Quick SLI question

[Binh]

If I want SLI, what else has to be SLI "compatible?" I know the PSU has to have SLi, but I've seen RAM with SLI too. THanks.

[doctorgonzo]

You need a compatible motherboard, nVidia video cards, PSU, and operating system. Memory is irrelevant.

[Binh]

The operating system too? Is windows xp home good?

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, Windows XP Home is just fine. I included the OS just to be complete; DOS isn't going to be able to take advantage of SLI, but Windows XP and other modern operating systems will.

[Binh]

Wow that was fast. Another question. Does SLI really make that much of a difference? Is it worth the cost to upgrade?

[Alaron]

SLI is really only worth it if you have lots of money to burn and absolutely have to have the most framerates possible.

Personally I think its not worth the investment. Use your money on a top of the line single card, and a powerful dual core CPU and enjoy a fast machine.

[MakeYourslf2012]

Or SLI is worth it if you think you will not have much money down the road to upgrade - meaning if you want to up the performance at a small price in a year or two, then add a second video card.

However, nobody I know - including myself - have stuck to this philosophy when building an SLI system. I promised myself that I would wait untill I had a little more money last christmas to complete a dual 6600GT setup, BUT I just broke down a bought a 7800GT.

[doctorgonzo]

Originally Posted by Binh Wow that was fast. Another question. Does SLI really make that much of a difference? Is it worth the cost to upgrade?

I've never done anything with SLI, so I have no personal experience. However, what I have heard is that no, it's not really worth it: you get better performance from one high-end card than two cheaper cards, and many times the two cheaper cards aren't any cheaper than the one high-end card. It's mainly about bragging.