The card in more detail
Of course, we wanted to take apart the card in order to look at its internal components. It was something more complicated than with classic models given the design. We recommend you do not attempt this or else your card could be damaged. After all for 500€, it’s better to just leave it alone.
The 2 PCBs are relatively simple, an impression accentuated by the use of compact components. There are holes on the ends to facilitate air flow to the central fan. The main PCB contains the PCI Express connector and integrates a BR04 switch. This is actually an nForce 200 which handles the connection of the 2 GPUs to the same PCI Express 16x port which supports the 2.0 specification. This is contrary to the Radeon HD 3870 X2 which support is limited to PCI Express 1.1.
Two flexible connectors relay the two PCBs and have what it takes to conduct some of the power, the SLI connector and of course the PCI Express connection. These are fixed via an ultra flat connector and are removed very easily when taking the card apart/putting it back together. For this reason, we recommend you do not try this at home.
2 DVI connectors as well as an HDMI are found on the back. You will be required to use the ‘’number 1’’ DVI connector for your main screen or else the card will not boot.
The SPDIF and SLI connector, or rather the Quad SLI, is hidden under a small cover in order to refine the design when it is not in use. Red, green and blue diodes are located next to the ports and also the power connection. A green light means all is well while a red indicates a power supply problem. In this case, the faulty connector is also shown in red. The blue diode shows which DVI output to use in the case of Quad SLI.
Concerning the power connections, an 8 pin is required in addition to the 6 pin. Note that the card will not boot with two 6 pin connectors. Also, there is a small problem with some 8x connectors that will not fit into their intended port on the GeForce 9800 GX2. This is due to the clip which does not pass through the hole in the card’s casing.
After verification and contrary to Nvidia’s words (who readily denies any error by pointing to the next closest suspect), the PCI Express specification does not define the width of this clip. On its own initiative, Nvidia therefore assumed it would always be small. This isn’t the case, mainly when it involves 6+2 connectors that are 6 and 8 pin compatible as is the case with Corsair and Enermax, for example. The solution is mainly to push and gently bend the clip in order that it fits in the hole of the casing. If this doesn’t work, you will need an adaptor. It goes without saying that Nvidia should have foreseen a slightly larger opening.
