How to Build a SLI Computer
SLI technology (or Scalable Link Interface) is a system that allows a single computer to utilize two or more graphics cards in tandem, essentially doubling the graphical capacity of the computer. When displaying an image with SLI technology, the screen will be divided into parts, with each video card responsible for displaying one section of the image. Building a computer that can manage SLI technology requires specific parts.
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Things You'll Need
- SLI-compatible motherboard
- SLI-certified power supply
- Two or more identical video cards
Instructions
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Purchase a motherboard that supports SLI technology. Look for a motherboard that has two (or three) PCI-E (PCI express) slots. A PCI-E slot is a dedicated port for the graphics card, so the motherboard must come equipped with two or more in order to make SLI possible.
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Obtain two or more (depending on whether you want to use double or quad SLI) video cards of the same make and model. This is necessary, as only identical video cards can link optimally using SLI technology, so make sure you get two of the same model card from the same manufacturer to reduce the chance of incompatibility.
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Check the wattage requirements for your video cards, which is located within the product documentation or specifications for the particular model. Purchase an SLI-certified power supply with sufficient wattage to handle your chosen cards. The extra video card(s) will require twice the power to perform normally, so do not make the common mistake of skimping on your power supply.
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