You cant just install two graphics cards in your system and use the total VRAM.
Ill explain the SLI Technology and whether you need the same GPU to use SLI.
What is SLI?
At that time, SLI was elaborated asScan Line Interleaveuntil Nvidia took over this technology.
But the question remains: is SLI technology available for all GPU pairs?
The answer is a straight NO if you are thinking of pairing two different model GPUs.
Because SLI is only available among the GPUs with identical GPU chips.
Check out the easiest way tocheck if GPU is working properly.
Why Do You Need Identical GPUs to Use SLI Technology?
You need the exact chipset-based Graphics Cards to use the SLI technology on your system.
And the VRAM amount should be the same for adequate utilization of GPUs.
Take the example of anRTX 2080& anRTX 2080Tiwith chipsetsTU104&TU102due order.
I couldnt use these two cards for SLI because they own different chipsets.
Likewise,enabling SLI in BIOSbetweenRTX 2060GPU of6 GBandRTX 2060of12GBwont give you18 Gigstotal memory SLI support.
Instead, it will work as6 + 6 = 12 GB.
Eventually, you must have theRTX seriesGPUs to SLI because Nvidia doesnt allowGTX seriesGPUs to be SLI Compatible.
But it doesnt indicate all RTX is SLI compatible either.
SLI-compatible GPUs have SLI bridge connectors to sync.
Read more onwhat is Idle GPU temp?
What Are The Requirements for SLI on a Computer?
There are some add-ons and precautions, except for the requirements of an identicalGPU Chipset.
Skipping additive advice will affect your desired performance and hardware.
Your motherboard must support the SLI technology.
And must have at least a 2X PCI-E x16 slot.
For more than dual GPU SLI, enough PCI-E x16 slots are required in your motherboard.
You cant use anyHUBto add more GPUs for SLI purposes.
Since your rig will consume a hefty amount of watts, heat production is massive in such cases.
Youll definitely need proper ventilation with an overblown cooling system.
And most importantly, youll need an SLI bridge to connect two or more GPUs.
TheSLI bridgeis a particular component required to attach to a unique mount other than the PCI-E x16 fin.
Such a specific mount point is usually situated on the opposite side of the PCI-E x16 mount.
Youll spot this mount on the alternate edge of the power connection port.
So, new games are required to implement the SLI profile within the game.
RTX 3060 came with an NVLink connection indicating the multi-GPU gaming is still on.
The doubt has been defogged in the following section.
Also read,how much GPU usage is normal for gaming?
Is NVLink Taking Over SLI Technology?
Like SLI technology, the NVLink isnt a full-fledged solution that can connect & sync between multiple Graphics Cards.
Its an updated version of an SLI connector.
Whereas an SLI bridge can only achieve2 GB/stransfer speed, the NVLink hits up to a rate of200GB/s.
But does it mean NVLink is replacing the SLI system?
No, its not replacing the concept of SLI so far.
The branding SLI still stays the same as before.
The only difference NVLink is bringing is the connection protocol of inter-GPU communication.
Moreover, there is no such thing as aMaster-Slavein SLI.
So, the NVLink is just a connector with a speedy transfer protocol.
It isnt actually replacing the SLI technology but enhancing it.
To use this feature, your GPU must have the data pins needed for the NVLink connector.
Does Crossfire Technology Work The Same as SLI?
As a counterpart of SLI technology, the ATi has released the Crossfire technology with the R400 series graphics.
Later, the ATi company was taken over by AMD.
The SLI technology serves a similar purpose but offers some flexibility.
While Nvidia locks things up to provide a consistent performance flow, AMD provides better flexibility.
The only requirement is architecture family matching between GPUs.
Moreover, theCrossfire technologydoes not need any dedicated connector like an SLI bridge or NVLink.
Though Crossfire technology is the nemesis of SLI in the market, the purpose is the same.
But AMD provides vast flexibility than Nvidia, which is a better approach from the perspective of budget users.
Does SLI Actually Multiply The Performance?
You wont achieve double or triple the overall performance as you add more VRAM.
Remember the power consumption rate discussed earlier?
More of the added Graphic Cards will consume lots of electricity and generate enormous heat but wont perform accordingly.
The performance-to-power consumption ratio is poor in this case.
FAQs
Can I Play GTA V with SLI Technology?
Can you dual GPU different GPUs?
How many GPUs Can you SLI?
Does SLI improve FPS?
Although a handful of games increase FPS 2X.
But most of the games increase FPS slightly.
How do I double my VRAM?
Regarding such facts, Nvidia is slowly ditching this feature on the latest units and series of Graphics Cards.
But Crossfire technology is still in a survival position because of the flexibility.
Comment below if you think its helping, and let us know if you still want to use SLI.
