As others have reported - when running gtx 480's in SLI after shutting down the computer and starting it back up you find that your drivers have stopped working and you are in low resolution.

First - I installed the 2nd card yesterday evening and everything ran just fine. I ran benchmarks, played games... all was well. I shutdown the computer for the night - this morning, drivers aren't working. Again, much like others have reported. The common theme seems to be either a reboot or shutdown an upon startup - wham! issues.

I researched other threads, all of which weren't terribly helpful. So I began my own testing based on what others have done.

I ran drivers 197.41 and 197.55 - both worked. I ran driver sweeper before each test.

197.41 = worked fine.
197.55 = worked fine.

Now during these two tests, SLI was not recognized in the Nvidia Control Panel. Now lets try to install the SLI enhancement patch.

197.41 + SLI patch = hard boot - drivers stop working
197.55 + SLI patch = hard boot - drivers stop working

Now, different bridges - including 3 way and two 2-ways had no effect.

Changing the slots had no effect.

I'm starting to think the SLI patch may be to blame OR the new drivers and incompatibility with the SLI patch. Of course, that is what makes windows recognize a SLI setup and enable it to run.

Could we have a forum moderator comment on the stability of this patch with the new 400 series?

Note: My motherboard and all other components are free of problems. I have retested 260's in SLI and have had no problems. Everest Ultimate recognizes both cards and will display their stats. EVGA precision recognizes both cards but "I" shows 1 gpu only - not 2 in SLI. Windows 7 64 bit nvidia control panel does not offer SLI option.

Lets solve this one people - its very uncool.

*** Here is something interesting which makes me suspect the SLI patch even more.

Read the FAQ:http://www.evga.com/articles/00463/

What drivers do I need to install to use this enhancement?
Although it is possible that this enhancement may work with older drivers, it has not been tested, thus is only recommended to use with the above driver.

"Version 26 (03.03.10) - Based on NVIDIA 196.75 Driver"

Actually I have a similar problem. I have 2 GTX 480 installed and I can't seem to run them in SLI. I have not restarted my computer since I installed them which was yesterday, yeah it has been on for a little over 10 hours now. So should I just not shutdown or anything till this gets fixed? 

bump

i have had no issues with 3 470's, never used any of those sli enhancement patch's to date

doorules


i have had no issues with 3 470's, never used any of those sli enhancement patch's to date

I just got off the phone with a Tech... Yes, I'm starting to think installing that patch has caused the problems. The CD that comes with the card has the "Install the SLI Enhancement Patch" option and I thought - yes, I want that. So I installed it. Later (as you see I've edited my first post) I noticed in the FAQ that this Patch was meant for 196.75 drivers. This would mean it wasn't compatible with the 400 series drivers. Duh...

Funny thing was, even after installing 197.41 or .55 the radio button for SLI was not present in the Nvidia Control panel.

The tech suggested I wipe the drivers, install 1 card, install the drivers... install the 2nd card and see if the Nvidia Control panel recognizes it to enable SLI. OR - put windows 7 on a fresh hard drive and boot that to see if it corrects the problem.

Given the former is the easiest, I will start there.

I can say with high confidence the SLI patch is not the culprit.  All the SLI patch consists of is a batch file that changes certain game specific profiles in an XML file, Nvapps.xml.  Its pretty harmless in what it changes, worst case scenario it makes a single game run better/worst.

This is definitely a software issue with either your OS or the Nvidia drivers that may or may not stem from a hardware issue where SLI capable hardware isn't being detected.

Can you try:

• 1) disabling or removing one of the GTX 480's in device manager if both are there, then re-enabling it.
• 2) physically removing one card at a time, run a few benches to make sure work OK individually.
• 3) try resetting CMOS with only one card, boot, then shut down and install the other card.
• 4) Make sure everything is fully connected with good contact, the SLI bridge, in the PCIe socket and all power connectors.
• 5) Try different PCIe connectors, maybe one of the cards isn't getting enough power.
• 6) You said changing the bridge didn't help, maybe try the closer SLI fingers instead of the 2 in the back.

