SLI question - GTX 260

[Deaco]

Right, just done a search, but can't really find what I'm looking for - I know it's been answered before but couldn't see it, and I know SLI has changed a bit.

I currently have a faulty GTX 260, and I jsut need to sort out the RMA details with the retailer, however with ARMA2 being released next week and potentially my GPU being shipped to the retailer, and then being shipped to the manufacturer in Germany.. then the round trip could potentially be 2 weeks.

So I'm contemplating getting another GTX 260 and then when my fixed card comes back, SLIng them. However, I've read that you needed identical cards from identical manufacturers with identical speeds, but I've also read that Nvidia changed this so it was more consumer friendly.

Now my concern is, what are the limitations, do they just need to be 260's and of a similar spec? My current card is an EVGA SSC, so I guess I really need a card with a similar overclock out of the box, or am I best sticking with identical cards?

I've been looking at getting one of those Gainward overclocked cards for £139 ish, but can also pick up an EVGA SSC for £189, and tbh I don't mind paying the extra £50 if it means less hassle/better performance as I'm sure it'll last for a while, but really have no idea what the parameters are.

Thanks

 

[mike gunnz]

Dont have to be the same speeds, I run a Zotac and an EVGA SSC GTX260. Both are different speeds out of the box but I just o/c them to SSC speeds and beyond using EVGA Precision utility. I think it helps if you put card with the speeds you wish to run at in the primary pcie slot although this isn't compulsory.

I don't know if its possible to run a 192 shader and a 216 shader in SLI, maybe someone else will know.

 

[Strife212]

There are no limitations at all any more, if they are both GTX 260's it will work perfectly.

(As long as they are the same card, there are sneakily two kinds of 260 out there, 216 and 192 shader versions)

 

[MeatLoaf]

I don't know if its possible to run a 192 shader and a 216 shader in SLI, maybe someone else will know.

Yes apparently its possible now

 

[mt79]

I'm looking at adding a second card into my setup, my cards specs are as follows:

XFX 260 GTX
640mhz GPU
1150mhz Memory
65nm
192 Cores

Would a card with the following specs be compatible:

XFX 260 GTX
576mhz GPU
2000mhz Memory
55nm
216 Cores

I'd hate spend all that money and it not work.

Regards

MT

 

[Ben M]

they need to both be the same model. so 260GTX 216 shade processors. they can be manufactured by anybody, pre-overclocked or not.

they will both run at the same clockspeed when in sli, so you are limited by the speed of the slower card.

 

[Rroff]

I think you can SLI a 192 and 216 version but its a tiny bit of a waste of the faster card... you can deffinatly SLI a 65nm 216 with a 55nm 216.

 

[mt79]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Regards

MT

 

[Ben M]

I'm looking at adding a second card into my setup, my cards specs are as follows:

XFX 260 GTX
640mhz GPU
1150mhz Memory
65nm
192 Cores

Would a card with the following specs be compatible:

XFX 260 GTX
576mhz GPU
2000mhz Memory
55nm
216 Cores

I'd hate spend all that money and it not work.

Regards

MT

Personally I'd try and get another 192sp version second hand.

 

[mt79]

I've been looking but when the price of a brand new 260 is coming in at £114 delivered it really is too tempting and included with that is far cry 2 and mirrors edge. I've just bought Arma2 and the game has given me the upgrade itch.

Regards

 

[MeatLoaf]

Personally I'd try and get another 192sp version second hand.

There was a lot in clearance this week for £99

Even the 216sp shrink wrapped ones were £99 - i got one