Can You Run Nvidia Dual Graphics Without SLI?

Conclusion

Overall, testing revealed little performance difference between the two motherboards. The newest SLI driver available for the GLI Epox board was version 81.98. 3DMark scores for both boards are virtually identical, while areas such as encoding and rendering for 3DSMax aren't affected by the GLI/SLI process and simply reflect the CPU performance in each test system. In the gaming benchmarks, the results are close, with the SLI system scoring higher in each discipline, the most prominent being an approximate 10% advantage seen in the 1280x1024 Quake IV Score.

We wouldn't consider buying a non-certified system for dedicated SLI use, but such a board is great for multi-display or low cost multi-monitor setups. It would be wise to check and see if the software you're using is covered under version 81.98 and go from there. GhostBIOS is a nice feature, especially for anyone who has inadvertently toasted a motherboard in their overclocking travels, and so is the unreachable and "separate" BIOS host.

From a pricing perspective, the GLI/SLI contenders clock in at $80 vs. $120+ for a fully-featured SLI motherboard. Hardcore gamers should carefully consider whether this slight difference is worth the potential hassle. The GLI solution tested well for its overclocking and multi-display capabilities, running a photo finish with SLI. Should the latest drivers support your software, the Epox may be suitable for those on a tight budget. But then again, there are more motherboards available that officially support SLI.

Related Articles:
GeForce 7950 GX2 - SLI on a Single Card
Get Quad SLI Before It Is Hatched

Join our discussion on this topic

  • Though this is an old article i felt completed to comment. Having to pay royalties on a motherboard is obsceen. The obvious choice of where to place an additional SLI or Crossfire tax is on the graphics card itself. In that way, you choose which way to go when you buy your graphics card and if that multigpu tax is gpu card based, you pay appropriately as you increace the number of gpus in your system. To place a multigpu tax on the motherboard itself and then screw you end consumers by artificially limiting it yo AMD or Intel or in some other non competative way via is just a scam foisted on us all. SLI and Crossfire motherboard certification is just a marketing scam. Set up the SLI and Crossfire specs in an open way (as part of PCIe spec) and be done with it. If manufacturers stuff up their implementation, well they will loose business and this is how it should be.

    As is, both crossfire and SLI motherboard certification is a money grab.
    Reply