Is there an error code on either of the cards in device manager?  Code 48?  I had this problem once on my GTX 280s and SLI was flaky and constantly dropped out.  It turned out 1 of the cards was bad, testing individually usually identifies this, hopefully its not a hardware issue however and just an annoying software bug.

chizow


I can say with high confidence the SLI patch is not the culprit.  All the SLI patch consists of is a batch file that changes certain game specific profiles in an XML file, Nvapps.xml.  Its pretty harmless in what it changes, worst case scenario it makes a single game run better/worst.

This is definitely a software issue with either your OS or the Nvidia drivers that may or may not stem from a hardware issue where SLI capable hardware isn't being detected.

Can you try:

• 1) disabling or removing one of the GTX 480's in device manager if both are there, then re-enabling it.
• 2) physically removing one card at a time, run a few benches to make sure work OK individually.
• 3) try resetting CMOS with only one card, boot, then shut down and install the other card.
• 4) Make sure everything is fully connected with good contact, the SLI bridge, in the PCIe socket and all power connectors.
• 5) Try different PCIe connectors, maybe one of the cards isn't getting enough power.
• 6) You said changing the bridge didn't help, maybe try the closer SLI fingers instead of the 2 in the back.

Is there an error code on either of the cards in device manager?  Code 48?  I had this problem once on my GTX 280s and SLI was flaky and constantly dropped out.  It turned out 1 of the cards was bad, testing individually usually identifies this, hopefully its not a hardware issue however and just an annoying software bug.

The error code in the Device Manager was Code 43 for both cards.

I will try what you suggested. Thank you.

That SLI Enhancement patch was for the 197.17(.13) drivers..

The one that came with the CD. Only install the SLI patch with the designed patch it is for. This is probably exactly where your issue is at.

jdhoward


The error code in the Device Manager was Code 43 for both cards.

I will try what you suggested. Thank you.

Ya I would follow that lead, those Windows error codes can be a pain to nail down however, but Code 43 is:
 
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310123

Code 43
Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)


Recommended resolution

One of the drivers controlling the device notified the operating system that the device failed in some manner.

If you have already run the Troubleshooting Wizard, you might want to check the hardware documentation for more information about diagnosing the problem.

I would definitely try to run each card individually first, see if the error code persists or any other problems running them individually.  I'd also try some PCIe/rail management since your 850HX is technically under spec: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html  While Nvidia is generally conservative in their PSU ratings and requirements, real world testing has shown GTX 480 to be extremely demanding in terms of power requirements.   

chizow

jdhoward


The error code in the Device Manager was Code 43 for both cards.

I will try what you suggested. Thank you.

Ya I would follow that lead, those Windows error codes can be a pain to nail down however, but Code 43 is:
 
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310123

Code 43
Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)


Recommended resolution

One of the drivers controlling the device notified the operating system that the device failed in some manner.

If you have already run the Troubleshooting Wizard, you might want to check the hardware documentation for more information about diagnosing the problem.

I would definitely try to run each card individually first, see if the error code persists or any other problems running them individually.  I'd also try some PCIe/rail management since your 850HX is technically under spec: http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone_build_psu.html  While Nvidia is generally conservative in their PSU ratings and requirements, real world testing has shown GTX 480 to be extremely demanding in terms of power requirements.   

I was afraid you might mention the PSU. I know that it is "under spec" for this particular setup with regards to amp rating (mine is 70 on single rail) as opposed to say an HX1000w which is 80amps on several rails. I do not understand how that would cause the drivers to stop working. Given that the system runs fine after installing the drivers again... but you may be right.

I'll be back with a post on my progress...

chizow


I can say with high confidence the SLI patch is not the culprit.  All the SLI patch consists of is a batch file that changes certain game specific profiles in an XML file, Nvapps.xml.  Its pretty harmless in what it changes, worst case scenario it makes a single game run better/worst.

This is definitely a software issue with either your OS or the Nvidia drivers that may or may not stem from a hardware issue where SLI capable hardware isn't being detected.

Can you try:

• 1) disabling or removing one of the GTX 480's in device manager if both are there, then re-enabling it.
  • No effect. Problem persists upon hard boot or restart.
• 2) physically removing one card at a time, run a few benches to make sure work OK individually.
  • I have verified each card works.
• 3) try resetting CMOS with only one card, boot, then shut down and install the other card.
  • No effect.
• 4) Make sure everything is fully connected with good contact, the SLI bridge, in the PCIe socket and all power connectors.
  • Checked - all connections OK.
• 5) Try different PCIe connectors, maybe one of the cards isn't getting enough power.
  • All PCIe connectors working properly.
• 6) You said changing the bridge didn't help, maybe try the closer SLI fingers instead of the 2 in the back.
  • No effect.

