Crazy: SLI in Dan Case A4-SFX

[Yalla Bye]

I'm sure most of you are already aware of the existence of the Dan Case A4-SFX, and it probably doesn't need an introduction. But, just in case, here it is: https://www.dan-cases.com/

 

This case has room to mount a single dual-slot graphics card. SLI shouldn't even be a possibility, right? But, what if we took a card that only had IO on one slot, such as the new GTX 1080ti, and attacked a slim water block to it? Suddenly, it takes up only one slot, and you have room for another right next to it. https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-fc1080-gtx-ti-i-o-single-slot-bracket

 

Now, there are two graphics cards in that tiny case. So what? Mini-ITX motherboards are only built with one PCIe slot. Think again!

 

With a little modification, it should be possible to drill holes in the bottom of the Dan Case, attach some standoffs, then mount this PCIe splitter perfectly beneath the two cards. Boom! SLI on a Mini-ITX motherboard!

 

 

Of course, anyone could have done some googling and come to the same conclusions I have, so the real reason I'm making this Topic is to ask a few questions.

If we were first to ignore the physical, dimensional problems involved in modifying the Dan Case to mount a PCIe splitter, then also ignore the thermodynamic problems of having two powerful cards dumping heat into one tiny radiator, would a setup like this even work on the software side?

 

Would the benefit of having a second graphics card outweigh the cost of cutting the PCIe bandwidth to each card in half? Would the cards even function in SLI while they're both technically plugged into the same slot on the motherboard?

If someone who has more knowledge and experience were to tell my exactly why this wouldn't work, I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks

[W-L]

2 minutes ago, Yalla Bye said:

-SNIP-

While possible your biggest barrier will be that PLX PCI-E card, not all motherboards work with them as many are specifically designed for certain applications. There have been a fair bit of rigorous trial and error and there are certain combinations that do seem to work successfully, the bandwidth will be split though between the two cards. 

https://hardforum.com/threads/pcie-bifurcation.1870298/

[Damascus]

I would look at longer itx boards with 2 pcie slots,I've heard of but never seen them.  

 

In terms of heat this setup screams external radiator to me.

[Yalla Bye]

2 minutes ago, Damascus said:

In terms of heat this setup screams external radiator to me.

What if the build got even crazier with a DC-ATX power supply, to save room in the case and mount a larger radiator?

 

Edit: Something like this: http://www.hd-plex.com/HDPLEX-400W-Hi-Fi-DC-ATX-Power-Supply-16V-24V-Wide-Range-Voltage-Input.html

[Carbongrip]

While your idea is crazy, just get a single powerful GPU. That being said, why hack a card up when you can get single slot GTX 1070's?

http://www.galax.com/en/graphics-card/10-series/galax-geforcer-gtx-1070-katana.html

[Damascus]

8 minutes ago, Yalla Bye said:

What if the build got even crazier with a DC-ATX power supply, to save room in the case and mount a larger radiator?

 

Edit: Something like this: http://www.hd-plex.com/HDPLEX-400W-Hi-Fi-DC-ATX-Power-Supply-16V-24V-Wide-Range-Voltage-Input.html

If only a single 1080 ti didn't draw enough power to freak out that psu

 

[Mooshi]

When your itx rig is an abomination with more parts external than internal, it 100% defeats the purpose and turns into some dank Linus experiment.

[evilgenius31]

I would like to see Linus pursue this experiement. For what it's worth - most high-end asrock ITX boards support PCIE Bifurcation. This has all been theorized, but I've never seen anyone do it. (I've considered this myself though)

[Yalla Bye]

If I had the money to buy two high-end graphics cards, I would definitely try this myself.

 

Fortunately (or unfortunately) most of the time an SLI build doesn't offer that much of an increase in performance. So, the point is pretty much moot from the start.