GPU SLI Help

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GeneralPants

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I'm going to be getting two gtx 780s for my upcoming build (first build). I'm just a little confised, why do GPUs have HDMI ports? Would we need to connect those to the monitor? Because I thought that the motherboard's port was where we had to connect it. In addition, if I'm getting two gpus, would I need to connect to one or both? Sorry, this is my first build.
 
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Damn_Rookie
Well, as you're planning on SLI, and getting two of those, make sure you have sufficient ventilation in the case. The ACX cooler is very nice, but keep in mind it's an axial cooler, and thus dumps most of it's heat back into the case, as opposed to a radial (blower) cooler, like on the reference model, that exhausts it out the back of the case. As long as you have sufficient air flow you should be fine.

Oh, and make sure, if at all possible, that the motherboard you're planning to use has at least one spare expansion slot in between where you'll slot in the two 780s. That'll help a lot with keeping them cool (the top card in particular)
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Damn_Rookie

Damn_Rookie

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You only connect to the motherboard's port if you're planning to use the integrated graphics in the CPU. If you have a graphics card (or 2) you plug into their ports, as the ports on the motherboard will be disabled. As for HDMI, it's just one of the possible ways to connect to a monitor/TV (along with DVI, and display port).

If you're just using one monitor you only need to connect to one of the two graphics card. The graphics cards themselves will be connected together by an SLI bridge.
 
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i7Baby

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You need to do a bit of research.

The GPU's fit to the motherboard in the motherboards pcie slots. This is how it communicates with the CPU. The GPU's also need their own poer connections from the power supply. The GPUs also have their own connectors to go to monitors. various connectors for various monitors. Most time you will use the DVI-I connector on the GPU to connect to your monitor. But if you have multiple monitors you can use some of the other connectors too.
The graphics ports on the motherboard are for use where you have a CPU with integrated graphics.
 
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Damn_Rookie

Damn_Rookie

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They all make good cards. MSI do too.

I went with EVGA on my first build mainly because of all the good things I heard about their customer service. Yes, it was always extremely unlikely I'd run into trouble with my card (it's been perfect!), but it was my first build, I wasn't as confident in my abilities, and a bit of piece of mind sounded like just the thing.

If I was buying another card today, I wouldn't feel compelled to get another EVGA or anything. Don't get me wrong, the card has been phenomenal, but I'd still want to read up some reviews of what's out there, and compare prices.

To sum it up, they all make good cards. Just keep in mind that you may want to look beyond simple things like 'highest factory overclock' and the like, and take a moment to consider things like customer service, returns policy, warranty, etc.
 
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i7Baby

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Asus are usually a bit more expensive. But they stay cool and quiet. EVGA are now doing good ACX coolers. And Gigabyte's 3x windforce is great. Same with MSI twin frozr. Look at reviews and comparisons eg http://wccftech.com/nvidia-geforce-gtx-780-custom-models-roundup/
 
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GeneralPants

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Yeah, the card I'm getting is the EVGA GTX 780 ACX Cooling, not the standard reference ones.
 
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Damn_Rookie

Damn_Rookie

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Well, as you're planning on SLI, and getting two of those, make sure you have sufficient ventilation in the case. The ACX cooler is very nice, but keep in mind it's an axial cooler, and thus dumps most of it's heat back into the case, as opposed to a radial (blower) cooler, like on the reference model, that exhausts it out the back of the case. As long as you have sufficient air flow you should be fine.

Oh, and make sure, if at all possible, that the motherboard you're planning to use has at least one spare expansion slot in between where you'll slot in the two 780s. That'll help a lot with keeping them cool (the top card in particular)
 
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