Is SLI worth it?

Chris Blunt wrote:
> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>
> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>
> Chris
>
> ----------
> Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
> Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
> Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
> Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
> Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
> Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
> MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse

If you are not a gamer, you have wasted quite a bit of money making that
gaming rig such as you did. I say add another video card and enjoy your
conspicuous consumption while you can.
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:12:43 +0800, Chris Blunt
<chris_blunt RemoveThis @spamfence.net> wrote:

>I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
>and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
>configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
>and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>
>Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
>applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
>editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>
>Chris
>
>----------
>Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
>Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
>Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
>Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
>Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
>Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
>MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse

Troll post?
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:12:43 +0800, Chris Blunt
<chris_blunt.DeleteThis@spamfence.net> wrote:

> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>
> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>
> Chris
>

"NVIDIA® SLI™ technology is a revolutionary platform innovation that
allows you to intelligently scale performance by combining multiple
NVIDIA graphics solutions in a single system with an NVIDIA nForce®
SLI media and communications processor (MCP). Using proprietary
software algorithms and dedicated scalability logic in each NVIDIA
graphics processing unit (GPU) and MCP, NVIDIA SLI technology delivers
the highest performance computing solution. Further, NVIDIA SLI-Ready
components are backed by a rigorous testing and certification process
to deliver an entire certified platform solution, ensuring unmatched
system stability and platform compatibility."

Quote directly for NVIDIA help file.

Slight translation; SLI allows you to connect and use *multiple* SLI
capable video cards and have one output to your monitor. In other
words, SLI is useful only if you have 2 or more SLI cards.

nVidia SLI Zone - Scroll down and see vid in the "How Does SLI
Technology Work?" section:
http://www.slizone.com/page/slizone_learn.html


--
==== Tecknomage ====
All technology which is sufficiently advanced becomes
indistinguishable from magic.
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

Except for games, there would be no noticeable difference with that high
level of single card.

--
---------------------
DaveW

---------------------
"Chris Blunt" <chris_blunt.RemoveThis@spamfence.net> wrote in message
news:u9q1e3dbeoskkte5kc2f4v1lgbd1lsn1nl@4ax.com...
> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>
> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>
> Chris
>
> ----------
> Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
> Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
> Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
> Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
> Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
> Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
> MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

Thanks. Sounds like its not worth it for what I need.

Chris

On Fri, 7 Sep 2007 16:07:12 -0700, "DaveW" <nothing DeleteThis @bot.org> wrote:

>Except for games, there would be no noticeable difference with that high
>level of single card.
>
>--
>---------------------
>DaveW
>
>---------------------
>"Chris Blunt" <chris_blunt DeleteThis @spamfence.net> wrote in message
>news:u9q1e3dbeoskkte5kc2f4v1lgbd1lsn1nl@4ax.com...
>> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
>> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
>> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
>> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>>
>> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
>> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
>> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk <Folk.DeleteThis@folk.com> wrote:

>On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:12:43 +0800, Chris Blunt
><chris_blunt.DeleteThis@spamfence.net> wrote:
>
>>I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
>>and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
>>configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
>>and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>>
>>Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
>>applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
>>editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>>
>>Chris
>>
>>----------
>>Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
>>Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
>>Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
>>Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
>>Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
>>Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
>>MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse
>
>Troll post?

No! Why would it be?

Chris
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

Chris Blunt wrote:
> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk <Folk.DeleteThis@folk.com> wrote:
>
>> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:12:43 +0800, Chris Blunt
>> <chris_blunt.DeleteThis@spamfence.net> wrote:
>>
>>> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
>>> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
>>> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
>>> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>>>
>>> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
>>> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
>>> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>>>
>>> Chris
>>>
>>> ----------
>>> Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
>>> Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
>>> Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
>>> Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
>>> Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
>>> Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
>>> MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse
>> Troll post?
>
> No! Why would it be?
>
> Chris

I'll answer: cuz that question when paired with those system specs
stinks to high heaven of troll-bait. Who would spend money on gamer
specific hardware and not play games and not know what SLI is, but know
enough about what SLI is? And post hardware specs that have zero purpose
but for gaming. His challenge was warranted. So is my snarkiness.

Damn you and your inscrutability.
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:00:16 -0400, "Mr.E Solved!"
<Iamsingle RemoveThis @askme.out> wrote:

>Chris Blunt wrote:
>> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk <Folk RemoveThis @folk.com> wrote:
>>
>>> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:12:43 +0800, Chris Blunt
>>> <chris_blunt RemoveThis @spamfence.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
>>>> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
>>>> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
>>>> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>>>>
>>>> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
>>>> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
>>>> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>>>>
>>>> Chris
>>>>
>>>> ----------
>>>> Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
>>>> Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
>>>> Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
>>>> Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
>>>> Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
>>>> Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
>>>> MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse
>>> Troll post?
>>
>> No! Why would it be?
>>
>> Chris
>
>I'll answer: cuz that question when paired with those system specs
>stinks to high heaven of troll-bait. Who would spend money on gamer
>specific hardware and not play games and not know what SLI is, but know
>enough about what SLI is? And post hardware specs that have zero purpose
>but for gaming. His challenge was warranted. So is my snarkiness.
>
>Damn you and your inscrutability.


I'm not sure why my system is considered "gamer specific". I built it
to those specifications because I wanted a fast machine, but I'm not
interested in playing games. I do know what SLI is, I just wanted some
advice on whether I would be likely to see any benefit for anything
other than games. Its really as simple as that. I'm sorry if asking a
straightforward question has ruffled anyone.

