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Duel Graphics cards!

Tags:
  • Gtx
  • Graphics Cards
  • Motherboards
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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December 20, 2013 8:21:37 AM

Hi all,

I'm currently running a GTX 660 OC version, not the best graphics card but gets the job done. I have a MSI Z87-G43 motherboard with the slot for another graphics card.

Now I'm a noob when it comes to duel graphics cards! I am thinking if I buy another of the same model would it work and give me double the power correct?
I keep hearing SLI mentioned, what does this mean!?

Thanks,
Jake!

More about : duel graphics cards

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December 20, 2013 8:29:25 AM

SLI is the phrase for nvidia cards paired together. It will give you "double" the power but not ram. if you have 2 2gig cards you will still only have 2 effective gigs of memory on the cards. Make sure your power supply can handle 2 of them. I'd say at least 650w but thats just my opinion. Another limitation would be pci slots but your motherboard has 2 pcix16's so you're good.
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December 20, 2013 8:32:42 AM

Running multiple nvidia video cards is called SLI. Radeon's multiple video cards is called Crossfire. In the past adding a second video card did not equate to double the performance (they didn't scale well). However, newer games and improvements in hardware have helped and adding a second video card still won't double performance but it's not that far from it.

Unfortunately your motherboard does not support SLI so there is nothing you can do short of replacing your MB or just buying a better video card. Good luck.

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December 20, 2013 8:33:09 AM

kgrevemberg said:
SLI is the phrase for nvidia cards paired together. It will give you "double" the power but not ram. if you have 2 2gig cards you will still only have 2 effective gigs of memory on the cards. Make sure your power supply can handle 2 of them. I'd say at least 650w but thats just my opinion. Another limitation would be pci slots but your motherboard has 2 pcix16's so you're good.


Thanks a lot for the help! :)  I have just noticed that that type of GTX 660 requires a LOT of power having 2 of them would mean me getting a new PSU...Think I'll just save up and buy a new graphics card!
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December 20, 2013 8:34:18 AM

Jaime3d said:
Running multiple nvidia video cards is called SLI. Radeon's multiple video cards is called Crossfire. In the past adding a second video card did not equate to double the performance (they didn't scale well). However, newer games and improvements in hardware have helped and adding a second video card still won't double performance but it's not that far from it.

Unfortunately your motherboard does not support SLI so there is nothing you can do short of replacing your MB or just buying a better video card. Good luck.



Okey! thanks for the reply! :) 
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December 20, 2013 8:40:24 AM

Jaime3d said:
kgrevemberg is wrong. Simply having 2 PCIE 16X slots does not mean SLI is supported, your motherboard has to support it and yours does not. Go look at specs on that motherboard for yourself: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


Thanks buddy! Will have to go with the Radeon side of things :p 
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December 20, 2013 8:46:16 AM

Jaime3d said:
kgrevemberg is wrong. Simply having 2 PCIE 16X slots does not mean SLI is supported, your motherboard has to support it and yours does not. Go look at specs on that motherboard for yourself: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


You are right. SLI is not supported on this one. my bad. I was not stating however that just because he has the slots that it is supported. You missread my slightly missleading post. I should have clarified. IF sli is supported then it is cool that you have 2 pcix16 slots however that was another mistep on my part since he only has 1 according to newegg. I had originally looked at the board on msi's page http://us.msi.com/product/mb/Z87-G43.html where I misread the ammout of slots.
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