dual video

[l33t]

If im going to do dual video does the 2nd video card have to match exactly or can it just be another x1600 256mb. Havent problems finding another powercolor x1600 pro :/ and im not to sure if it matters if its a powercolor and a sapphire cause there the same shit i think..

[Mindf!3ldzX]

if you want extended desktop, it helps to have identical desktop resolutions..
;p

[Baker]

I use dual monitors, one is a 15" (Intel built-in display adapter) and one is a 17" (GeForce 5200FX) so the video cards don't have to match and I don't use the same resolutions.

If you use WinXP, I think only WinXP Pro lets you do dual monitors.

[l33t]

naw man, not doin dual monitors, doing dual videocards, SLI thing

[JohnXmas]

As nVIDIA SLI user, I found this:

Can I mix and match graphics cards?
In order to provide optimal symmetric scaling, SLI technology requires the NVIDIA GPUs to match. For example, a GeForce 7800 GTX must be paired with another GeForce 7800 GTX. Likewise, a GeForce 6600 GT must be paired with another GeForce 6600 GT. However, using the latest Release 80 or later graphics drivers, NVIDIA GPUs sold by different manufacturers can be used together in an SLI configuration. For example, a GeForce 7800 GT from vendor ABC can be matched with a GeForce 7800 GT from vendor XYZ.

Can I mix and match graphics cards is one of them is overclocked by the manufacturer?
Yes. A GeForce 7800 GTX that is overclocked (for example BFG GeForce 7800 GTX OC) can be mixed with a standard clocked GeForce 7800 GTX.

Can I mix and match graphics cards with different sizes of memory?
While it is not recommended, NVIDIA does offer this flexibility using Coolbits. When purchasing a second graphics card, you should try to match the memory size so that you are ensured full value and performance from your purchase. For example, if your first card is a GeForce 6600 GT with 128MB of memory, you should purchase a second GeForce 6600 GT with 128MB of memory. However, using Coolbits [value set to 18], you can force both of the cards to use the lower of the two memory sizes and operate together in SLI mode. When dissimilar memory sizes are enabled to work together using Coolbits, the effective memory size for each card becomes the smaller of the two memory sizes. Instructions to enable this feature can be found here.

You can probably find equivalent info on ATi website, I suppose...
Crossfire? (cause 'SLI' is, in fact, an nVIDIA thing...)

[l33t]

sweet man thanks

[foq]

you would be better off asking this question at http://www.techpoweruup.com/forums

[spooker]

radeon x1600 256mb is a midrange card; why dont you make it easier on yourself and just ditch it (or ebay it) and replace it with a top of the line one

[E]s-Doom]

when ever going to sli try for high range video cards and be prepaired to spend 2k at least for some good 1s

[l33t]

I wouldn't ditch it because i am not rich, and it works pretty damn good with just 1, why not get a 2nd. all ready bought the 2nd though, found its match luckily. no reason to spend 2k when a month later you could have bought it for 800. price drops for computer parts is to rediculous to buy top of the line garbage 6 months later.

[E]s-Doom]

there is no reason to get sli unless ur playing like bf2142 or another game that uses crossfire config

what im saying is be like me and stick with a good processor an nivida graphics(1 that cost around 1.5k) sound card and a killer nic card and ur set =D

[l33t]

dont get me wrong, I would love to do that, but I dont have that kinda cash. I just do one upgrade at a time, my next one will to get the fx55 cpu for my mobo. and I will be pretty set.

[E]s-Doom]

i got a core 2 duo and im doin fine

[E]s-Doom]

after the video card the rest is cheep

[spooker]

go dual core...... comon, everybody's doin it.. =)

Athlon 64 X2 is pretty cheap