SLI compatability

[Jthe7th]

Was wondering if anyone can impart some SLI knowledge. I currenty have an XFX 7800GT (PVT70GUDE7) in my new build. I'm going to eventually go SLI, but seems that the card I currently have may be unavailable once I'm ready to go SLI. The card is quickly becoming scarce; XFX told me that the stock will be limited and the card will eventually be discontinued.

Now I'm looking around for alternatives. There is another XFX 7800GT, but I'm not sure I want to stick with XFX at this point even though I've had no difficulty with my current card.

My concern is matching SLI cards. I saw on www.slizone.com that cards don't have to be from the same manufacturer, but they do have to have same GPU (i.e. 7800GT, 256MB, etc). I'm particularly looking at this card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130256.

(newegg lists the core clock at 450mhz, but the evga.com site lists the clock at 460mhz)

Would this card work with the XFX 7800GT in an SLI configuration? Seems the only real difference is in the clock; the XFX core clock is 450mhz. I think the memory clock is different as well (evga at 1100mhz and the XFX at 1050mhz). Will this make a difference?

J

[MakeYourslf2012]

I believe current SLI drivers allow you to mix/match cards vendors (but not GPU's). I'm not totally sure about this, I've only read it in a few posts around here. Maybe a little research will clarify.

[glc]

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.

Can I mix and match graphics cards is one of them is Overclocked by the Manufacturer?
Yes. A GeForce 7800 GTX that is overclocked (for example BFG GeForce 7800 GTX OC) can be mixed with a standard clock GeForce 7800 GTX.

[Jthe7th]

Thanks for the responses; always knew this site was awesome!

If one is overclocked and one not, will one take precedence over the other? Specifically, will performance be based on the overclocked card or the non-overclocked card?

[glc]

That I have no idea about, but I'm sure you could use Coolbits or something to sync the GPU and ram clocks on the 2 cards - I think I'd do that.