The use of multiple video cards is possible thanks to SLI by Nvidia and CrossfireX by ATI, two proprietary technologies created for that purpose.
The technology has matured and is now a viable option for anyone looking to build a computer capable of running the most graphically intense games at extremely high resolutions.
Both SLI and CrossfireX have requirements that must be met to use two video cards.
Depending on your motherboard, some computers may be compatible with dual video cards and some may not.
When purchasing a new video card, check for compatibility issues. In some cases, purchasing two of the same video card can ensure compatibility.
Open the computer case by unscrewing the screws at the rear of it and sliding or swinging the case door open. Find the PCI Express slots.
They are located directly below the processor. If no video cards are already installed, it might be necessary to move other PCI cards, power leads and other case clutter out of the way to fully reveal the PCI slots.
It will also be necessary to remove the PCI slot blanking plates that keep the back of the case sealed when no card is installed.
They are secured by one screw and will slide or swing out once that screw is removed.
Line up the long, thin connectors on each card with the PCI Express slot and firmly press down on the card. If the card is properly inserted there will be little play in it.
The PCI Express slots will also have a snap that secures the video cards.
This snap would have to be opened to remove any prior PCI Express card.
It should at this point be fully closed. Secure the cards using the blanking plate screw removed in step 1.
Link the cards together using the proper SLI or CrossfireX connection.
Both systems typically use an internal bridge that comes packaged with the video cards.
This bridge connects to the outside edge of each card inside the case, linking them together. However, some older versions of SLI and Crossfire use different methods of connecting.
Refer to the user manual for more details about these connection methods.
Connect the video cards to the power supply using the appropriate PCI Express power connector, which is a small black connector with six pins.
If your power supply does not have enough PCI Express power connectors to connect to both video cards, use Molex-to-PCI Express adapters instead.
A Molex connector is white or black and has four pins.
The adapter has two Molex connectors on one end and a PCI Express connector on the opposite end, thus allowing the Molex connectors to power a video card.
Activate the dual card setup on the motherboard, if required.
Motherboards have various ways of handling this, and not all of them require it.
Those that do require it usually need a jumper to be re-positioned or a DIP switch to be activated.
The manual of the motherboard will detail the specific steps required to complete this process.
Install the drivers for the video cards using either the installation disc supplied with them or the installer available for download from the websites of Nvidia and ATI.
Run the installer and follow the onscreen instructions.
The process will probably require multiple reboots.
Once the installation is complete, open the driver software.
Nvidia's is called nForce and ATI's is called the Catalyst Control Center.
Enable the dual card setup by activating the option in the driver software.
This is done by clicking on a check box in the software under the CrossfireX or SLI menu in the driver software. The computer's screen will likely flash or blink while the setting is activated.hope this helps
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