SLI Graphics

[tomars]

Ok, so looking for new components for my new PC im building. I dont really have the money to buy one ready built as they usually give me stuff I dont want and leave out stuff I do.
SLI: What is this? From my understanding, an SLI mobo allows me to put 2 gfx cards in, right?
Do I need to buy a special SLI card or would a plain old 6600 PCI-E card be alright? (PS, I'll only be starting with one card as I cant afford two yet)
If I have two cards in there, do they both have to be the same model? Because by the time I can afford a second one, I'll be wanting to put something more powerful than a 6600.
These might sound like stupid questions, sorry. Also, is there anything else significant I need to know about SLI?
Thankyou very much
Thomas
:D

[babarfloyd]

I don't know if a plain old 6600 PCI-E card supports SLI. You'll need to check the top of the card to see if it has the SLI connector on it. If it does then it's supported. Here's (http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=2295&p=3) a pic of a PCI-E card with the SLI connector on the top of the card towards the left.

To use this card in SLI you'll need the exact same card from the exact same manufacturer. You cannot mix different cards or use a faster card. You wouldn't want to anyway since the more powerful card would just run at the slower cards speeds.

The only other thing you need to worry about is that you need to get an nForce4 SLI motherboard. It won't work with Via's or ATI's dual graphics motherboards...it might work with Intel's once it's released, though.

[tomars]

Thanks babarfloyd
That sucks, I hate technology. Why does it have to progress so fast and cost so much?
I dont want to spend craploads on my PC, I just want a mid range one. But I want it to be upgradeable, so I need to get the latest technologies to benefit upgrades in the future and for them to be compatible. So I can either spend lots now and spend little on future upgrades.. OR I can buy a value PC at the moment and then the upgrades will be expensive (ie if I buy a new gfx card I might need a new mobo and memory etc)
I think I'm going to get SLI mobo and just use the one GFX card...
:(

thanks though anyway
:D

[SanDiegoKid]

Tomars, if you go pick up a copy of Maximum PC, the current issue has a huge section on motherboards and the various options you have when selecting one. SLI is covered as well. If you're going to build a new PC, this issue is a great reference guide. It also covers the newer dual core processors coming out and which mobos will support them.