need SLI help

MB: Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe: BIOS v1016
WinXP Pro SP2
2 x PCIX Video Cards: Biostar V7302GT26 (Geforce 7300GT 256mb)
NVidia drivers version 93.71 (I think...... I know it's 93.7x)
The problem is that Windows and the NVidia drivers don't see the second PCIX card. They're connected with the card bridge, BIOS is set for dual cards, there's an on-board 'jumper' that's also set for dual cards. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the video drivers. There's a unknown in the device manager: 'Unknown PCI Bridge Device' or something very close to that. The bit of research I've done tells me that MANY other people are having SLI trouble with this Asus model motherboard. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanx!

hopperdave2000

 

try getting the latest motherboard drivers off of the Asus website

 

You must have the same exact cards when using SLI. That could be your trouble right there if I read your specs correctly. Check this website for details on SLI. www.slizone.com.

Here is a quote from the site (and, by the way, this is the OFFICIAL Nvidia SLI site). "Can I mix and match graphics cards?
In order to provide optimal symmetric scaling, SLI technology requires the NVIDIA GPUs to match. For example, a GeForce 7800 GTX must be paired with another GeForce 7800 GTX. Likewise, a GeForce 6600 GT must be paired with another GeForce 6600 GT. However, using the latest Release 80 or later graphics drivers, NVIDIA GPUs sold by different manufacturers can be used together in an SLI configuration. For example, a GeForce 7800 GT from vendor ABC can be matched with a GeForce 7800 GT from vendor XYZ."

 

The specs read: Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe mobo w/ BIOS v1016 and 2 PCIX Biostar V7302GT26 video cards w/ NVidia 7300GT GPU's. Both cards are identical and brand new, purchased at the same time.... Like I posted above, it seems that other people have had SLI probs w/ this same motherboard. I'm doing more research and will post anything else I find out. In the meantime: does anyone have any other suggestions as to how to get the system to see the 2nd PCIX video card???? Any help is appreciated!

hopperdave2000

 

Weird... I have the same mobo at home, and I thought SLI setup was a snap.

There is a power connector that must go to the motherboard near the cards. Have you made sure to connect power everywhere as indicated in the mobo manual for a SLI setup?

 

Sorry, didn't see the 2X.

 

Yeah, I have the 4 pin molex connected to the mobo right next to 1st PCIX slot... Hey Mada- what version is your BIOS? And what the **** is the SLI Broadcast Aperture setting in the BIOS? Should I Disable or go Auto or what? There's no mention of this Aperture setting in any of the literature for this mobo; neither online or in the manual that shipped with it. The manual also has numerous discrepencies from what is actually in the BIOS vs. what is shown in the manual. I checked out the updated manual from asus.com and it was no help at all. I'm gonna try switching the cards around: put card 'A' into slot 'B' and card 'B' into slot 'A' and see what happens there. Maybe I'll fire it up w/ one card, then power down, add the 2nd card, fire it up again and see if that makes any difference.... in the meantime... any other suggestions???? ANYBODY????? :banghead This is driving me freeeekin' NUTS!
Thanx for your help guys.... I'll post again if I have anything new to report.

hopperdave2000

 

Have you tried ASUS or Biostar support? It couldn't hurt to see what they say, if you already haven't. Just out of curiosity, what is your PSU? This does not appear to be a PSU issue, but have you confirmed that yours is good enough on the 12V rails? Is it "SLI approved," by chance? I have read on New Egg when looking at certain PSU's that people have been having all kinds of weird issues that you wouldn't think related to a PSU when using PSU's they find out later are insufficient. SLI has strict requirements. Just a thought.

 

Biostar support was worthless. I spent a couple hours at the Asus support site and in the forums and found out nothing. The PSU is only 375w with 16A on the +12v rail. I'm trying a 500w PSU this afternoon and we'll see what happens. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but, in the device manger, I have a question mark next to 'Other PCI Bridge Device'. I'm pretty sure this has something to do with my problem.... if anyone knows what this bridge device is and how I load a driver for it, please enlighten me!!! I'm gonna spend some more time at Asus today while I wait for UPS to bring the PSU.....

hopperdave2000

BTW- if anyone has any suggestions or any advice no matter how trivial, please post!!!!!!!!
THANX!

 

Hey Dave, not to beat a dead horse here, but your first PSU is terribly insufficient for SLI. Here is a link to SLI ready PSU's. http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html#certified_powersupplies

Even if you don't go with one on the list, for SLI I believe you need a minimum of 450 W and 30A on the 12V rails (don't quote me, but requirements are high). I'm going to ask a few buddies of mine if they have any ideas that can help with your issue.

 

UPDATE!!! Hey thanks everybody for your help and suggestions, but I fixed the problem!!!!!!!! Here's what I did: Removed all display adapters and their drivers. Powered down the PC and removed 1 PCIX video card. Powered up and set BIOS and mobo jumper for one card only. Booted into WinXP. Clicked cancel on the New Hardware Wizard. Powered the PC down. Installed 2nd PCIX card, card bridge, and mobo dual card jumper. Turned on PC and set BIOS for dual cards. Booted into WinXP and again cancel New Hardware Wizard. Launched NVidia's Forceware 93.71 drivers. Rebooted. ALL IS WELL!!!
I thought I had gone thru this procedure before but I may have missed a step. Device manager shows 2 display adapters (as it should) and NVidia control panel has FINALLY allowed me to enable SLI.... I realize the PSU is way too weak and I'll still install the new 500w that's coming on the UPS truck today. It's got 32A on the +12v so it should be OK. The SLI is working with this puny 375w, but I'm not gonna try to push any limits until the new PSU is here. THANX AGAIN EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!

hopperdave2000

 

Nice job man, the PSU you got coming should do nicely.