Thread: SLI Questions

My laptop supports SLI, unfortunately for me I know next to nothing about this technology. I do know I have duel nvidia geforce 7900gs (256MB each). I know that SLI means both cards run in unionson, but other than that I'm lost. I'd like to know if theres ways to make them run better (config wise), and in general know more about what having SLI intails. Thanks for any help you can give me!

Nice you have a laptop that can support SL

Basically all it is, like you know, is a system of using two cards of the same model linked via SLI, It can greatly improve performance of your system. It is said to render graphics up to 2x faster then a single unit. It is only available on SLI compatible motherboards....

I linked you to this site, witch explains in full detail what it is, and even explains how to configure a setup.. Might be a bit differnt since you are using a laptop but you'll get the full idea from reading this.

I am running a SLI 8800 GTS 640 system.  At resolutions of 1280x1024 my average framerate decreased.  At 1600x1200 however I gained a few frames; especially in oblivion.  I used to have two 6600 GTs running in SLI; they actually improved dramatically at 1280x1024.  The weaker Nvidia cards (such as your 7900 GS) tend to gain some performance, even at lower resolutions, from SLI.

I am assuming your laptop is 1280x800 or a similar resolution.  I am guessing off the top of my head based on the several SLI configurations I have built you *will* gain frames, even at your relatively (to desktop systems) low resolution. But it may not be worth buying another card to get a few (I got at most 10, but an average of 5) more frames unless you get it dirt cheap.

I would save the dough for a bigger computer or an upgrade of the GPU (like a 8800 or 9600 mobile). But make sure your laptop can take the heat!

What model is your laptop?