SLI Compatibility

[Prosthetic_mind]

When building my new computer this summer, I bought a factory OCed Bfg Tech 7800 GTX, model BFGR78256GTXOC. I acquired the funds to purchase a second over christmas, but to my surprise I found that newegg no longer carries that model, but instead http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143043, model BFGR78256GTXCOD2 at an increased price. I was curious if this would be compatible with my current card for SLI. Incidentally, this is the first time I have seen newegg underbid by a company I actually trust: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1647923&Tab=0&NoMapp=0
at a whole $60 for what should be the exact same part (exact same model number). Have I missed something? I'll admit that even though I understand the concept of SLI, I'm not completely sure exactly how similar the cards have to be. There are other sites out there selling it, but some don't appear trustworthy, and others are selling it as high as $828, so advice would be appreciated.

[saphalline]

As long as the clock speeds are the same, and the SLI bridge will line up, it should be fine. SLI doesn't need the models to be exactly the same, they just need to physically work together and have the same specs.

As far as the price is concerned, Newegg does seem a bit high. I would trust Zip Zoom Fly (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=326029) before I would trust TigerDirect, but in this case I wouldn't suggest Newegg. $60 is a high premium to pay when there are other reputable sites selling it for cheaper.

[jahajazz]

Well I can't answer the compatibility question but, are you sure you even want SLI? In some situations it can actually LOWER fps. Toms hardware guide did a massive VGA chart here's (http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/12/02/vga_charts_viii/) the link.

[saphalline]

With the latest NVidia graphics driver, you can enable/disable SLI without restarting Windows. It's just a simple matter then to disable SLI for games like AoE3, and enable it for games like FEAR. No big deal with THG to show you which games benefit and which ones don't! ;) You can also experiment yourself to see whether or not other games not mentioned can benefit from SLI.

But it's a good point to consider. Why spend another $500 to get less performance? That's a real brain-twister...

[Prosthetic_mind]

interesting, but on 3dmark it shows the SLIed 7800s having almost double the performance of one. What would explain the decreased framerates? Coding in favor of a single card system in place of dual unintentionally?

[saphalline]

SLI isn't perfect, and 3DMark is only a synthetic benchmark. A lot of games aren't coded to take advantage of SLI, mostly because a very small percentage of gamers can afford any type of SLI. So yes, single vid card performance is still being held in high regard in some game development studios. Although I have to admit that AoE3 surprised me - that should have been coded for SLI, at least to some degree of increase. Instead it ended up being the biggest loser! :eek: Very odd...

[Prosthetic_mind]

mmm... in that case it looks like I can afford to sit back and let the prices go down some more before I consider upgrading. If nothing else it's always interesting to see what comes out next. The money can go to good use on a new hard drive. My 2 80 gigs just don't cut it any more.

[jahajazz]

Well I just waned to let you know that SLI dosn't exactly give a 50% on all or most games.

[saphalline]

Hey I know what you can do! As a reward for saving you a bunch of money, you should buy a new vid card for jahajazz! :p Am I a genius or what? :D

[Prosthetic_mind]

speaking of Hds, does this one look good?:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=101253-12
and for jahajazz,I've picked out the newest, top of the line graphics card. It even supports VGA! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8744593734&category=40158&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1

[saphalline]

Yeah, that hard drive is considered one of the best right now. Although the Hitachi T7K250 series is also among the best. You can't go wrong either way, it's up to you. I'd probably go for tons of storage if I were you. I've got a 160GB, 120GB, and 80GB, so I've already got 200GB more than you. :p Are you gonna take that? :D :cool:

Oh... wow... that's a pretty pathetic vid card... I've seen 10/100 network cards that look more impressive than that thing! :p

[jahajazz]

Yeah thx for my reward that will really kick my 6600GTs butt. :D :D :D :p