? on SLI motherboards

Luk07 · 12-03-2005, 11:53 AM

If i was to buy an SLI motherboard would i be able to use a single PCI Express graphics card in it until i am able to afford 2 of them?

The reason i ask is because next year i should be getting a Geforce 8 (does anyone have an exact release date or any other info?) PCI-E of course also i will be getting various other upgrades, e.g. new motherboard and processor maybe some more RAM etc. So, could someone help me out please?

Tumbleweed36 · 12-03-2005, 12:22 PM

Hi,

You sure can in fact you are getting this message from an A8N-sli deluxe with a single graphics pci-e card.

Luk07 · 12-03-2005, 12:24 PM

Thanks Tumbleweed36 i will be looking forward to getting a single Geforce 8 but since i will be able to go for an SLI motherboard aswell then later on i could have 2 Geforce 8s, have a druel over that one lol. Speaking of Geforce 8s you have any information on them?

Tumbleweed36 · 12-03-2005, 12:30 PM

Hi,

No, I really don't have any information on those, in fact I am strictly an ATI fan. In my years of work, just too many variables with the other cards, so only use ATI to build, sell, and use in my personal computers.

I presently am running an ASUS A8N-sli deluxe board and an Athlon San Diego 3700+, and this is a great board if you are an Athlon fan. Oh, I also have a Pentium 4 2.8 as my spare computer and run an ATI 9600 pro (also have a 9800 pro around here someplace) in it. Those ATI cards in my opinion just can't be beat. See, everyone has an opinion, so you will never get agreement on that issue.

Luk07 · 12-03-2005, 02:11 PM

well i personally prefer Nvidia and Geforce for no real reason, i just like them better

Tumbleweed36 · 12-03-2005, 02:25 PM

Hi,

See, that is why I said you would never get agreement on this issue. I drive General Motors products and my neighbor drives Ford Products. Why, well, just because I like them better and he says the same thing. We can disagree and both be right. Thanks for the post and I hope that my reply gave you some insight into the sli situation. Have a great day.

**gamerman0203** · 12-14-2005, 12:43 PM

When you buy the one, make sure when you are ready to buy the second one, it is the EXACT same model! same manufacturer, model, etc. Two different cards will not work SLI together.

BabyShambles · 12-14-2005, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamerman0203

When you buy the one, make sure when you are ready to buy the second one, it is the EXACT same model! same manufacturer, model, etc. Two different cards will not work SLI together.

Doesn't have to be the same manufacturer. Doesn't even have to be the same clock speeds on the cards either. As long as the GPU is the same on both, it works.

Tumbleweed36 · 12-14-2005, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyShambles

Doesn't have to be the same manufacturer. Doesn't even have to be the same clock speeds on the cards either. As long as the GPU is the same on both, it works.

Hi,

I hope you didn't mean what you just said, because this is not what the board manufacturer's recommend and I assume they know what is specified as optimum for their boards. Therefore, your information is not correct in this instance. This is an exact quote from page 6.1 of one current ASUS sli motherboard manual:

You should have two Identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA certified.

I would highly recommend that Luk07 listen to gamerman0203's advice on this issue. They need to be the exact same card (identical) to perform as they are intended to do. To be quite honest, I have not seen any tech on this forum that would recommend anything else.

BabyShambles · 12-14-2005, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed36

Hi,

I hope you didn't mean what you just said, because this is not what the board manufacturer's recommend and I assume they know what is specified as optimum for their boards. Therefore, your information is not correct in this instance. This is an exact quote from page 6.1 of one current ASUS sli motherboard manual:

You should have two Identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA certified...

I would highly recommend that Luk07 listen to gamerman0203's advice on this issue. They need to be the exact same card (identical) to perform as they are intended to do. To be quite honest, I have not seen any tech on this forum that would recommend anything else.

We could always ask nVidia if you like:

Can I mix and match graphics cards?

