To install SLI, make sure the daughter card is inserted into the correct position whether it’s SLI or Normal. At this point, install the two like video cards into the PCI Express X16 slots. One thing you need to keep in mind is that 2 6800-class cards may require 2 external power connectors. In our tests we used a ePower 600W qualified for SLI power supply. During testing, no problems were found with the power supply.

Once the card is inserted, turn on the system and turn on the system. At this point, assuming you have installed the motherboard drivers, install the latest Forceware drivers. After the system starts again, a “This system is capable of SLI, to enable SLI click here” balloon will greet you. Click the balloon, check the enable SLI checkbox and restart the system. At this point, you are good to go!

Compatibility testing is always important when testing a new motherboard chipset. The first thing I tested was video cards. I installed a X800XT and found no problems with performance or stability. The NVIDIA GEFORCE 6800GT whether in single or SLI mode performed through all of the tests without problems, as you’d expect from an NVIDIA chipset. I recently got a S3 Gammachrome PCI Express video card from VIA. This card also went without issue.

The BIOS is the standard Phoenix Award BIOS with some extra options found on a reference board. One thing I liked about this board was the ability to overclock. Even when I over clocked too high, the system still booted to the BIOS most of the time. In the instances where the board would not POST, I had to clear the CMOS which is located in an odd position right between the SLI cards. In order to clear the CMOS, you need to remove at least the SLI Bridge and at least one video card.