How to Choose an SLI Video (Graphics) Card for Your Computer

You need a graphics card, and you know it has to be SLI. Learn everything you need to know about choosing an SLI video card.

Things You'll Need

• SLI video cards to browse through

Instructions

1. Make sure your motherboard supports SLI. You can do this by searching the internet for the specs on your motherboard (including manufacturer and model.) If you don't know what your motherboard is, you can either crack open the case, and look for the manufacturer and model printed on the board itself, or try CPU-Z (link in the Resources section below) to get the info you need.

2. Decide how much you want to spend. There are a lot of SLI video cards out there, and they're dropping in price fast. For the best price to performance ratio, get a graphics card that's one to two years old. If price is no barrier, then the solution is easy--just go to nVidia's site, find their best card, and buy as many as your motherboard supports.

3. If you've got an old video card already, skip adding an identical card to boost performance. Throw the old one out, and buy a new one--it may save you from upgrading your PSU, will give you better performance, and will probably cost less. SLI is best when it's used as a final push to get the most out your computer--such as when used with the latest video cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out whether or not nVidia or ATI currently has the best video card. Either go with the current leader, or wait for the other manufacturer to come out with an even better card.

• After installing and running CPU-Z, click on the "Mainboard" tab to get the info on your motherboard, including the manufacturer and model.

• For info on how to choose a CrossFire video card, see the resources below.

Resources

• CPU-Z
• How to Choose a CrossFire Video (Graphics) Card for Your Computer