nVidia SLi driver query

[Toadus]

Hi folks.

I've just this moment enabled SLi on my PC for the very first time!

I've noticed the Forceware driver has automatically gone to 178.24. I've been using the latest Beta driver 185.81... Any idea why it's gone to a different driver version on its own accord? Is this normal? I just wanted to check before I start unistalling and re-installing etc.

Many thanks.

 

[Toadus]

OK, I've done a complete re-install, and things are looking more like it.

 

[Toadus]

I just ran 3DMark06 and I got virtually the same score as I had with only one GTX 280. I was guessing it was going to be a lot higher, no?

 

[vertica]

What CPU are you running? and at what speed?
Also having done a new driver install, are you sure you have enabled SLi/multi-gpu mode in the nvidia control panel?

3dmark 06 is heavily cpu dependant, so your GPUs/benchmark score are more than likely being bottlenecked by lack of cpu power.
High scores in 06 require a highly clocked quad.

3dmark Vantage is a better test for newer hardware, although to get the full version it'll cost you ~£14 ($19.99)

Otherwise try comparing the difference using something else, such as:

The crysis benchmarking tool (works with the demo if you dont have the game)
Furmark will also show the difference (close to 2x in this app) and is alos great for stress testing any gpu overclocks.
'into the pink' or 'cryostasis' benchmarking apps will also demonstrate the gpu/SLi power

But really playing games is the best way!

 

[Toadus]

Thanks for your comments Vertica.

A fews answers to your questions: (I should really sort out a sig - will do this shortly)

I'm running a Q9400 @ 3.2ghz. (2.66ghz stock)

The new driver install worked fine, it's back to the latest Beta. Weird how it diverted back to a rather old driver. It was also rather intersting to see the difference in visual quality in COD5. It looked really grainy with the older driver, but it's looking spot on now.

Yes, I've definitely enabled SLi in the control panel. I've also discovered all the different rendering options you get to choose from, as well as turning SLi off, but using the other GPU to take care of AA. (Displayed as SLi8x, Sli16x, SLi32x...)

My 3DMark06 score is really low compared to most other people's on here who are running lesser spec machines. I'm sure I've seen posts where people with dual cores at around 3.6 / 3.8ghz are making around the 20000 mark, where I'm only making 16000. I guess it doesn't make any use of the quad core set up? Or my PC is not functioning correctly...

I've noticed a huge increase in FPS in COD4 and COD5. It's practically doubled, so SLi is definitely working! Unfortunately, I was hoping for big things for the game Sacred 2, but it doesn't seem to make any difference at all.

I use VSync in games such as COD4 and COD5, as it gives a lovely smooth picture. But since turning on SLi, I now get really bad mouse / input lag. It wasn't nearly this untoward before SLi. I wonder why this is?

My original GTX280 is by Point of View. It OC's really well. Core BUS went from 602 to 720 and memory went from 1107 to 1287! I'm using RivaTune, and it doesn't seem to mention anything about SLi. So I have the same menu options for OC'ing. I've noticed I can't OC nearly as high now. I think I'm around ~690 BUS and ~1240 memory. Should I be using a different tool for OC with SLi? The new GTX 280 I've got is by EVGA.