I'm left wondering if the PSU is the problem. Others have reported using this HX850w corsair without issue. I know that its' amp rating is lower than the suggest 84amps for (42a/each) SLI.

Could the PSU not be able to generate the necessary power at initial boot to power the cards - thus causing them to temporarily fail?

I know what they say - when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

I'm thinking this to mean I need a new psu to run this setup? Thoughts?

Have you cleaned the driver out properly?

cableguy619


Have you cleaned the driver out properly?

I have used Driver sweeper - other than that, I know no other way to clean out the drivers.

I don't think the SLI enhancement patch has been updated for the GTX 400 series.

jdhoward

cableguy619


Have you cleaned the driver out properly?

I have used Driver sweeper - other than that, I know no other way to clean out the drivers.

 
Delete Driver in nomral boot screen
boot to Safe mode
Clean driver with driver sweeper in safe mode with filter removal found here: http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=71117
Reboot and install new driver

andytaro


Turn off integrated realtek network (both of them) in your bios setting. I had exactly same problem and use the same EVGA X58 3x Sli. This solved my problem.

My thread:http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.aspx?m=299706

Wait a minute here. Are you telling me I have to disable my LAN? If I turn off those in my bios I will not have internet.

According to the link - people are rolling back the drivers for the realtek LAN, not disabling them. Furthermore, according to tomshardware forum which is hyperlinked from your thread - people were getting BSOD on boot with IRQ messages - which would indicate a driver problem.

I'm not sure the two problems are necessarily related...could you expand on the problem you had and your fix a bit more?

chizow


That LAN driver problem is actually a pretty good lead, I remember reading about similar problems.  I believe it stemmed from an updated driver pushed down through Windows Update around December 09, rolling back solved the problem for many.  Worth a shot, you don't have to disable LAN just use the older official one from EVGA's support page.

Wow... I'm actually quite surprised. This managed to fix the problem.

My system is now running SLI from hard boot and after restart. Everything shows SLI is enabled.

I installed the network drivers from the support section of this website and rebooted. When I logged in, SLI was enabled and seems to be working fine now. I find it the strangest thing that a network driver should fix a problem related to a graphics card. I would have never guessed.

Thank you both for leading me in this direction and ultimately to chizow for suggesting the place to download the driver.

Excellent job and thank you all for your replies - most kind and all were helpful.


Give these two guys; andytaro & chizow a blue ribbon.

jdhoward

chizow


I can say with high confidence the SLI patch is not the culprit.  All the SLI patch consists of is a batch file that changes certain game specific profiles in an XML file, Nvapps.xml.  Its pretty harmless in what it changes, worst case scenario it makes a single game run better/worst.

This is definitely a software issue with either your OS or the Nvidia drivers that may or may not stem from a hardware issue where SLI capable hardware isn't being detected.

Can you try:

• 1) disabling or removing one of the GTX 480's in device manager if both are there, then re-enabling it.
• 2) physically removing one card at a time, run a few benches to make sure work OK individually.
• 3) try resetting CMOS with only one card, boot, then shut down and install the other card.
• 4) Make sure everything is fully connected with good contact, the SLI bridge, in the PCIe socket and all power connectors.
• 5) Try different PCIe connectors, maybe one of the cards isn't getting enough power.
• 6) You said changing the bridge didn't help, maybe try the closer SLI fingers instead of the 2 in the back.

Is there an error code on either of the cards in device manager?  Code 48?  I had this problem once on my GTX 280s and SLI was flaky and constantly dropped out.  It turned out 1 of the cards was bad, testing individually usually identifies this, hopefully its not a hardware issue however and just an annoying software bug.

The error code in the Device Manager was Code 43 for both cards.

I will try what you suggested. Thank you.

