Multi GPU usage for gaming PC

[Ross Carthy]

I've heard that DX 12, and potentially Vulkan API, are capable of using more than one GPU at one time.

Does this mean you can install a second GPU into a gaming PC, and it would increase gaming performance?

Or does it just mean that it can use a GPU and an APU at same time.

Also, in this case, would it be cheaper to upgrade a CPU to an APU, and take advantage of the combined powers of a GPU and APU, rather than upgrading a GPU on it's own?

 

[azca]

you can use more than 1 gpu by going AMD CrossFire or Nvidia SLI. It has been available for the last 10 years.

 

[Ross Carthy]

you can use more than 1 gpu by going AMD CrossFire or Nvidia SLI. It has been available for the last 10 years.

Oh. Why is DX12 making such a big deal of it then. Is it that the GPU's don't need to be the same brand?

Also, is it better to use multiple low end GPU's, or one good GPU?

 

[Unolocogringo]

One high end GPU is always better than 2 low end GPUs in Crossfire/SLI mode.
Some games do not support multiple cards, or have poor support for multiple cards, so itis like you are running the game on one low end card and the second card does not get used or does not improve performance.
The only time SLI/Crossfire is an advantage is when you are running a high resolution monitor or multiple monitors where one top of the line card can not produce good results, then you need 2 top end cards instead of 2 low end cards.