Larger Motherboards Than Full Size ATX?

trundley

Honorable
Jun 4, 2012
52
0
10,630
Hi, i got a custom build PC from Dinopc a year back and got a gtx670 (PNY) and it had its stock cooler. When I went to overclock said card, i noticed it was already running at around 60-70 degrees! For this I bought an aftermarket cooler which keeps it around 50 and only below 60 on warmer days. Fantastic. Now I want a second GTX 670 to run in SLI, but I bought a Mini ATX Motherboard, like a derp. I looked at my brothers Mobo, a full size ATX with space/slots for 2 GPU and it leaves around less than 30 millimeters of clearance.

My four questions are;

1. Is getting a new mobo (full size ATX) and leaving less than 30mm good enough?

2. Would be a better idea to reinstall the stock cooler/case of the GPU (still have it somewhere) and then go get my second card?

3. Are there any particular Z77 (intel i5 3570k CPU) motherboards that have extra room for GPUs?

4. When selecting the cards to do SLI do they need to be the exact same card. Same manufacturer/brand (PNY) and do they have to have the exact same clocks during overclocking? (though I doubt I will OC them with 2 running).

Cheers.
 

Zac1031

Honorable
Jan 7, 2014
3
0
10,510


 

Zac1031

Honorable
Jan 7, 2014
3
0
10,510
Hello. As far as the space you don't need mush just enuff so it's not being hard on the fans for the card in the back. As far as the same model yes it has to be the same model both have to be GTX 670. Now the name brand not as much though it is better if you do so that ot has the same specs. Some companys oc it a bit but that is ok if you can find a cheaper 670 then just oc it your self or under clock the other. The mobo has to say it has sli on it. If you get a mobo that don't and still has 2 pci-e's on it wont work. It has to say "SLI". Just go after a duel sli bored so you don't pay for more then you have too. And the cooler you have is ok the 2 cards will act as one so the strain will be easyer on both. If you want to keep that after market just use that card for your main and the other as a back up for the sli build. Also keep the better heat sink in front not the back. I say that cuz if you have the cards close then it is better to keep the cooler card in front so the other is not pulling in as hot of air. The fans on the back card will speed up if needed so no worrys. Best of luck - Zac1031
P.S. If you already found out what you need I am sorry I didn't find this tell now.