Area 51 R2 SLI issue with second GTX 980 install

[jas89tta]

I'm having trouble getting a second GTX 980 in my Area 51 to work in SLI. I got the computer about 3 weeks ago and ordered the 2nd GTX 980 from Dell along with the gyn70 tri-sli bridge adapter and can't get the SLI option to show up in NVIDIA control panel but both cards show up but no SLI option. I plug in the DVI cable into the new card and it seems to work as I can see the desktop and all on the monitor so it works right? I installed the 2nd card in the last slot of the motherboard but also put it in the middle slot and it will would not work. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers with no lick. These motherboards are SLI enabled correct? If so how do I checked to make sure it's enabled in BIOS? I only have 2 cards but using a 3 way adapter so the middle slots on the adapter/slot is not being used and thought I was told it would be fine but starting to wonder if this is the issue. Also I have a 850w power supply in my system. I'm lost on to why this is not working any help would be great. Thanks Jason

 

[DasHotShot]

You need to use a single SLI bridge not tri-sli and have the second card in the slot adjacent to your first card.

One this is done, driver update might not be needed, but I would do it anyway.

 

[jas89tta]

Here is a link to some screen shots if it helps

http://s264.photobucket.com/user/jas89tta/library/GTX%20980?sort=4&page=1

 

[DasHotShot]

I don't need screenshots

You're doing it wrong.

You must use a single SLI bridge and have the cards next to one another.

 

[krells]

The tri-sli bridge isn't the problem. Most likely the third slot only runs at 4x and sli requires 8x.

 

[DasHotShot]

It is a problem as they are linked differently on bigger bridges/more cards.

Take it from me. Slot 1 & 2 with a standard SLI bridge is the solution. You can theorize all day long, this however is the answer which will work.

 

[krells]

I am using a 3 way bridge with two cards in SLI.

 

[DasHotShot]

I am using a 3 way bridge with two cards in SLI.

Hard bridge or soft bridge?

Perhaps this is only an issue when using a Quad bridge then.

Either way the slotting is the other key to this whole dilemma. However OP claims to have used the correct slots.

 

[jas89tta]

This is the SLI bridge I'm using this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nvidia-3-Way-SLI-Bridge-Dell-GYN70-Rare-/251845026955?nma=true&si=8HEV7eEMb3tuK3rFDU2neo6dTL4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 I did put the card in the second slot right under the 1st card and when I did that the 2nd card did not even show up in device manager or anything so I swapped back. If it's the SLI bridge is this the one I should use http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=100-2W-0023-LR

 

[DasHotShot]

You may want to try a basic one (bendy) first to see if it works.

The EVGA one you picked out is a "long" version and might have some weird custom length to accommodate different spacing or something.

 

[jas89tta]

One more question. On the back of the Adapter I have it has 6 plugs total 3 rows of two the EVGA one only has 2 plugs total one top and one bottom but on the video card where you plug in the bridge it has two plugs side by side. SO I don't have to have a SLI bridge with 4 plugs total 2 top and 2 bottom to plug into the card? Sorry if I'm not making much sense but new to this and I thought I had all I needed to set this up but seems I don't know WTH I'm doing so trying to learn. Thanks for all the help guys/gals

Edit: Also IIRC the spacing on mine was 60mm but will measure again to make sure.

 

[jas89tta]

Here is a screenshot of the original card from GPUz under bus interface they are different could this be the issue? If so how do I fix it?

Original Card

Here is the second card

 

[DasHotShot]

It means your board's third slot is a PCIe x4 slot...here is the problem.

Further proves you need to use slot 1 and 2 to have 8x for each card.

 

[krells]

The 4x speed on the second card is why you cannot enable sli. As far as the sli bridge, 2 way sli only uses two connectors, one for the top card and one for the bottom.

 

[jas89tta]

Ok I'll switch the card to the middle slot tonight when I get home. I did this last night but the card did not show up in GPUz or device manager maybe I didn't have it seated right? Also will the SLI bridge work or do I need to get the other one? Once again Thanks for the info and help I really appreciate everyones help. Thank-You

 

[DasHotShot]

Try your current bridge and the right slots.

Take it from there.

 

[jas89tta]

Finally got it to work Thank-you all for your help. I put the card back into the second slot and uninstall and reinstall the drivers and that fixed the problem. Thanks again everyone.

Edit: Since the GTX 980 did not work in the last slot does this mean I could never add a 3rd one? Not that I plan on it atm but just curious now.

 

[DasHotShot]

Finally got it to work Thank-you all for your help. I put the card back into the second slot and uninstall and reinstall the drivers and that fixed the problem. Thanks again everyone.

Edit: Since the GTX 980 did not work in the last slot does this mean I could never add a 3rd one? Not that I plan on it atm but just curious now.

You need to verify that you board is triple-sli compatible. Use the make/model and google the specs on the manufacturer site. It will quickly tell you. (You can use CPU-Z to determine this)

If it is, it will simply share slower lanes and decrease bandwidth. If not...then no.