Can you SLI Different cards?

M

McGrace

Member

​

Joined

Dec 21, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• #1

Hi guys,

I understand there is probably an answer for this in several places already here. I am only asking without the super ten hour search, reading, and understanding session because of a Black Friday deal.

I have nVidia GT 430 already, and wonder if I get another one from another brand if I can still SLI them. Most importantly, I want to have more outputs for HDMI available.

Thanks!

 

Automata

Destroyer of Empires and Use

​

Joined

May 15, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• #2

As long as they are the same core and memory quantity, then it will be fine. Brands don't matter.

 

OP

M

McGrace

Member

​

Joined

Dec 21, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• Thread Starter
• #3

Sorry, to clarify, even if I can't SLI can I use a second video card to throw on extra monitors?

(I again apologize if this wastes your time and appreciate any help.)

 

Automata

Destroyer of Empires and Use

​

Joined

May 15, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• #4

Yes, if you aren't running them in SLi, it does not matter. I would suggest staying with an nVidia card, though. Adding ATI into the mix would not be fun.

 

ssjwizard

Has slightly less legible writing than Thideras

​

Joined

Mar 12, 2002

• Nov 25, 2011

• #5

Yes having another card will allow more monitors without SLI. SLI is a headache just a fair warning(my personal experience). Brand doesnt matter as long as its the same GPU and the same amount of Vram your set!

GL HF.

 

OSUmaxx

Senior Member

​

Joined

Jul 8, 2002

Location

Oregon

• Nov 25, 2011

• #6

thideras said:

I would suggest staying with an nVidia card, though. Adding ATI into the mix would not be fun.

Click to expand...

Ditto. Mixing and matching nVidia/ATI makes things tough, but you'll be just fine adding a second card.

 

OP

M

McGrace

Member

​

Joined

Dec 21, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• Thread Starter
• #7

Dang. I have a MSI 870A-G54 motherboard which apparently does not allow SLI.

Frick. Anyone know if you can do two nVidia cards and just have multiple monitors?

 

Automata

Destroyer of Empires and Use

​

Joined

May 15, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• #8

I already answered that: yes.

 

OP

M

McGrace

Member

​

Joined

Dec 21, 2006

• Nov 25, 2011

• Thread Starter
• #9

I posted this after the last two replies. I think you just answered my question. Gettin the card, it's only 20 bucks so heck yah.

 

J

JeremyCT

Member

​

Joined

Feb 26, 2009

Location

CT

• Nov 25, 2011

• #10

You can put as many cards into your system as you have available PCIe slots for them. You'll be able to use all available display outputs. This is regardless of motherboard or video card type, brand, or certification. As others have said, stay with one GPU brand, mixing AMD and nVidia in the same system isn't fun.

The only thing you won't be able to do is tie them together in SLi. Since it's a cheap, slow card that you're buying, that won't matter to you anyway.

 

OP

M

McGrace

Member

​

Joined

Dec 21, 2006

• Nov 26, 2011

• Thread Starter
• #11

Yeah, I don't game any more (time issue ). I just can use the extra monitors for writing software. I am using several tools at once, and popping between screens is getting old... especially since I have three extra monitors sitting around. Seems like a no brainer to spend the 20 bucks and just use them.