is the 9800gx2 SLI?

[imported_TimBob]

Please help me clear up my understinging of how the 9800gx2 works.

Is it just SLI on a single card and games need to be programmed to take advantage of both cores using AFR or SFR? Or do both cores get used no matter what?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[GakAttack]

the 9800gx2 is not SLI, it is multi GPU, there is a difference between SLI and multi GPU... but yeah i'm not sure about core usaage

 

[imported_TimBob]

I understand that it's termed "multi-gpu" but does that amount to the same thing as saying SLI on a single card?

 

[sgrinavi]

Originally posted by: TimBob
I understand that it's termed "multi-gpu" but does that amount to the same thing as saying SLI on a single card?

Yes it is SLI on a single card; in order to utilize both GPUs on your GX2 you enable SLI with your Nvida control panel....

 

[CP5670]

Is it just SLI on a single card and games need to be programmed to take advantage of both cores using AFR or SFR?

Yes, it's SLI in the sense that it operates just like SLI on the software side, using game profiles and relying on the driver to split the rendering load.

 

[mhouck]

Is there a reason you ask specifically? Any particular game performance/compatibility questions, want to win an arguement/bet, or just and upgrade itch...?

 

[Fallen Kell]

I think the poster is wondering if it will work on a non-Nvidia chipset based motherboard...

 

[mhouck]

Originally posted by: Fallen Kell
I think the poster is wondering if it will work on a non-Nvidia chipset based motherboard...

That's what I am getting at. And yes it works great on my x48 and I think Tomshardware tested it on a x38 so you can check those numbers out and get a very good idea of how it performs on the intel chipset.

 

[imported_TimBob]

Actually, it's an argument on another game message board (AOC)? People keep trying to convince me that the gx2 is not SLI. I own a 7950gx2 on one system and 8800gtx SLI on another and to me they are the essentially same thing.

I guess I'm just looking for proof.

 

[mhouck]

EVGA Waterblock Manual

at point 9 you can see the the ribbon used to connect the two cards and there is an sli chip on the PCB as well but it's not really visible in these pics. It is definitely SLI tech.