in 3D processes. Despite the limitations of PCI was some time before it went on sale a card with 3D performance comparable to that offered by the Voodoo2. This system works only on motherboards with two PCIe 16x ports for graphics, specifically developed to support this technology (not all motherboards with two PCIe 16x ports support SLI).

The two cards are connected by a small connector to a printed circuit connector with these cards. This connector serves as a link to transmit data synchronization, display and pixels between GPUs. Providing communication between the two graphics processors at speeds up to 1 GB / s. without consuming the bandwidth of the PCIe bus.

The software distributes the workload of two ways.

• SFR or Split Frame Rendering, which analyzes the image to display in a table and divide the load evenly between the two GPUs.
• AFR or Alternate Frame Rendering, in which each square is processed by a GPU alternately, ie, a frame is first processed by the GPU and the next by the second.

Initially the two graphics cards had to be exactly alike, of the same make, model and capacity.

This has changed over time, being able at present to implement the system two different graphics cards manufacturer, provided they have the same GPU (NOTE: When a different manufacturer that we do not mean to put a Nvidia card and a ATI, which in that case the GPU is different, and the technology they use (CrossFire in the case of ATI). Not even able to put a GForce 7300 with a GForce 7600, in which case the GPU are different, we mean Asus to put a graphic and a Sapphire, for instance, if two SLI compatible and have the same GPU).

You can even mix two different cards with memory capacity, although in this case the result will not be the sum of both, but rather the result of multiplying the lowest x 2, wasting the rest of memory. This allows (in the case of two identical graphics cards) to increase the yield of 75% and 100% (not all applications will have the same increase in performance).

Keep in mind that this increase in performance we'll just get in applications designed to utilize the full power of the GPU (as is the case with the latest games, design software CAD / CAM and the vast majority current graphics applications). Another application is viewing SLI on multiple monitors.

If configured in multi GPU mode, only one monitor, but a single GPU mode can use up to four monitors (two per card) simultaneously, using technology, and NVIDIA nView Dualview Windows.

NVIDIA SLI technology is a revolutionary platform innovation that allows dramatically increase graphics performance by combining multiple NVIDIA GPU in a single system with a processor, media and communications (MCP **) NVIDIA nForce SLI. NVIDIA SLI technology delivers up to twice the graphics performance of a single graphics solution by using proprietary software algorithms for NVIDIA and dedicated scalability logic in each GPU and MCP each.

Graphics Cards SLI

NVIDIA SLI GPUs deliver graphics and intense fine for games and other applications where it makes heavy use of graphics. The combination of two graphics cards (with the same GPU) Processor equipped with NVIDIA SLI-Ready certification in a single system with an nForce SLI MCP ** doubles the graphics power.

The GPU technology with NVIDIA SLI-Ready dedicated hardware integrate and leverage the additional bandwidth of PCI Express bus. Linked by the SLI connector * (which ships with all SLI-Ready motherboards), each GPU has a smooth channel of communication and can leverage the second card for reaching top speeds never seen before. SLI technology or to increase the performance of both geometry and fill rate for multiple GPUs and output data in digital and analog formats for maximum image quality

Motherboards - SLI MCP : To enable NVIDIA SLI technology on your PC need a motherboard with SLI-Ready certification with an nForce SLI MCP and two physical PCI Express x16 slots. NVIDIA nForce SLI motherboards offers for AMD and Intel CPUs.

The list of cards that support SLI NVidia today is:

• NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
• NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS
• NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GX2
• NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX
• NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS
• NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GTX 512
• NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GTX
• NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS
• NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS
• NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE
• NVIDIA GeForce 7100 GS
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800 GS
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800 XT
• NVIDIA GeForce 6800 LE
• NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
• NVIDIA GeForce 6600
• NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE
• NVIDIA Quadro SLI-Ready GPUs

• Only GT versions or higher in 6600 and 7300. In lower versions of cards that support SLI communication is done through the 16x PCIe bus, but being inferior performance cards that bus has sufficient bandwidth as it does not lead to any problems.

