SLI Questions

Steph

New Member
The only component I've been missing is a video card. I built a somewhat high-end PC for gaming about six months ago but haven't had the cash to get one until now. I've got 3-way SLI mobo. I don't know diddily squat about video hardware. Google, for the first time, hath failed me. My questions are:

I only plan on buying one card now. When I purchase a second card do the video cards have to be the same, or can they be different?
Also, in what ways do they have to be the same, or in what ways can they be different?

Do I have to specifically buy a "3-way SLI" card, or will any card labeled "SLI" work?

I have very good airflow and a fan controller. People seem to hate on cards without fans that instead have large heatsinks. Is it alright to buy one?
 
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What motherboard do you have exactly?


I only plan on buying one card now. When I purchase a second card do the video cards have to be the same, or can they be different? Also, in what ways do they have to be the same, or in what ways can they be different?

They need to be the same chip, but can technically be from different manufacturers, although I would not recommend such. I would buy matching cards personally.

Do I have to specifically buy a "3-way SLI" card, or will any card labeled "SLI" work?

There are no cards labeled "3-way SLI", they just need to be capable of SLI.

I plan on using dual DVI. If I want to add a third or fourth monitor, can I do this with a second dual DVI SLI card?

You can only run 2 monitors off of one card, unless you have ATI HD 5XXX series cards.

SLI qualifies as only 1 card, so max of 2 monitors will be supported in SLI mode. (external boxes are available for more monitors)


Finally, can you suggest a nice gaming card for about $80-$120? I have a couple I'm looking at but help would be appreciated.

SPARKLE SFPX98GTX+512D3 GeForce 9800 GTX+ $119.99

GIGABYTE GV-NX98X512H-B GeForce 9800 GTX $109.99

XFX PVT98GYDLU GeForce 9800 GT $109.99

XFX PVT98GYDLH GeForce 9800 GT $104.99
 
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