I had that error code in device manager on one of my GTX470SC cards and the tech told me to try and boot from that one card and got no video signal alone on that card. It is now in RMA because of that. Not sure you are having the same problem but one mine was DOA.

devilstestament


Actually I have a similar problem. I have 2 GTX 480 installed and I can't seem to run them in SLI. I have not restarted my computer since I installed them which was yesterday, yeah it has been on for a little over 10 hours now. So should I just not shutdown or anything till this gets fixed? 

Yes will will most likely need a restart or a fresh driver install.

I am not seeing any error codes on my device manager.  Should I try what this guy did as well? I am also not seeing SLI options.

chizow


That LAN driver problem is actually a pretty good lead, I remember reading about similar problems.  I believe it stemmed from an updated driver pushed down through Windows Update around December 09, rolling back solved the problem for many.  Worth a shot, you don't have to disable LAN just use the older official one from EVGA's support page.

 Can you post a link?

Glad it worked out for ya OP! 
 
But ya I remember seeing this in the GTX 200 series forums more than a few times and this was the fix.  I had some issues as well with those Windows Update Realtek drivers but it was a problem with my NIC dropping out and need to be disabled/reset every few days.  Unlikely fix but those drivers from Windows Update seem to be pretty problematic overall. 
 

devilstestament

chizow


That LAN driver problem is actually a pretty good lead, I remember reading about similar problems.  I believe it stemmed from an updated driver pushed down through Windows Update around December 09, rolling back solved the problem for many.  Worth a shot, you don't have to disable LAN just use the older official one from EVGA's support page.

Can you post a link?

http://www.evga.com/support/drivers/default.asp?switch=2
 
You can also try just rolling back the driver on your Realtek LAN in Device Manager.  It may be the same driver.  Let us know if this works for you also.

chizow


Glad it worked out for ya OP! 
 
But ya I remember seeing this in the GTX 200 series forums more than a few times and this was the fix.  I had some issues as well with those Windows Update Realtek drivers but it was a problem with my NIC dropping out and need to be disabled/reset every few days.  Unlikely fix but those drivers from Windows Update seem to be pretty problematic overall. 
 

devilstestament

chizow


That LAN driver problem is actually a pretty good lead, I remember reading about similar problems.  I believe it stemmed from an updated driver pushed down through Windows Update around December 09, rolling back solved the problem for many.  Worth a shot, you don't have to disable LAN just use the older official one from EVGA's support page.

Can you post a link?

http://www.evga.com/support/drivers/default.asp?switch=2
 
You can also try just rolling back the driver on your Realtek LAN in Device Manager.  It may be the same driver.  Let us know if this works for you also.

You are awesome man all I did was go into Device Manager Rolled back the Driver and now I can enable SLI. This man deserves a BR!

devilstestament

chizow


Glad it worked out for ya OP! 

But ya I remember seeing this in the GTX 200 series forums more than a few times and this was the fix.  I had some issues as well with those Windows Update Realtek drivers but it was a problem with my NIC dropping out and need to be disabled/reset every few days.  Unlikely fix but those drivers from Windows Update seem to be pretty problematic overall. 

devilstestament

chizow


That LAN driver problem is actually a pretty good lead, I remember reading about similar problems.  I believe it stemmed from an updated driver pushed down through Windows Update around December 09, rolling back solved the problem for many.  Worth a shot, you don't have to disable LAN just use the older official one from EVGA's support page.

Can you post a link?

http://www.evga.com/support/drivers/default.asp?switch=2

You can also try just rolling back the driver on your Realtek LAN in Device Manager.  It may be the same driver.  Let us know if this works for you also.

You are awesome man all I did was go into Device Manager Rolled back the Driver and now I can enable SLI. This man deserves a BR!

Yes, great fix. I already PM'd a moderator for the BR.

Thanks again! Everything works great now!

Rolling back the LAN driver worked!  I have been searching for an answer and have now found it :)

I have been having the same issue with my 470's in SLI and I can't wait to get home to try this option out. 

Awesome guys, glad its working out for ya, if this works for you I'd go ahead and put in a support ticket about this, as it seems EVGA/Nvidia/Microsoft/Realtek should be made aware of this.  It seems to only effect EVGA boards and their implementation with the Realtek network controller.  Would surely save users a lot of frustration and probably hours of support time and needless RMAs.

yup i had the same problem it was driving me crazy. rolling back the realtek driver worked and my sli 480 works like a charm.
 
thanks for all the help guys.