SLI Question

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

I'm currently running a BFG 8800GT 512MB video card.  I'm thinking of upgrading my card in a few weeks (along with my processor).  My current mobo is SLI compatible along with my current card.  Is it possible to use my current card in SLI mode with a 9 series Nvidia card, or would it be better to get 2 of the same card?  I glanced around on Nvidia's site and didn't see anything saying one way or another.

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

I could be wrong but my understanding of SLI was that you had to have two of the same card...

-- JT

[=JHF= OBMer]

I think I have good news (which actually will be good for me too since I am in the same boat.)

Here is an article that goes into depth of SLI and PhysX.  It specifically uses two different cards BUT NOT in SLI mode:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/physx-by-nvidia-review/1

          In our test case today we used an nForce 680i mainboard with a 3.0 GHz Core 2 Duo processor,
          a GeForce GTX 280 and a GeForce 9600 GT. ...  One is for GPU and the other is for the PhysX engine.
          ...
          ...
          The focus on this article is being able to use your older nVidia cards.  The article also goes into some differences about Vista configuration vs XP.

Anyway, my system, which will be here Monday, will have a GTX 260 and a GeForce 9800GT.  As long as my new motherboard works and nothing else was fried, I should be able to answer your question directly.  But from that article, it looks possible.

OB

[Widowmaker]

Once you get everything in place and operational, you mite want to download "EVGA Precision Tool".  Its great for adjusting the fan speed on the vid card and overclocking your vid card safely.  It also has profiles that you can set up and apply to different games and such.

WM

[=JHF= JimmyT (CDN)]

Once you get everything in place and operational, you mite want to download "EVGA Precision Tool". 

That is indeed a good tool.   What I think OB needs, however, is proper adult supervision.   

-- JT

[=JHF= OBMer]

Here is another article.  It specifically has benchmarks with an 8800GT.

http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=498021&mpage=1&key=&#498021

It does mention using the latest drivers from nVidia for it to really work.

OB

[=JHF= OBMer]

OK, I have two PCI Express 2.0 cards in my system.  I have the 9800GT which is my PhysX engine.  My GTX 260 is the GPU.  It works great and I can run up to 4 monitors.  I have not tried SLI and probalby will not.  I am too afraid to do it to be honest with you.  I don't know what would happen.

At any rate, my NEW PC is up and running now....

OB

[=JHF= HaveSocks]

At any rate, my NEW PC is up and running now....

If that is the case, get in the game.

[Stretchy]

In order to run SLI, yes, you must have 2 of the same cards.  They don't have to be exact, but they have to be the same model.

You can have one EVGA 9800gt, and one XFX 9800gt, and it will run SLI.  All that matters is that the number/bus speed/ram is the same.  Make does not.