In order to provide optimal symmetric scaling, SLI Technology requires the NVIDIA GPU to match. For example, a GeForce 7800 GTX must be paired with another GeForce 7800 GTX. Likewise, a GeForce 6600 GT must be paired with another GeForce 6600 GT. However, using the latest Release 80 Graphics Drivers, NVIDIA GPUs sold by different manufacturers can be used together in SLI Mode.
For example, a GeForce 7800 GT from vendor ABC can be matched with a GeForce 7800 GT from vendor XYZ.

http://www.slizone.com/page/slizone_faq.html#c3

Also, the clock speeds don't need to be the same either:

Quote:

"It's very easy to conclude that the first card is dictating the clock speed of the other. Cards will run together but, if you plug a slower card in the first slot, you will lose some performance. If you plug the faster card into the first slot, you will gain some performance."

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=27777

Tumbleweed36 · 12-15-2005, 04:28 AM

Hi,

If it is all the same to you, I will take the word of the board manufacturer's since they are the ones who have to verify that their boards do what they are supposed to do with video cards installed.

IMO, if you buy two different cards as you described and they don't work, who do you think would get the blame? Do you suppose the board manufacturer would get the heat or one of two other card manufacturer's who made the cards. Of course, it would be the board manufacturer since they told you to use two identical cards, so it is my suggestion that one uses their recommendation.

We will just have to disagree on this one, because you will never convince me of your opinion. The best solution is to have to duplicate cards as the board manufacturer's have recommended. (read the manual of the board you have listed in your signature, because that manual states just exactly what I quoted to you on that same page)

When I build a unit like this, I have to guarantee it, so I want the optimal chance that I never see that unit again because a video card does not match with another one at times. The board manufacturer's have spoken and I have listened.

I don't know how many units you have built and have to guarantee, but those of us who do this regularly, always choose the route with the best chance of success and as a general rule follow the motherboard manufacturer's recommendation on issues of this type. I will continue to do that.

Oh, and yes, I know that you can put two different size tires on each side of a car and have it go down the road. You can even put two differerent brand name tires with different treads on the front of a car and have it work, but that is not always the best solution if you want it to ride, track and drive smoothly. I like that smooth no-fault ride.

Nice chatting with you and have a great day.

crazijoe · 12-15-2005, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyShambles

Doesn't have to be the same manufacturer. Doesn't even have to be the same clock speeds on the cards either. As long as the GPU is the same on both, it works.

That's alot of money to dish out just to take a chance that it will work. I guess if you have that kind of money to throw around, just to see if it will work, BAM go for it.
IMO @ over $500 a pop, I don't have a budget like Donald Trump so I would tend to buy identical cards that are guaranted to work together.

BabyShambles · 12-15-2005, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tumbleweed36

Hi,

Nice chatting with you and have a great day.

You too.

Luk07 · 01-02-2006, 06:32 PM

hehe this thread took right off, and about the card matchups:

I will get the BF (or was it BFG, help!) cards as they have been overclocked in factory and made to run faster than likewise cards, so two BF 7800 GTXs for me, its silly mixing cards, why do it? and do i really care if it works? Tumbleweed i liked your little story there about the car, makes perfect sense to me. All bow down to the great tumbleweed :P

12-03-2005, 11:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Luk07 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK Posts: 447 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	? on SLI motherboards If i was to buy an SLI motherboard would i be able to use a single PCI Express graphics card in it until i am able to afford 2 of them? The reason i ask is because next year i should be getting a Geforce 8 (does anyone have an exact release date or any other info?) PCI-E of course also i will be getting various other upgrades, e.g. new motherboard and processor maybe some more RAM etc. So, could someone help me out please? __________________ It's all fun and games until the monkey craps on the carpet! I've got your nose Mr. Anderson and i intend to keep it!

