Going to SLI what are the pros/cons

[AMDCrazy]

I am going to get a SLI mobo in a trade and wondering what are the advantages of SLI other that being able to use 2 Pci-e video cards together. LMK, thanks

 

[Hacp]

Only cons are More heat, sometimes no performance gain, and alot more cash.

 

[imported_Kensai]

+ Performance
+ Bigger e-penis
+ Bragging rights

- Cost
- Upgradability
- Heat
- Power consumption

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Pros - In games that are SLI enable you will see a significant performance increase, especially at higher resolutions

Cons - more power, heat, and noise. Both cards have to be identical down to the bios revision.

 

[danklumpp]

Personally, I don't think it is necessary, because by the time you want to upgrade to 2 video cards, there will be another new card out twice as powerful as two in SLI. (*cough, cough* 7800 GTX > 2x 6800GTs) However, go ahead and get the SLI, it is a great piece of engineering, and has many features to offer.

 

[AMDCrazy]

How big of a power supply will I need to run SLI. I only have one video card now but thinking of another. My power supply has 20A on the +12v rail is that enough or is upgrade needed. Thanks

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: AMDCrazy
How big of a power supply will I need to run SLI. I only have one video card now but thinking of another. My power supply has 20A on the +12v rail is that enough or is upgrade needed. Thanks

You should upgrade..

Maybe something like
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103931

 

[Aquila76]

Originally posted by: AMDCrazy
How big of a power supply will I need to run SLI. I only have one video card now but thinking of another. My power supply has 20A on the +12v rail is that enough or is upgrade needed. Thanks

I think the base you would want on a 12V lead for SLI is 30+. Mine has dual 18A rails for a total of 36 available.

 

[AMDCrazy]

can you have a power supply with just one +12v rail and still be ok for SLI?

 

[walkure]

Originally posted by: AMDCrazy
can you have a power supply with just one +12v rail and still be ok for SLI?

Yes as long as it's around 30A on the +12V rail.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: AMDCrazy
can you have a power supply with just one +12v rail and still be ok for SLI?

Yes you can. 32A+ @ 12V is highly recommended though.

 

[KoolDrew]

SLI is a complete waste of money. I wouldn't even take SLI into consideration unless you plan on running dual 7800GTX's or something.

 

[AMDCrazy]

Cool thanks guys!!!

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
SLI is a complete waste of money. I wouldn't even take SLI into consideration unless you plan on running dual 7800GTX's or something.

I'm running dual 7800GTX.. But not SLI.

 

[walkure]

Originally posted by: Kensai

Originally posted by: KoolDrew
SLI is a complete waste of money. I wouldn't even take SLI into consideration unless you plan on running dual 7800GTX's or something.

I'm running dual 7800GTX.. But not SLI.

Uh... 2 computers then?

 

[JEDIYoda]

I would go with the world famous OKIA 500watt PSU with quad 12v rails!!
Mine has quad 18v rails for a whooping combined 72 amps!!!

Good Luck!!

 

[angryswede]

SLI = sh*tty large investment

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: angryswede
SLI = sh*tty large investment

:thumbsup:

Haha, i like that

 

[deadseasquirrel]

Originally posted by: danklumpp
Personally, I don't think it is necessary, because by the time you want to upgrade to 2 video cards, there will be another new card out twice as powerful as two in SLI. (*cough, cough* 7800 GTX > 2x 6800GTs)

Twice as powerful?

According to Anandtech's article, the results at 16x12 with 4xAA are as follows:

Game.......6800U SLI.........GTX
BF2...............53.3..............53.4
Doom3..........75.4..............54.2
HL2..............118.4..............119
SC:CT..........53.7...............56.5
KOTOR2.......47.4................52
UT2k4..........75.3................73.9

If you have a monitor capable of 2048x1536, the GTX then pulls ahead.