Building an SLI System

64 bit will require you to get a lot of new drivers/patches for older programs and a fix from microsoft, but my son is thrilled with his new system, not sure it is the sli, but 64 bit.

He was a couple weeks getting everything to work but says it is worth it

 

I'd guess that would be smart unless you like tinkering things into proper activity

Was kind of surprised MS hadn't gotten a lot of the drivers updated for their new version - seemed all the manufacturers had 64 bit ones available when my son went looking. Guess nothing from MS surprises me anymore

 

JGrubbs I have a the Giga-byte Ultra NFoce 4 Chipset motherboard but does not have SLI. I went with a AMD 64 Venice core 3200 and a Leadtek 6600GT PCIX. I love the new system and I just didn't feel SLI was going to be a big thing. I see Dual Core GPU coming soon and that be being the big thing.

 

has anyone announced a dual core GPU?

 

Yes they have http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-262-1.htm

 

Using a 64-bit chip, I would set up a dual boot system. Windows XP for gaming and one of the many great 64-bit versions of Linux that are out. This way you can go ahead and use the full capability of the 64-bit architecture.

 

JGrubbs,

What are you wanting to know? I am very active on a computer forum that happens to be very AMD/nVidia proactive, with SLI being the main rule of the day.

XP64 is cool, but not really needed. 32 bit Windows works fine (as fine as Windows works, anyway).

Many on the other board recommend DFI Lanparty mobos. Seems that they say the mobos are stable, look good, and are very overclockable.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136157

The MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum is another good choice. It is also overclockable, but not as far as the DFI.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130487

Remember, both graphics cards must be the same, exactly the same. And SLI is nVidia only. ATI is bringing out their version, called Crossfire, but it hasn't happened yet.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Looks good. i take it that you're not going to overclock very much?

The Venice is a sweet core, runs much cooler (relatively speaking) that the others. It does have a cold bug (or the early ones did), but unless you get it less than -40C you have nothing to worry about. Plus, the 3000+ is very overclockable.

Word of advice: Don't go with stock cooling. For a few bucks...well, about 50... you can get some really great cooling that is a lot quiter. Like this: ZALMAN CNPS7700-CU 120mm 2 Ball Cooling Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118115

Why the AeroCool? Nothing wrong with it, mind you. I was just wondering.

The eVGA is a good choice. Very good card. Be sure that when you get the secong card that you get the exact same card.

Another idea: Second hard drive. Put your OS and programs on the smaller drive, and all of your data on the other.

For your opticals, go with a CR-RW/DVD drive, and a DVD burner. A good DVD burner can be had for about $40 bucks now.

Here's a link to the forum I am on.
http://tech-forums.net/
Oh, I was just made a moderator on the Hardware forum, with more duties to be assigned later (sort of forboding...).

In Christ,
Trotter

 

While you're waiting, check the prices on zipzoomfly.com and mwave.com. Both have good prices like NewEgg.

ZipZoomFly's main draw is the free 2nd day shipping (wa-hoo!). Plus, NewEgg has a distribution center in my state, so I have to pay state sales taxes when I order from them.

Since the AreoCool doesn't have a side window, I take it that you're not going to pimp out the inside of the case? Even if you're not, here's a suggestion to consider. Go with a round floppy cable to help improve airflow. And I take it that the 120mm fan is for the rear of the case? If not, get one for the rear. Since the case comes with a fan in the front and side of the case, one in the rear will top it off.

If you plan on overclocking, go with a DFI or MSI mobo.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Looks like you are well on your way.

Be sure to check ZZF and mwave... maybe you can skate for under a K.

 

Dropping from the GT to a vanilla is a hard drop, performance wise. One 6800GT = two 6800 vanillas, basically, just as two 6800GTs = one 6800 Ultra. The GeForce 7800GTX hit the market today...sure you don't want to mortage the house and SLI a couple of those babies? LOL

XP64 isn't a bed of roses if you have older peripherals, in that there are not an abundance of 64-bit drivers available. I have been told/read that the 64-bit version of Windows does seem to perform better, however.

AMD did have a promotion going where you got a coupon for a free download version of Half-Life 2 with the purchase of a 64-bit processer.

Hey, since you're still in the decision mode, have you considered the AMD dual cores? Just a thought...

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Anyone wanting 64bit make sure you go to AMD. Their architechture was designed as 64 bit, INtel just added some register extensions, their true 64 bit silicon isn't on the market yet, plus, AMD is about a year ahead on dual core, or rather multi-core since by the end of the year they should have a 4 core proc if the engineering gossip is correct. Not far behind Sun with their Niagra 32 Core stuff coming next quarter. AMD's HT interconnect architecture really makes for a fast system, and avoids the inherent bottlenecks in the Intel Front Side Bus.

 

Yeah, what Dave said.

Actually, unless you plan on messing with a lot of video editting, go with a 64 bit CPU, not a dual core. The 64's are made for speed (like gaming), while the duals are made for more general computing (sort of like Intel's Hyper-Threading). And, actually, the AMD 64's were designed with dual-core processors in mind.

The FX-57 hit the market today. It's running 2.8GHz, but is equal to 4.something in an Intel. It is also running at about $1100. ::drool::

In Christ,
Trotter