12-03-2005, 12:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,655 OS: XP Professional	Hi, You sure can in fact you are getting this message from an A8N-sli deluxe with a single graphics pci-e card. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

12-03-2005, 12:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Luk07 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK Posts: 447 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	Thanks Tumbleweed36 i will be looking forward to getting a single Geforce 8 but since i will be able to go for an SLI motherboard aswell then later on i could have 2 Geforce 8s, have a druel over that one lol. Speaking of Geforce 8s you have any information on them? __________________ It's all fun and games until the monkey craps on the carpet! I've got your nose Mr. Anderson and i intend to keep it!

12-03-2005, 12:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,655 OS: XP Professional	Hi, No, I really don't have any information on those, in fact I am strictly an ATI fan. In my years of work, just too many variables with the other cards, so only use ATI to build, sell, and use in my personal computers. I presently am running an ASUS A8N-sli deluxe board and an Athlon San Diego 3700+, and this is a great board if you are an Athlon fan. Oh, I also have a Pentium 4 2.8 as my spare computer and run an ATI 9600 pro (also have a 9800 pro around here someplace) in it. Those ATI cards in my opinion just can't be beat. See, everyone has an opinion, so you will never get agreement on that issue. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

12-03-2005, 02:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Luk07 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK Posts: 447 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	well i personally prefer Nvidia and Geforce for no real reason, i just like them better __________________ It's all fun and games until the monkey craps on the carpet! I've got your nose Mr. Anderson and i intend to keep it!

12-03-2005, 02:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,655 OS: XP Professional	Hi, See, that is why I said you would never get agreement on this issue. I drive General Motors products and my neighbor drives Ford Products. Why, well, just because I like them better and he says the same thing. We can disagree and both be right. Thanks for the post and I hope that my reply gave you some insight into the sli situation. Have a great day. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

12-14-2005, 12:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
gamerman0203 Retired Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 2,144 OS: XP MCE, Ubuntu Gutsy My System	quick note about SLI When you buy the one, make sure when you are ready to buy the second one, it is the EXACT same model! same manufacturer, model, etc. Two different cards will not work SLI together. __________________ Follow These Steps First! CPU-Z \| SensorView \| WinXP Clean Boot \| Latest DirectX \| ATI Catalyst \| Nvidia ForceWare Posting System Specifications

12-15-2005, 04:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,655 OS: XP Professional	Hi, If it is all the same to you, I will take the word of the board manufacturer's since they are the ones who have to verify that their boards do what they are supposed to do with video cards installed. IMO, if you buy two different cards as you described and they don't work, who do you think would get the blame? Do you suppose the board manufacturer would get the heat or one of two other card manufacturer's who made the cards. Of course, it would be the board manufacturer since they told you to use two identical cards, so it is my suggestion that one uses their recommendation. We will just have to disagree on this one, because you will never convince me of your opinion. The best solution is to have to duplicate cards as the board manufacturer's have recommended. (read the manual of the board you have listed in your signature, because that manual states just exactly what I quoted to you on that same page) When I build a unit like this, I have to guarantee it, so I want the optimal chance that I never see that unit again because a video card does not match with another one at times. The board manufacturer's have spoken and I have listened. I don't know how many units you have built and have to guarantee, but those of us who do this regularly, always choose the route with the best chance of success and as a general rule follow the motherboard manufacturer's recommendation on issues of this type. I will continue to do that. Oh, and yes, I know that you can put two different size tires on each side of a car and have it go down the road. You can even put two differerent brand name tires with different treads on the front of a car and have it work, but that is not always the best solution if you want it to ride, track and drive smoothly. I like that smooth no-fault ride. Nice chatting with you and have a great day. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

01-02-2006, 06:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
Luk07 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire, UK Posts: 447 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	hehe this thread took right off, and about the card matchups: I will get the BF (or was it BFG, help!) cards as they have been overclocked in factory and made to run faster than likewise cards, so two BF 7800 GTXs for me, its silly mixing cards, why do it? and do i really care if it works? Tumbleweed i liked your little story there about the car, makes perfect sense to me. All bow down to the great tumbleweed :P __________________ It's all fun and games until the monkey craps on the carpet! I've got your nose Mr. Anderson and i intend to keep it!