[racer]

Asus P5Q Pro Turbo SLI Setup Guide

Here is the guide which will help you to run SLI setup on ASUS P5Q Pro Turbo. The card which I am using is GEFORCE 6600 on Windows 7 32 Bit System. This works on most of the chipset and for further system query you can go out on the official site for support. I want to share out the following information with you in running up the SLI on Asus board. Here are few setups which will give you a quick mounting of SLI in the motherboard.

Check this before Beginning :

First Step :

• A board-certified NVIDIA SLI and NVIDIA SLI connector .
• Two graphics cards also NVIDIA SLI certified (With two identical GPUs!)
• Operating System Compatible to SLI with new updated drivers.
• The NVIDIA SLI connector is not used with some models of consumer graphics cards such as GeForce 6600 series and GeForce 7300.

Second Step :

Please check the power requirements of the system. NVIDIA recommends using certified power supplies to mount SLI Ready PC SLI. Click here to see the complete list of certified power supplies. We also recommend applying the following criteria when choosing a power supply for SLI PC:

1. End SLI PC: NVIDIA has tested most of the power sources within this category of high power and only recommends the use of SLI Ready power supplies.
2. High-end SLI PC:[/B] You need a power source capable of supplying at least 12 V to 22 A dedicated power for the two graphics cards. Of these 22 amps, +12 V and 5.5 A should be allocated to each PCI Express power connectors 6-pin located on the cards. The remaining 11 amps should go to the motherboard to the exclusive use of graphics cards.
   
3. High-End SLI PC : Power supply of 500-600 W at least, capable of providing at least +12 V at 30A for all PC components.
   
4. Midrange SLI PC: Power supply 450-500 W at least, capable of providing at least +12 V at 26 A for all components of the PC.
5. Basic PC SLI: Power supply of 400-450 W at least, capable of providing at least +12 V at 22 A for all components of the PC.

Note: These recommendations are based on the following settings used during the tests that were conducted using standard clock frequencies in the different components:

Steps :

1. First you have to install SLI String Installer.
2. Now run it and then press Asus.
3. You have to then first get the original drivers for the your graphic card which you can download from the official site of Nvidia.
4. You will get a download drive file form this location where you can choose the preferred model for the GPU. Download and run the setup.
5. Then you will need to get nvlddmkm.sys file.
6. Once you download the file then right click on the file and then change the name to nvlddmkm.sy_. You have to add a underscore at the end.
7. Once done you have to copy the file and then paste it in the Driver directory of Nvidia. Usually the same is located in C:/Nvidia/DisplayDriver/190.62/English in my system. You can search for the folder.
8. Double click on it and run the same. Then you will get a warning of unsigned drivers. Give yes. Now you will get a message that your SLI is enable now.
9. Then you can run Nvidia Control Panel and then click under 3D settings. Here you can set the SLI and PHYX configuration where you can enable SLI there. Done reboot and work on the same.

Hardware Setup :

Installing NVIDIA SLI components: Once you achieve the necessary components and SLI power requirements are met, it is time to configure the system.

• Install the motherboard with NVIDIA SLI certification. You can use the motherboard manual for proper pictures and setup steps.
• Install the NVIDIA SLI graphics cards. That will be needed to place on the PCI slot on the board side by side to each other.
• Install the NVIDIA SLI connector to link the two cards - The NVIDIA SLI connector is only used with GeForce 6600 GT and above.
• After installing all the components listed, the operating system should recognize when you start Windows. You should see a message that has detected new hardware components.
• Now install the software you need SLI to enable the system to handle the new hardware. What will you do in step four.

Software Setup :

As part of Architecture UDA (Unified Driver Architecture), the NVIDIA drivers include all the necessary drivers for SLI systems.

Once installed NVIDIA SLI components and booted, do the following:

• Install nForce drivers (supplied with the motherboard).
• Restart the system.
• Uninstall all older versions of NVIDIA graphic drivers you have installed on your system and restart again.
• Install the latest NVIDIA graphics drivers that came with the cards or downloaded from the Download Drivers
• Restart the system.
• When you return to the Windows desktop appears, you see the message System SLI Capable

Activating the NVIDIA SLI

Click on an SLI capable system message to open the next window.
Select the Enable SLI technology (SLI enabled) and then click Apply. You can also access these options by opening the NVIDIA Control Panel (click on the desktop with the right mouse button), clicking the Settings option 3D (3D settings in the figure) and selecting "Set SLI configuration" (turn SLI configuration).

