SLI configuration.

[MontanaFX]

Is it possible to link up two different GPUs and if so, do they have to be from the same series

[polobunny]

You need two identical GPU. They might be of different brand or different clock speed, that doesn't matter. The higher clocked GPU will only run as fast as the slowest one.

[screwballl]

to expand on what polobunny said:

8800GT + 8800GT = good
8800GTX + 8800GT = won't work
8800GTX + 8800GTS = won't work
8800GT + 9800GT = won't work
evga 8800GT + asus 8800GT = good

as long as both cards are the same type (GT, GTS, GTX, etc) and same series (8800, 9600, 7800, etc) then the SLI should work. They can be from different companies but as long as the base card type is the same on both then it should work. The best way to guarantee it is to just get a second card of the same brand, memory and speed than what you have now.

[drew and not u]

what about 7800GT and Triton 2MB?
does that = Good?

[MontanaFX]

Arh, ok. I get ya. I was hoping to pair my 8600gt with an 8800** of similar. I dont really want another 8600gt, so I will probably wack it on eBay and put the funds towards something a little beefier.

Is SLI worth doing on a mid-priced set up. In other words, am I better off using the GPU money on 1 or 2 cards?

[screwballl]

if you are comparing anything to the 8600GT, any single card based on 8800 or higher will be much better. If you are looking to go SLI, even 2 8800GT or GTS will get you screamin on pretty much anything out there today.

In the end, the only real reason to go SLI is for the benchmark numbers and bragging rights. Otherwise you are better off getting a single powerful card like a 8800GTX

[onebxr]

No need to go for the GTX, when you can get a 8800 gts 512 for ~ 230.00. You only lose on average about 5 fps in most applications. Right now the 8800gts is the best bang for your buck. If you like ATI the 3870 is a great performer for the price.
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[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by screwballl

In the end, the only real reason to go SLI is for the benchmark numbers and bragging rights.

And for very high resolutions, such as those found on a 24" LCD when running the upper tier games at high settings (Crysis and a select few others), or a 30"+ LCD with any moderately demanding title.

[screwballl]

true... but as the average size of the monitor in the typical household is 17" and among enthusiasts is 19", if there is a 24" or larger then it is the exception rather than the rule.

oh and that reminds me... Montana, please setup a signature so that we know what you have and we are not guessing thanks!

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by screwballl

true... but as the average size of the monitor in the typical household is 17" and among enthusiasts is 19", if there is a 24" or larger then it is the exception rather than the rule.

Whether exception or the rule, clarification should be made when making a generalized statement. We can't assume that someone seeking advice doesn't have, or plan to acquire, a larger display, let alone others who may be reading.