dual VGA question

[honsbeekgmail]

I see that newer mobo's now how 2 PCI express VGA slots.
Can you please explain how this is used. As suppose to single slot VGA boards.

Thanks so much

Ralph

 

[mdd1963]

The PCI-e x16 interface, normally used for a single video card, can be split into two slots of x8 bandwidth (x16 for both in several newer mbs), and when so utilized, two video cards used to render the 3d image in synced semi-unison with each other, with choices of Alternate Frame Rendering and Split Frame Rendering...; Nvidias method is thru SLI (Scalable Link Interface) , while ATI based chipsets use a 'similar' Crossfire method. (The newest Intel chipsets support Crossfire as well)

Note: MB BIOS and mb design/wiring must support SLI, simply having two physical PCI-e slots does not make a MB SLI capable...

(Several MBs also have PCI-e x4, x2, and some x1 slots as well...)

3d Performance as measured by framerates (frames/sec) can be boosted when using two cards in tandem by 80-95% in some gaming applications.

 

[honsbeekgmail]

who would want to use it , and buy it ?