GTX 970 SLI, Bridge not being Detected and one card doing all the work

[FR0STBITE]

So I recently got another gtx 970 (EVGA SC 970) and I currently own the Asus Strix gtx 970. So I put the new card in my rig and the put the sli bridge to connect the card. I booted up my system and both cards are being recognized. However under the Nvidia control panel the SLI panel is all grey and the only option it gives me is disable SLI. It also tells me that for best performance use the sli bridge. My mobo is the Asus Z170 SabertTooth S so it has 2 way sli compatibility.

When I launched a game to see if I got any performance gain I looked over and saw that only one card was doing work meanwhile the other card was at 0% load? Any Ideas on how to fix?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

You need the install the bridge. Look in your MoBo Box. looks like this:

 

[FR0STBITE]

You need the install the bridge. Look in your MoBo Box. looks like this:

I did connect the bridge. Could I have done it wrong? Is there a certain way you are supposed to connect it?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I have had to wiggle it a bit to get it to make contact on occasion.

a) You have a 750 watt PSU ?

b) The Asus is the better card, see the differences here:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2014/09/19/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-review/3

c) The Asus and EVGA both have 2 x 6-pin connectors. You should have an 8-pin x double 6 pin cable for each card. make sure all 6 connectors inserted snugly.

d) Wiggle the bridge around... sitting in box some corrosion may have built up

e) Fans spinning on both cards at start up ? Asus and MSI have fans that shut off... but I cant remember if that is active before it goes into windows tho.

If can't figure out anything, then:

1. take the card out and check with one card and make sure all works.

2. Switch cards

3. If ya get this far, take out bottom card.

4. Uninstall all things nvidia

5. Install 2nd card, connect bridge, load latest drivers.

I have also had it work by step 5 being reboot, load latest drivers, shut down and install card and finally boot

Downside is if ya call Asus, they gonna blame EVGA... if ya call EVGA, they'll blame Asus

Meant to say, make sure ya don't have one of the early SC models described here with defective cooler

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2014/09/19/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-review/3

 

[FR0STBITE]

I have had to wiggle it a bit to get it to make contact on occasion.

a) You have a 750 watt PSU ?

b) The Asus is the better card, see the differences here:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2014/09/19/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-review/3

c) The Asus and EVGA both have 2 x 6-pin connectors. You should have an 8-pin x double 6 pin cable for each card. make sure all 6 connectors inserted snugly.

d) Wiggle the bridge around... sitting in box some corrosion may have built up

e) Fans spinning on both cards at start up ? Asus and MSI have fans that shut off... but I cant remember if that is active before it goes into windows tho.

If can't figure out anything, then:

1. take the card out and check with one card and make sure all works.

2. Switch cards

3. If ya get this far, take out bottom card.

4. Uninstall all things nvidia

5. Install 2nd card, connect bridge, load latest drivers.

I have also had it work by step 5 being reboot, load latest drivers, shut down and install card and finally boot

Downside is if ya call Asus, they gonna blame EVGA... if ya call EVGA, they'll blame Asus

Meant to say, make sure ya don't have one of the early SC models described here with defective cooler

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2014/09/19/nvidia-geforce-gtx-970-review/3

Is there anyway I can voice message you? I think it would be easier for you to help me that way. Up to you. I also have a 750W PSU, My Asus card is a 8pin mean while my EVGA is 2 6 pin

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Yes my bad, right there in the photos I linked

each 6 pin supplies 75 watts ... 2 x 75 = 150
each 8 pin supplies 150 watts ... 1 x 150 = 150

So ... same thing as long as you install the right one is the right place... and the wrong ones in the left place

 

[FR0STBITE]

Yes my bad, right there in the photos I linked

each 6 pin supplies 75 watts ... 2 x 75 = 150
each 8 pin supplies 150 watts ... 1 x 150 = 150

So ... same thing as long as you install the right one is the right place... and the wrong ones in the left place

Could the problem be that because my 2 cards are different lengths the sli bridge may not be 100% connected however it seems like it is. Its hard to explain over this. Also for my EVGA im using 2 6+2 pin connectors since that is what I have but I'm running the card separate so it works fine. Also my SLI bridge only works with the EVGA card on top or else the bridge wont what looks like it connet

 

[FR0STBITE]

Yes my bad, right there in the photos I linked

each 6 pin supplies 75 watts ... 2 x 75 = 150
each 8 pin supplies 150 watts ... 1 x 150 = 150

So ... same thing as long as you install the right one is the right place... and the wrong ones in the left place

Okay, so I got both the cards working but something seems to be wrong with my bridge. https://gyazo.com/98daaad3fe2ca1da76e7aad5a041e05b

The bridge is plugged in

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Could the problem be that because my 2 cards are different lengths the sli bridge may not be 100% connected however it seems like it is. Its hard to explain over this. Also for my EVGA im using 2 6+2 pin connectors since that is what I have but I'm running the card separate so it works fine. Also my SLI bridge only works with the EVGA card on top or else the bridge wont what looks like it connet

The length of the card shouldn't matter... only the distance from slot to bridge.

As long as each acrd's cables combined in total add up to 150 "you are green" (obscure 5th Element reference)

 

[FR0STBITE]

Could the problem be that because my 2 cards are different lengths the sli bridge may not be 100% connected however it seems like it is. Its hard to explain over this. Also for my EVGA im using 2 6+2 pin connectors since that is what I have but I'm running the card separate so it works fine. Also my SLI bridge only works with the EVGA card on top or else the bridge wont what looks like it connet

The length of the card shouldn't matter... only the distance from slot to bridge.

As long as each acrd's cables combined in total add up to 150 "you are green" (obscure 5th Element reference)

Why is it saying the bridge isnt connected then?