[racer]

SLI Setup on UBUNTU

Linux platform is also not behind in GPU support. Like Windows and other OS you can try the same out on Ubuntu also. The test platform used is my desktop Zeus whose specifications are found here , drivers have used the nVidia Linux-x86 173.14.05 downloaded from the same manufacturer. Before configuring the system for correct functioning of the video cards in SLI mode you must install the nVidia proprietary drivers paying attention to the packages required for their operation. I recommend, as first step, make a backup of the xorg.conf file on an external HDD or directly to your copying the file to a location other than the original or even renaming the same.

After the backup file open a terminal and install the following packages as follows:

sudo aptitude install build-essential
sudo apt-get install linux-headers-$ (uname-r)
sudo aptitude install xserver-xorg-dev

fact that revenue in text mode using the key combination Ctrl + Alt + F1.

Now log in and log in as super-user with the classic:

sudo-s

then came time to give a stop to all services in accordance with a graphic inelegant but certainly effective:

killall gdm

The following can then install the drivers previously downloaded by the string:

sh. / NVIDIA-Linux-x86-173.14.05-pkg1.run

Start the installation you will have the system equipped with the required drivers. During installation you will be prompted to download precompiled kernel from FTP nVidia, I recommend you say no to have a final clean and custom. Reverse speech but as regards the request to customize the xorg.conf file automatically, in this case you can safely agree to save a lot of subsequent work. Now you can enjoy the support of graphic cards and see the results of your work proceed with:

gdm start

Which will bring you back to the login screen for the first system via nVidia default which will witness the proper installation procedure. There remains now to apply your changes as you remember it the next reboot the system loads the modules again "nv" totally ignoring your efforts. To avoid this you must place the module "nv" in a condition of acting on the blacklist file linux-restricted-modules-common you can find the folder / etc / default. Open the file with any text editor you prefer, I use nano, and put the string inside the quotes nv DISABLED_MODULES voice in this way:

DISABLED_MODULES = "nv"

Save the file and exit, now even after a complete restart of the machine in question can enjoy the newly installed new drivers.

Xorg.conf configuration for SLI mode

Let the configuration of the system sli. This is to be made by editing the xorg.conf file with a text editor then apriamolo through shell this way:

sudo nano / etc / X11 / xorg.conf

now inside the "Device" section add the line:

Option "SLI" "string"

Where instead of writing you have to insert a string of options that go to list below:

• 0, no, off, false, Single - When to use only single-GPU rendering
• 1, yes, on, true, Auto - Enable SLI and allow the driver to Automatically Select the appropriate rendering mode.
• AFR - Enable SLI and use the Alternate Frame Rendering mode.
• SFR - Enable SLI and use the Split Frame Rendering mode.
• AA - Enable SLI and use SLI Antialiasing. Use this in Conjunction with full scene antialiasing to Improve visual quality.
• AFRofAA - Enable SLI and use SLI Alternate Frame Rendering of Antialiasing mode. Use in Conjunction with this full scene antialiasing to Improve Visual Quality. Is this option only valid for SLI configurations with 4 GPUs.

Choose the option that it considers the most correct, enter it in quotes instead of "string", save the file and restart your graphical interface. Now you own a GNU / Linux configured to work with two graphics cards connected with SLI from Nvidia.

[racer]

SLI setup information for different types of Systems :

Setting up an SLI PC side:

• Two GeForce 8800 Ultra, two GeForce 8800 GTX, two GeForce 8800 GTS or two GeForce 7950GX2
• CPU AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 2.8GHz (AM2) or Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 2.9 GHz
• NVIDIA nForce 680 SLI or nForce 590 SLI with 2 GB of system memory
• Two hard drives in RAID 0 configuration
• Two optical drives
• PCI Sound Card
• LCD with 2560 x 1600 resolution

Setting up a high-end SLI PC:

• Two GeForce 7900 GTX or GeForce 7800 GTX 512MB
• An Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 FX-60
• NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI or nForce 590 SLI with 2 GB of system memory
• Two hard drives in RAID 0 configuration
• Two optical drives
• PCI Sound Card
• LCD with 1600 x 1200 resolution

