Does anyone utilize SLI with their graphics cards?

[Fletcher]

Since I posted about my graphics card's lovely ability to heat up in my system, I've been googling cooling solutions and whatnot. Then I came up against a 2 and 3-way SLI method.

As far as I know, SLI or Scalable Link Interface (wiki link) is basically where two or three graphics cards work towards helping the main graphics cards. Think of it in the same way as a CPU with dual or quad cores, the more the merrier. In theory.

So, does anyone utilize SLI or similar configurations in their rigs? I'm strongly considering a 2-way SLI with two GeForce GTX 470's for smoother performance, prepared for big games and I hope though not anticipating lower temperatures.

---

"Oh chuffing blimey, another day, another person being whiney!"
Fletcher's Feedback and Stories Thread

[finsch]

Once I ran two GTX8800 on SLI - cannot recommend it at all.
Way too power consuming and in the end too expensive - power consumption and the according bill...

As for the GTX460: Watch tomshardware.com and the prices on some internet price platforms for your regions.;)

[AceJoker]

The micro stuttering issue in SLI is horrible and (so far) unfixable. In case you don't know what i mean:
this link might safe you some money.

I never used and never will use SLI/Crossfire. The only thing i can raise with this is my electricity bill.
If you ask me. It's NOT worth the effort.

---

How to speak like a Rheinland native

[Korny]

Not worth the money imo. If you're a rich kid, go for it, if you gotta' watch at your budget, don't.

---

[Fletcher]

Hmm that article is certainly food for thought, though it was published on 5/6/2009, either that's May or June in '09 but its still a long ways back tech wise. Maybe there were driver updates to compensate, but thats an assumption on my part.

---

"Oh chuffing blimey, another day, another person being whiney!"
Fletcher's Feedback and Stories Thread

[ivr56]

If you plan ahead when building a system. Thinking of possible future upgrades. Crossfire/SLI is a very viable budget option. Especially if you want a performance upgrade on the cheap side. Prices drop constantly on cards.

Just the problem with how games scale SLI/Crossfire. Some games have shotty support some have great support.

---

[Daedric]

I ran two XFX Nvidia 7950GTs in SLI from Jan '07 up until about two months ago when one of them died. Were they power hogs? Of course, its two devices as opposed to one. Did I see a performance gain? I'll tell you now that I miss having that second card, so yes there was a performance gain.

Is it more expensive? Again, its two devices instead of one so yes it is more expensive but that is logical. If you have the scratch it is worth it in my opinion. Of course you have to consider SLI/Crossfire is for a gaming rig, it will be hot and it will be loud.

---

Helpful Discovery Guides

Get Help Here! | Player Base Guide | Mining Guide | Trading Guide

Reputation Guide | Zoner Rep Guide

OSI Information | Join OSI! | Nichols Trade Center
OSI Bounty Board | OSI Feedback

[Fletcher]

Aye, there is logic against it, one way I'm seeing pros is likely less logical load on the GPU's and if one breaks down, I got a good backup already on the rig.

Though looking at things long term, I'll break out my grandad's welding gear, cut out a piece of my case and slot in a big fan. Not 'elitist' or what not, but as long as my core is cooler, I don't give a flying buttock.

---

"Oh chuffing blimey, another day, another person being whiney!"
Fletcher's Feedback and Stories Thread

[Tathrim]

Aye, there is logic against it, one way I'm seeing pros is likely less logical load on the GPU's and if one breaks down, I got a good backup already on the rig.

Though looking at things long term, I'll break out my grandad's welding gear, cut out a piece of my case and slot in a big fan. Not 'elitist' or what not, but as long as my core is cooler, I don't give a flying buttock.

Is your case REALLY that small? What temps you getting on your card/CPU?


I'm getting 30 degrees in a mid tower at idle, which barely rises above 40 degrees when on load, and that's on air. All you need to do is mount the cooler such that it spins to one of the existing exit fans and away from your other fans (GFX, PSU, etc) out of the case. You need to think VERY carefully before doing what you say you're going to do, once you've done it, going back can be worse still.

As for the original question, I don't run SLI, and won't consider it until I have some more money that isn't going to new kayaking gear/car insurance/savings for getting through University.

In an ideal world, I'd just get a 580, but budget wise, it's cheaper to get two aftermarket 560 Ti's instead, so I'll be complementing my original investment soon-ish.

---

You will never go in to space.
FACT: Space does not exist.
Spheres that insist on going into space are inferior to ones that don't.