Running 2 Nvidia 9600 GT Cards in SLI

[Harabec Weathers]

Ok so after my 8800GTX died and Nvidia refused to warranty it (EVIL!)

 

I was forced to use my two spare cards, Nvidia 9600 Gts and run them in SLI.

 

Now they are no where nearly as fast as that 8800 GTX was, but they get the job done so Im satisfied.

 

However, running them both in SLI Im getting these totally random system freezes where everything locks up. No mouse, no keyboard response. Nothing, only option is taping the reset button. When I turn off SLI everything runs fine.

Im running the 2 9600 GT cards

750 watt power supply

AMD 6400 BLACK (3.22 ghz dual core, 6.44 total)

4 gig DDR2 RAM (cannot remeber what its callled)

ASUS M2N-E Motherboard (I think thats hows it is)

 

Someone suggested that maybe my power supply isnt big enough to support both cards. Which is possibly correct because I only get the lock ups when playing a game of running a video benchmark.

 

Any thoughts?

[Thor.]

Have you checked your temps yet, maybe they are over heating.

[nosisab]

Ok so after my 8800GTX died and Nvidia refused to warranty it (EVIL!)

 

I was forced to use my two spare cards, Nvidia 9600 Gts and run them in SLI.

 

Now they are no where nearly as fast as that 8800 GTX was, but they get the job done so Im satisfied.

 

However, running them both in SLI Im getting these totally random system freezes where everything locks up. No mouse, no keyboard response. Nothing, only option is taping the reset button. When I turn off SLI everything runs fine.

Im running the 2 9600 GT cards

750 watt power supply

AMD 6400 BLACK (3.22 ghz dual core, 6.44 total)

4 gig DDR2 RAM (cannot remeber what its callled)

ASUS M2N-E Motherboard (I think thats hows it is)

 

Someone suggested that maybe my power supply isnt big enough to support both cards. Which is possibly correct because I only get the lock ups when playing a game of running a video benchmark.

 

Any thoughts?

That PSU should be enough (750W) but sadly the manufacturers have adopted that audio resource to boast increased potency capacity and got away from RMS. If your PSU realy can supply that power in a continuous fashion it would not be the issue, but if is a 'plagued' PSU you have your culprit.

 

Indeed the issue occurring only under heavy load seems to point to it.

[Thor.]

I mentioned that to him in another post, i had the same problem once, but it could be many problems in between like overheating aswell.

 

http://thenexusforums.com/index.php?showto...10&start=10

[Harabec Weathers]

I dont think its overheating, when its happened Ive put ym hand to the side of the case it doesnt feel like its burning of anything.

[Fifoo]

I dont think its overheating, when its happened Ive put ym hand to the side of the case it doesnt feel like its burning of anything.

Have you opened your case?... beware that 9600 GT graphic cards are inclined to get overheated due to their small fan. If you haven't an adequate airflow in heavy load, overheating can become a major problem in small enclosures or cases with poor ventilation. If only one of your two sli cards go up to 103 °C, your system will go in secure mode or will crash... To have a 80mm fan blowing fresh airflow on the side of your PC case would be your solution.

 

Here the link where you can found articles about your graphic card and sli mode: Tom's Hardware

 

Try to reinstall your nVidia drivers... but take care about the proceeding:

1. download the newest nVidia drivers package

2. deactivate your internet connection

3. uninstall ALL of the nVidia drivers in safe load mode, it's important for having a clean install

4. reinstall the newest ones manually in safe load mode, starting by your chipset drivers, then ethernet, and graphics in the finish.

5. reactivate your internet connexion, so it's all :happy:

 

Try to have a look on your 9600 GT firmware versions and bios if they are the same... prehaps it could help you.

 

The best is to have an "sli certified" PSU, as graphics cards in sli mode are in need of energy, a power of 800W could be the minimum for that it depends on your graphic cards models and how many peripherals you have in your setup (HDD, DVD, etc). But have you tested your 750W PSU? Is your PSU remaining stable enough intake?

 

Whatelse... If someone have an other idea...

[TheTerminator2004]

750 watts should be plenty for a modern PC, even with two graphics cards. I doubt thats the problem.

 

Even so, if you're unsure, try working it out with a power supply calculator, like this one, and see what you get.

[Harabec Weathers]

Hmm to be honest I was really only interested in looking into the freezing out of sheer curiosity. Once I start getting my military pay Ill be able to get a card more powerful than my old 8800 GTX (what a hoss card that was)

 

The last 3D Mark test I had was 3D Mark 2003 (way old version)

But my old set-up scored over 48000 points lol.

Just with that one 8800 GTX lol.

 

Oh well I guess.

 

Thanks for the suggestions thoug everyone, Ill tinker around with it and see if I cant come up with any results.