Setting up a high-end SLI PC:

• Two GeForce 7800 GTX 256MB or GeForce 6800 Ultra
• An Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 FX-57
• NVIDIA nForce 680i LT SLI and nForce 590 with 2 GB of system memory
• Two hard drives in RAID 0 configuration
• Two optical drives
• PCI Sound Card
• LCD with 1600 x 1200 resolution

Setting up a mid-range SLI PC:

• Two GeForce 8600 GTS, 7900 GT, 6800 GT or 6800
• An Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64
• NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI or nForce 570 SLI with 1 GB of system memory
• A hard disk drive
• Two optical drives
• PCI Sound Card
• LCD with 1600 x 1200 resolution

Configuring an SLI PC basics::

• Two GeForce 8600 GT, 8500GT, 7600GT, 6600 GT or 6600
• An Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64
• NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI or nForce 570 SLI with 1 GB of system memory
• A hard disk drive
• An optical disc drive
• LCD with 1600 x 1200 resolution

[racer]

What is ATI Crossfire( A Little bit of information on ATI dual GPU Support )

CrossFire is the name that ATI / AMD has given its dual-GPU system, designed in response to NVidia's SLI system. Although the purpose of both systems is the same and have many things in common, the system to achieve this varies from one system to another.

Above all have in common that only work in PCIe graphics, in the case of CrossFire motherboards and graphics cards, CrossFire certified. In principle, this technology is the only thing that enables both cards sharing the workload of the rendering of the images. All other tasks related to graphics processing are carried out only by a GPU. The true gamers always take into account not only the graphics have if they have the fastest computer to play. The best performance for them can only be achieved with a balanced system based on powerful graphics running on a motherboard with high bandwidth.

ATI CrossFire is THE multi-GPU solution gives you another level gameplay ATI CrossFire platform has been designed to give higher yields, flexibility and game compatibility than any other multi-GPU platform. Combining the capabilities of ATI chipsets for Intel and AMD , ATI? S CrossFire Xpress?, With numerous ATI Radeon provide image quality and a hitherto unimaginable benefits. master-slave? resulting in a 3D graphics power without precedent experiences so far. Within the range of benefits of the ATI Radeon X1000 Series, two charts prepared to work in CrossFire, communicate using the high bandwidth of PCI Express ® CrossFire motherboard.

For the distribution of this process of rendering ATI / AMD uses three different systems:

• AFR or Alternate Frame Rendering, which is the method that gives a greater increase in performance, and that is that each graphics card render alternate frames (equal to one of the SLI systems used by the same name).
  
• Scoring is that what is done is to divide each frame into two parts. These parts need not be the same as the length of each card rendered image is dynamically allocated.
  
• STB or Super Tile Board, which divides the image into small pieces of 32x32 pixels, creating a sort of mesh or board. In this case each card renders small alternating squares divided image, superimposing images generated after each card, thus creating the image that is displayed on the screen.

As for the connection system cards are also differences between both systems.

The CrossFire system uses up to three different systems to make this connection:

• The card used for the low range is to use the PCIe bus itself to transmit visual data between the two GPUs. This system was scrapped for the higher end cards, due to excessive consumption of bandwidth of PCIe for large resolutions, which means a decrease in overall system performance, as with the example of the image.

A list of cards that support ATI CrossFire is as follows:

• RADEON HD 2900XT PCIe
• RADEON X1950 Crossfire Edition
• RADEON X1950 XTX
• RADEON X1950 PRO
• RADEON X1900 XTX
• RADEON X1900 XT
• RADEON X1900 GT
• RADEON X1900 CrossFire Edition
• RADEON X1800 XT
• RADEON X1800 XT
• RADEON X1800 XL
• RADEON X1800 GTO 256MB
• RADEON X1800 CrossFire Edition
• RADEON EAX1650 PRO
• RADEON X1650 PRO
• RADEON X1650 XT
• Radeon X1600 PRO
• RADEON X1600 XT
• RADEON X1300 XT
• RADEON X1300 PRO
• RADEON X850 XT
• RADEON X850 PRO

Problem with Crossfire :

The most used to assemble the rest CrossFire card using a card is ATI CrossFire Master and one Slave. The first replaced one of the DVI connection for a special connection through an external cable that allows two graphics cards linked together at the same time with the monitor.

