[PCWorld]

Post your comments for How to trick out your gaming PC with multiple graphics cards here

[DrSpanky]

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Here are a few things to consider should you want to upgrade a system with a multi-GPU SLI or CrossFire setup. First off, you need a motherboard that has the necessary PCI Express x16 slots and that is also compatible with either or both technologies. You’ll also need a case that can physically accommodate and cool the graphics cards and a strong enough power supply to feed the cards with adequate power.

In other words, the super cheap motherboard you're looking to buy probably isn't the best choice if you want a serious gaming rig. Some folks can't seem to comprehend why they should spend upwards of $250 for the motherboard when tigerdirect or newegg have motherboards for under $50. Sigh, roll eyes and shake head no.

[hapkikb]

Having used SLI and Cross-fire X set-ups before I can tell you that the headache is often more trouble than its worth. When it worked, it was great and you do get great frame rates. However, I always had to wait when a new game came out for the drivers to be optimized before I would be without problems. And some programs/games never did work right. If you like to constantly tinker with your rig, then by all means go for it. But if not, I suggest getting the best possible single graphics card you can afford, and avoid all the driver related issues of SLI.

[MKZ1945]

The size of the power supply and case cooling can’t be emphasized enough here. Venders, such as NVIDIA, will provide information regarding the power consumption of the Graphics Cards, and usually provide a minimum power supply requirement. The minimum power supply requirement listed may not always be enough however if you’re adding additional cooling fans and have 6 hard drives and a couple of optical drives as I do. This is a good article, but read it carefully. If you already have a desktop computer do some research before running out and spending upwards of $600.00 or more on a graphics card that you can’t use. If you are about to build or buy a gaming computer, or one that requires support of intense graphics programs then, as “DdSpanky” is trying to emphasize, don’t try to cut to many corners.

[eklipz330]

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Having used SLI and Cross-fire X set-ups before I can tell you that the headache is often more trouble than its worth. When it worked, it was great and you do get great frame rates. However, I always had to wait when a new game came out for the drivers to be optimized before I would be without problems. And some programs/games never did work right. If you like to constantly tinker with your rig, then by all means go for it. But if not, I suggest getting the best possible single graphics card you can afford, and avoid all the driver related issues of SLI.

i couldn't agree more. i went from 2900xt crossfire which was a disaster, the hd 4850 which only worked with a few games. i currently have a hd 7850 with a cf capable motherboard, however, every year i hear CF has come a long way, but it always causes issues.

the huge plus side is if that you get it to work, it works well. and getting dual hd 7850's will trump a hd 7970 in performance, will handidly beat it after overclocking, and you'll still save upwards $200

[campdude]

If anyone was gonna get Crossfire I dont reccomend getting a board that "sandwiches" the cards like in that picture... if you have a choice at all. Check out the board, see if it does spaced crossfire or Trifire with the ablitity to use the farthest apart PCI-express slots for Crossfire (they have longer crossfire cables).

An example is the Asus Crosshair V board. The two cards will be spaced apart. but if you do Tri-fire you'll sandwiche it and its horrid for heat (on that board). Basically if you want your cards to last a long time you dont want them at really high temps for a long time.

Also:
Make sure its a reference Card and/or blows all the air out of the case for crossfire. Some of these non-reference cooling solutions exhaust air into the case. not good for more than one card.

Next. you'll have to decide if its worth it.

[gwlaw99]

Having the right power supply can not be stressed enough. You can have an 800W power supply but if it doesn't have enough amps on it's twelve volt rails the cards won't work. This sounds like some esoteric technobable, but it is crucial.