What is SLI? Unravel the Mystery of Gaming PCs

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In summary, SLI stands for Scalable Link Interface and it allows for two identical graphics cards to work together to process graphics for a computer. It is mainly used by hardcore gamers who want to maximize their computer's performance. It is a workaround until graphics chip companies can create a single card with dual Graphics Processing Units and Physics Processing Units. Crossfire from Radeon is a similar technology that distributes the workload between both cards, but SLI is based on symmetric distribution of load.
  • #1
yu_wing_sin
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What is SLI?
Many crazy gamers like to make a SLI computer, what is SLI?
Do you know?
 
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  • #2
I forget whawt SLI stands for but basically, it allows the use of 2 graphics processors to run on one system. People basically get 2 video cards and put them in the SLI slots and the motherboard will split the work between both computers making in theory, a graphics system 2x as powerful as their single counterparts.
 
  • #3
SLI basically spills the work of one card to the second if the 1st card is overwhelmed.

Crossfire from Radeon is smarter, it actually splits the work between both cards.
 
  • #4
Thank you very much. I know what SLI is now!
 
  • #5
Scalable Link Interface

Two identical video cards work in tandem to process the graphics for the computer. The cards must be identical, there is a bridge or two that connect them so one card knows which portions of the page the other is doing.

It is kind of a workaround hack until the card makers can come up with a dual Graphics Processing Unit with Physics Processing Unit on one card.

It's only necessary when you are a hardcore gamer who wants to squeeze every last frame per second out of your machine.
 
  • #6
It's basically a way for graphics chip companies to get you to buy two of their really expensive models.
 
  • #7
SLI stands for Scalable Link Interface and its based on symmetric distribution of load.
 

1. What is SLI?

SLI stands for Scalable Link Interface and it is a technology developed by Nvidia that allows multiple graphics cards to work together in a single computer system. This can significantly improve graphics performance, especially in gaming.

2. How does SLI improve gaming performance?

SLI allows the workload of rendering graphics to be split between multiple graphics cards, allowing for faster and smoother gameplay. This is especially beneficial for high-resolution or VR gaming.

3. What are the requirements for using SLI?

In order to use SLI, you will need a motherboard that supports SLI technology, at least two compatible Nvidia graphics cards, and a power supply that can handle the extra power requirements of multiple graphics cards.

4. Can SLI be used with any game?

No, SLI can only be utilized with games that have been optimized for it. This means that the game must have specific programming to take advantage of SLI technology. Not all games are optimized for SLI, so it is important to check before assuming it will work.

5. Are there any downsides to using SLI?

One potential downside of using SLI is the increased cost. You will need to purchase multiple graphics cards, which can be expensive. Additionally, SLI may not always provide a significant improvement in performance, depending on the game and system setup. It is also important to note that SLI is only compatible with Nvidia graphics cards, so it may not be an option for those with AMD cards.

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