New SLI configuration and not sure if it's done correctly.

[MadCoder]

So yesterday I took the GTX 550ti out of my arcade cabinet and put in my primary development / gaming machine. Since I already had an 550 Ti in that machine I figured I would run them in SLI.

My primary goal was to configure Surround across two monitors, however the Surround configuration never popped up in the Nvidia Control panel, I just ran two monitors off the first 550 and the second on the third using the MiniHDMI since it was going to a TV I could use the Cards audio chip for the TV audio when needed.

Nice and all, but I don't know if I'm getting additional performance or if I would ever be able to run surround? If not, then I'm not apposed to buying 1 single card that will either run Surround or Eyefinity.

If this isn't the right card, or configuration. Can you suggest a card that would run either Surround or Eyefinity across two monitors. I have a $200 - $250 budget.

Also I noticed my Motherboard says it supports Crossfire, but nothing about SLI. But Nvidia sees the 2nd card, but is it running in SLI? They are properly connect with the SLI cable. I would prefer one good card.

Thanks.

Not sure if it matters, but My rig is a:
MB: GIGABYTE GA-970A-D3P
AMD 8-Core 8350
32GB 19200 RAM

 

[Deus Aquila]

You have 2 PCI Express x16 slots, one running at x16 and the other at x4, In order for SLI to work correctly, Nvidia requieres both slots running at the same speed, so I believe your cards are not working in SLI and wont be able to in that Mobo, you could either upgrade that mobo or get a new single more powerful card (recommended). In a 200-250 budget I would recommend the a GTX660 Ti or a GTX 760

 

[Mousemonkey]

Nvidia Surround does not work on two monitors it will only work across three. And I'm pretty sure you're going to need an SLi capable motherboard as well.

 

[MadCoder]

Suppose I keep my Motherboard a get the GTX 760 as recommended. Will it run in Surround on 3 monitors. I have 4 monitors all the same model Samsung 24', 2 are still boxed in my attic. I can break out one if needed.

So in short... I purchase the GTX 760 install the third monitor and I can run surround?

 

[Mousemonkey]

It theory that should work as SLi would no longer be a requirement.

 

[MadCoder]

We'll see I guess.

 

[Mousemonkey]

I've built a few systems for customers who wanted to do multi monitor gaming but those clients have always gone for an SLi set-up so I haven't done a single card multi monitor PC on a non SLi motherboard yet.

 

[RobCrezz]

Your motherboard must support SLI for SLI to work (unless you hack it, but thats another story).

 

[Deus Aquila]

I was just checking the nvidia website, and you need 3 monitors to run nvidia surround, so even If you get a GTX760, you wont be able to use nvidia surround unless you get a third monitor, nvidia also recomends that the 3 monitors should be the same model or at least the same resolution.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Nvidia Surround does not work on two monitors it will only work across three. And I'm pretty sure you're going to need an SLi capable motherboard as well.

I was just checking the nvidia website, and you need 3 monitors to run nvidia surround, so even If you get a GTX760, you wont be able to use nvidia surround unless you get a third monitor, nvidia also recomends that the 3 monitors should be the same model or at least the same resolution.

I have already pointed that out, welcome to the party! :lol:

 

[dipanjan biswas]

go get a a r9 280x if u can pay a little extra 55$ than gtx 760.. its a way better performer that 760 and the same of 7970.. but price is about a 100$ lower than 7870.. also its vast 3gb gddr5 ram will help you to run eyefinity on 3 monitors using 328 bit memory bus .