In basic terms, SLI uses a "bridge" to link two graphics cards together. This allows both graphics cards to effectively "share" the processing of data and provide increased performance.

THX but i ment how do you hook the two graphics cards to one moniter?

Well, since the two graphics cards are essentially "linked", you should be able to connect a monitor via a cable from one of the cards. Of course, the last time I had my hands on an SLI card was back in the days of the Voodoo2...

Only one hookup is supported when you setup your dual GeForce video cards in SLI mode. If you do not activate SLI, with dual GeForce cards installed, you can support up to 4 monitors. But once SLI mode is activated, only one monitor hooked up to one of the two cards is supported.

Indy, since you're so knowledgeable, would it be possible to run a multiple monitor setup with just two different cards (say a 7800GT and a 6200TC)?

If you are not running SLI, you don't need matched pairs. But you do have to worry about compatibility with your drivers.

Edited by - Indy11 on 1/2/2006 7:32:42 PM

Scaleable Link Interface, actually quite old technology, i used to run 2x Voodoo 2s in SLi mode way back when (98/99) Don't get too worked up over it though, history repeats itself, once someone gets the equivalent of the 2 units on one PCB, SLi will vanish away again until the next time applications outstrip the capabilities of a single gpu.

As Taw said.....

Dual proc video cards are already on the way to stores. Gigabyte and Asus have both come out with duals. Gigabyte with a 6800 dual as a first stab and Asus with a 7800 dual.

I mentioned the dual-processor cards in the other thread, and said that... Ah, forget it! *Walks off grumbling to self*

5i1, it's not actually a cable anymore like it was back in the Voodoo days, now there's a little PCB bridge that sits on top of the tow cards, the mobo' m'fer supplies it, that makes the Scaleable Link Interface between the two cards. it's a tiny little thing about 3 inches long with a small CNR type connector on each end that snaps onto a small pin-out on top of each card.

while it's a cumbersome approach and very power hungry, the performance is truly impressive. We played BF2 at full-resolution with all the AA/AF turned up full, full detail in the game video options top quality settings on the 7800GTX Nvidia controls, and it was as smooth as silk. The only person i know on these forums who actually has such a system for real is Dark_Shadow and his vapo-chilled FX-55 SLi monstrosity <fume> he's a big Doom fan so he *needed* it to get all the features out of Doom 3. My Borromir is no slouch but it can't hold a candle to DS' uber system...

are you thinking of buying such a setup? i hope you have very deep pockets, it ain't cheap.

Last time I saw D_S post up, he was looking at the FX 57. I assume, at this stage, he's lining up for the FX 60. *turns emerald green, keels over and dies metaphorically*