SLI using Different brands of the same card

[Djibutul]

Hi all,

I'm currently using an MSI 6600GT vid card and I'm thinking of adding another card onto my SLI board. Can I use any 6600GT or do I need to stick with the MSI version?

I ask b/c I have store credit at a place that doesn't carry the same model I have :-/

Thanks!

 

[Formerly Radeon Guy]

As Stated By NVidia it had to be same make and model so you have to buy another MSI

 

[Djibutul]

Yeah...I just found that on their website :-/

Does anyone have any experience trying this? The other would be an XFX.

 

[Twigstir]

A few cycles from now, people might be able to do that. That's the day I'm looking forward to. Adding any video card you wish, instead of replacing. Big win for everyone if and when it happens.

 

[nRollo]

Originally posted by: Formerly Radeon Guy
As Stated By NVidia it had to be same make and model so you have to buy another MSI

Hmmm, not that I know enough to question nVidia, but I wonder why?

You'd think if they were both just straight reference design you could do something like flash the bios of one to the others brand and run that brand's drivers.

Oh well

 

[Djibutul]

That was pretty much their reply from their support desk.

"They have to be the same brand as they require the same video BIOS."

Which makes me wonder if you're right. Hmmm....

 

[JMag]

well you could always copy the BIOS of your one brand card and flash the other with it... That would work.

 

[Djibutul]

I've never really messed with vid card BIOS. If it were incompatible would it be difficult to flash back to the original BIOS?

Do most of these companies just use standard reference boards?