How to set up my sli and are my hardware components compatible?

[freddy136]

Hey guys, I am currently running a gaming desktop that I built which has an Asus P6T SE motherboard and I currently have a Sparkle NVIDIA GeForce GTX285 graphics card and I want to know if I would be able to add another graphics card and what specs it would need. Do I need to change any bios or download any software or anything to create an SLI connection or do I simply plug in the second graphics card and reboot my computer? Also, do you know how to add a second hard drive? Or is it a simple plug and play procedure? Oh and also, I have an Antec 1200 case and I haven't been able to get the two front usb's to function, is there something that I need to plug in to make them work or is it possibly faulty hardware?

Thanks for your help I appreciate it!

Drew.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forums!

The process is very simple, but I recommend that you do some Homework ahead of time, and verify in particular your PSU. I know both the ASUS P6T SE & GTX 285 are good for SLI.

Q&A - Yes, you simply add the second GPU + Bridge. I would recommend updating to the latest nVidia Drivers - http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

Q&A - Yes, you simply connect another HDD, and I would recommend a FULL Format before adding any Data. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Create-and-format-a-hard-disk-partition

Q&A - {Front USB} 1. Verify that the USB are properly connected to the MOBO headers {see Manual}. 2. In the BIOS Load Defaults. 3. Verify that the USB is {Enabled} in the BIOS.

SLI Set-up Guides & Info:
Before - http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_ecosystem.html
Set up - http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_howtobuild_1.html

Good Luck!

 

[freddy136]

Best answer selected by freddy136.