One of the biggest problems of this system is that having to search a graph CrossFire Master, which are very rare. This means that to mount a CrossFire system not only have to put two cards exactly alike, but also one of them has to be a version Master.

The third system, while the newer, is much like the bridge used in the SLI system, but this time with printed circuit connectors instead of one, as is the case of NVidia. So far this method is only being used in the PRO series cards. This results in a transfer rate almost double that achieved by the only bridge SLI system (up 2Mbs). Furthermore, this system is to avoid external cable assembly simplifies the CrossFire system by not having to search CrossFire Master versions of the card that want to install.

[test9]

nice article

[1METALHEAD]

Hello Racer. I have actually attempted this with my asus p5q pro turbo and haven't had much luck. The only real difference is 1. I have 2 8800gt 2. windows 7 64 bit. Now this board originally is crossfire. Is there something I am missing?

On step 8

Double click on it and run the same. Then you will get a warning of unsigned drivers. Give yes. Now you will get a message that your SLI is enable now.

what do you double click on? I guess I am confused about the wording hehe.
TIA

[racer]

Hello Racer. I have actually attempted this with my asus p5q pro turbo and haven't had much luck. The only real difference is 1. I have 2 8800gt 2. windows 7 64 bit. Now this board originally is crossfire. Is there something I am missing?

On step 8

Double click on it and run the same. Then you will get a warning of unsigned drivers. Give yes. Now you will get a message that your SLI is enable now.

what do you double click on? I guess I am confused about the wording hehe.
TIA

Well, you have to double click on the setup.exe in C:/Nvidia/DisplayDriver/190.62/English to install the drivers and then you are supposed to get that warning which is to be ignored. Usually it may be worth it to make Crossfire available, but you won't see much of an improvement on the single card.

[1METALHEAD]

I did hit the setup exe but I wasn't able to get the warning. Would the issue be windows 7 64bit?

[Mr.ken]

That is not quiet necessary. The warning appears if the signature verification of drivers is enable in your system. If not then the drivers installed automatically just by double clicking on that. There is a command for that which you have to run on cmd to enable that. The command is bcdedit / set nointegritychecks ON for enabling and bcdedit / set nointegritychecks OFF for disabling.

[TeTRaM78]

Hi,

I found your guide, and first of all, thanks for it...

But I own an Asus P5Q Pro (non turbo), and after tryin all your steps, it still doesn't work.

Do you know if there is any way to enable SLI on Asus P5Q Pro? Or do I have to throw one of my EN8800GTS away?

Tia!

[Spyrus]

Hi,

I found your guide, and first of all, thanks for it...

But I own an Asus P5Q Pro (non turbo), and after tryin all your steps, it still doesn't work.

Do you know if there is any way to enable SLI on Asus P5Q Pro? Or do I have to throw one of my EN8800GTS away?

Tia!

The Asus P5Q Pro board supports CrossFire and not SLI. Drivers won't change the fact that it is CrossFire technology. You can use a Nvidia or ATI video card in this great board as a single card, but if you so choose to use two cards, they must be ATI cards which is the CrossFire standard.

[TeTRaM78]

Yeah, I know that, but if I'm right, P5Q Pro Turbo also doesn't support SLI (I saw it somewhere on the MB specs).

So I was asking if they are any chance to enable SLI on this card, as this guide shows how to proceed with Turbo MB...

But thanks anyway for your answer.

[Sn0w-Le0p@rD]

It is correct that you cannot run SLI on this motherboard. It supports only Crossfire and for that you might need to get 2 ATI cards. It is possible to run SLI on this motherboard but that will need lots of modification. You will need SLI String installer for that. And this works mostly on Windows 7 32 bit.

[TeTRaM78]

SLI String Installer is part of the instructions mentionned above. I tried the complete procedure, without succes...

So, I guess the best way to have my GTS working together is to upgrade to a P5Q Pro Turbo for example... Or change them by 2 ATI...