Help about Crossfire/SLI

[JacobKS]

here are some of examples of GPU specs.

base clock: 1000 mhz
boost clock: 1100 mhz
memory size: 8GB
memory interface: 512 bits

Crossfire/SLI build cannot have double the memory size right? If it cant double your memory size, what else do you get in Crossfire/SLI. Memory Interface? Base/Boost Clock?

[DXMember]

you get double the performance... nothing else matters

 

double memory is arguable - it's not burden of Crossfire or SLI it's the burden on AFR (alternate frame rendering)

 

also have you checked the pinned topics before posting?

Or pinned topics on other forums?
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/245454-33-crossfire-faqs

[Moonzy]

you get more cores to help process graphics

 

so about 2x the performance if scaled perfectly

 

more cores you add = more performance, as long as it scales

 

nothing in the world is perfect though

thats why only SLI/CF if you're craving for more performance even after you already have the best gpu

because dual gpu setup normally brings more issues than benefits

[Guuhan]

It's like you are in a team with 2 programmers. They both work on the same project, but ofcourse they both can't perform on the exact same level and pace. Still faster than if you work alone on a programmer !

[Godlygamer23]

It doesn't give you double the memory for either SLI or Crossfire. If you have a graphics card that's 8GB, and you pair it with the same card with 8GB, your effective video memory is 8GB because the information gets duplicated across the two cards. The preferred solution is a single GPU solution instead of going with multiple GPUs as video games don't necessarily scale perfectly well.

[ShadowCaptain]

14 minutes ago, JacobKS said:

SNIP

The VRAM is duplicated across both cards, and the cards are both used to render either alternative frames, or alternatives parts of the images etc

 

Theoretically it can double the performance, but in reality that is not the case and you are better off buying a single faster GPU

Also not all games/programs support SLI

[manikyath]

15 minutes ago, DXMember said:

you get double the performance... nothing else matters

 

double memory is arguable - it's not burden of Crossfire or SLI it's the burden on AFR (alternate frame rendering)

 

also have you checked the pinned topics before posting?

Or pinned topics on other forums?
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/245454-33-crossfire-faqs

"up to double"

 

since scaling isnt perfect, nor will it most likely ever be.

[JacobKS]

@DXMember @Moonzy @Guuhan @Godlygamer23 @ShadowCaptain @manikyath

What are the main disadvantages having a Crossfire/SLI build?

[Guuhan]

You get less for your money. Also, some games act weird with a SLI/crossfire config. That's why we always recommend a stronger single card than 2 weaklings working together. It's like having 2 gold tier players vs bots and Challenger player vs bots.

[Moonzy]

2 minutes ago, JacobKS said:

@DXMember @Moonzy @Guuhan @Godlygamer23 @ShadowCaptain @manikyath

What are the main disadvantages having a Crossfire/SLI build?

some games not supporting dual gpu, more heat output, need dual gpu supported motherboard

more power draw, more slots taken, scaling issues, game stutter issues and a few more i guess

[manikyath]

1 minute ago, JacobKS said:

-snip-

What are the main disadvantages having a Crossfire/SLI build?

the main disadvantages are:

- quoting everyone

- high heat outpiut & power draw

- imperfect scaling, only in very rare cases will you get twice the performance of a single card, in some cases performance will not scale at all.

- case filling: if you cant push enough air trough it, you'll end up with quite a toasty rig (in most modern cases thats not something to worry about tho)

- bugs and issues

[ShadowCaptain]

3 minutes ago, JacobKS said:

What are the main disadvantages having a Crossfire/SLI build?

Cost

Heat

Power consumption

Not all games support SLI so you have to turn it off

Microstuttering at low fps

 

Honestly unless you have a 980ti, id just spend  money on a better GPU

 

[DXMember]

2 minutes ago, manikyath said:

"up to double"

 

since scaling isnt perfect, nor will it most likely ever be.

what about BF:BC2, Alien game and multiple others that have scaled more than a double in past?

 

[Godlygamer23]

6 minutes ago, JacobKS said:

@DXMember @Moonzy @Guuhan @Godlygamer23 @ShadowCaptain @manikyath

What are the main disadvantages having a Crossfire/SLI build?

Higher heat output, higher power draw, and limited compatibility. 

[DXMember]

8 minutes ago, JacobKS said:

@DXMember @Moonzy @Guuhan @Godlygamer23 @ShadowCaptain @manikyath

What are the main disadvantages having a Crossfire/SLI build?

Well I've had some problems in the early days with running GTA V on Crossfire, but those got resolved and it's running beautifully

besides "not all games support multi-gpu" I don't  really have any other disadvantages to mention