Chris
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

<snip>
> I'm not sure why my system is considered "gamer specific". I built it
> to those specifications because I wanted a fast machine, but I'm not
> interested in playing games. I do know what SLI is, I just wanted some
> advice on whether I would be likely to see any benefit for anything
> other than games. Its really as simple as that. I'm sorry if asking a
> straightforward question has ruffled anyone.
>
> Chris

Well, whether you meant to or not you have built a pretty good gaming
system..... Adding another GTX to it will make it more so. For your
usage, it would be a waste of money if you don't do any gaming at all. I
have a similiar system with 2 8800GTX cards but I do a lot of simulations,
mainly racing and flight simulations. With the second card, I can get only
about a 25-35% or so increase in video performance over a single card. Some
simulations gain more than others. If you want some bragging rights on
benchmarks, go for it. SLI'd systems gain quite a bit on many benchmarks if
that is your thing. Other than that, you wouldn't see any benefit in the
things you do with your system.


Ed
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

"Chris Blunt" <chris_blunt.RemoveThis@spamfence.net> wrote in message
news:pv84e3pof6ajdkjb383e05djvifbblf924@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 20:00:16 -0400, "Mr.E Solved!"
> <Iamsingle.RemoveThis@askme.out> wrote:
>
>>Chris Blunt wrote:
>>> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk <Folk.RemoveThis@folk.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:12:43 +0800, Chris Blunt
>>>> <chris_blunt.RemoveThis@spamfence.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I'm considering adding a second 8800GTX graphics adapter to my system
>>>>> and running them in SLI mode. I understand the main benefit of such a
>>>>> configuration would be for games, but I don't play games on my system,
>>>>> and am unsure if it would be worth doing.
>>>>>
>>>>> Would there be any noticeable difference in performance for
>>>>> applications other than games? I do a reasonable amount of photo
>>>>> editing and a watch DVD's on the machine.
>>>>>
>>>>> Chris
>>>>>
>>>>> ----------
>>>>> Motherboard: Nvidia nForce 680i SLI | CPU: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
>>>>> Quad Core 2.67GHz Socket LGA775 8MB | Memory: 4GB (1GBx4) Ballistix
>>>>> Tracer 240-pin DIMM | Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX 768MB |
>>>>> Display: FlexScan S2411W 24" LCD | Operating System: Microsoft Windows
>>>>> Vista Ultimate 32bit | Case: NZXT Zero | PSU: Cooler Master Real Power
>>>>> Pro 850W | Keyboard: diNovo Edge BlueTooth Wireless Keyboard | Mouse:
>>>>> MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse
>>>> Troll post?
>>>
>>> No! Why would it be?
>>>
>>> Chris
>>
>>I'll answer: cuz that question when paired with those system specs
>>stinks to high heaven of troll-bait. Who would spend money on gamer
>>specific hardware and not play games and not know what SLI is, but know
>>enough about what SLI is? And post hardware specs that have zero purpose
>>but for gaming. His challenge was warranted. So is my snarkiness.
>>
>>Damn you and your inscrutability.
>
>
> I'm not sure why my system is considered "gamer specific". I built it
> to those specifications because I wanted a fast machine, but I'm not
> interested in playing games. I do know what SLI is, I just wanted some
> advice on whether I would be likely to see any benefit for anything
> other than games. Its really as simple as that. I'm sorry if asking a
> straightforward question has ruffled anyone.
>
> Chris

Aren't there other graphic intensive software that require similar specs as
a gaming machine? Designers, engineers, graphic artists [ha...those that
develop the games maybe]...anyone that compiles programs...I dunno, probably
a pretty wide list for those that might need fast graphic computers
actually. In other words, the question seemed legit to me. We really throw
around the term 'troll' too much these days IMO. I guess I'm a troll for
pointing this out even. Trolls have malicious intent. Are we losing
ability to recognize that element?
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk wrote:


> Troll post?

Most definitely. Either that or he has way more money than sense.
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

On Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:08:08 GMT, Juarez <non RemoveThis @functional.invalid>
wrote:

>On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk wrote:
>
>
>> Troll post?
>
>Most definitely. Either that or he has way more money than sense.

Let's just put it down to the money. It seems some people here can't
hide their envy that I've built myself a system that they can only
dream about.

Chris
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it? 

'Chris' wrote:
| Let's just put it down to the money. It seems some people here can't
| hide their envy that I've built myself a system that they can only
| dream about.
_____

I consider it more of evidence of a personality defect than of trolling.
Same goes for 'Mr.E Solved!'

Of course you are entitled to purchase whatever you wish, and to brag about
it. Just try to develop a thicker skin if you do brag. My opinion is that
a more powerful system for graphics intensive tasks other than games, say
HD-TV would be the nVidia Quadro Plex 1000 Model III, $49,000 for a pair.

Anyway, I spent a lot more than you did, and all I got in 1981 was a Apple
//e B^)

Phil Weldon

"Chris Blunt" <chris_blunt.RemoveThis@spamfence.net> wrote in message
news:cqv9e35dl1piis520c8j4j1pc4ibe1ec0h@4ax.com...
| On Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:08:08 GMT, Juarez <non.RemoveThis@functional.invalid>
| wrote:
|
| >On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:56 -0400, Folk wrote:
| >
| >
| >> Troll post?
| >
| >Most definitely. Either that or he has way more money than sense.
|
| Let's just put it down to the money. It seems some people here can't
| hide their envy that I've built myself a system that they can only
| dream about.
|
| Chris
 >> Stay informed about: Is SLI worth it?